Halloween is thought to be the one night of the year when ghosts, witches, and fairies are especially active.

So why do we celebrate Halloween?

The easy answer is that no-one really knows its origins. What we do know for sure is that Halloween is on the eve of the Christian festival of All Saints, which is on November 1, and the eve of the pagan Celtic festival known as Samhain.

This spooky night used to be a low-key affair here, unlike the USA where thousands join in the celebrations, going from house to house in gruesome costumes.

But not any more – last year I ran out of ghostly sweets before All Hallows Eve was half over, as I answered the door to a steady stream of children, most with parents standing watchfully in the background.

You don’t have to take the children far to celebrate, with a spooky time on offer in Haworth on October 30 and 31, for all the family. Normally more famous for the Bronte sisters, Hawortheen is becoming a firm favourite and is just the place to be after dark – or maybe not.

Watch your step as you walk through darkened Victorian streets, past scary ginnels full of spooky things that go bump in the night, as ghouls, goblins, witches and wizards help you scurry on your way.

You can dress up to join in the fun and even take part in a spooky graveyard walk. Saturday is Dragon Day, where you’re invited to follow the giant dragon to the sound of a drumbeat.

Sunday is the Halloween parade up Main Street, followed by the Magician’s Party. The procession starts at 3pm and the shops will be open from 10am until 6pm.

Dark gatherings are rumoured to be taking place at Bolling Hall on Friday, October 29. Join in the ghost tour of one of Bradford’s oldest and most historic buildings.and experience a fascinating journey as you explore the nooks and crannies.

It is even rumoured that the infamous White Lady may make an appearance. Youngsters can enjoy a tour at 5.30pm, then from 6.30pm it’s time for older members of the family to be scared witless.

Underneath the very heart of Bradford lie dark secrets – enough to make your blood curdle. Dare you take a trip around Victorian Bradford and find out about all manner of nasty deeds and shocking events? Afterwards, if you still have an appetite, there’s a pie-and-pea supper. The Halloween tour starts at the City Vaults at 6pm on Thursday, October 29, and costs £10.

Grand Central is operating a ghost train on October 28, with proceeds to the Pakistan Flood Appeal. The trip will feature an evening of ghostly goings-on, spooky tales, scary songs and lots more. The train will leave Bradford Interchange at 6.35pm, arriving back at 9.30pm and tickets cost £10 for adults, £4 for children and £20 for a family. They can be bought at Bradford Visitor Information Centre or by calling (01904) 633307.

Head to Harold Park, Wibsey, for one of the most popular Halloween events in Bradford. There’s a keenly-contested fancy dress competition, a ghost hunt, disco and plenty of fun and games. The event runs from 4pm to 6pm and the fancy dress will be judged at 5pm.

East Riddlesden Hall has the perfect ambience for Halloween, so it’s no wonder there's a trick-or-treat children’s trail where you can count how many ghosts and goblins you find. The trail is on from October 23 to 31, from 11am to 5pm.

Further afield, youngsters can enjoy half-term fun at Eureka! in Halifax. Hook a giant witch’s hat, play pin the wart on the witch or knock down some ghouls with pumpkin bowling. Children can challenge their families to Tic-Tac-Toad, or see how well they can mummify their mummy.

For All Hallows Eve the Royal Armouries in Leeds is hosting four days of activities throughout the half-term week, while Kirkstall Abbey has ghost tours and children’s activities, including the Haunted Hunt for the Golden Chalice.

Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, near Skipton, is the place to discover supernatural happenings and lots of deliciously wicked food. There are lots of fun family activities over the Halloween weekend, and if you take your own pumpkin for the lantern-making workshop you can join the torch-lit procession to the haunted quarry.