Halloween
Get ready for the spookiest night of the year! Halloween brings out the kid in all of us with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving. From ancient Celtic traditions to modern celebrations, discover the rich history behind this beloved holiday. Whether you're planning a party, decorating your home, or just enjoying some candy, Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of fright!
About Halloween
Get ready for the spookiest night of the year! Halloween brings out the kid in all of us with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving. From ancient Celtic traditions to modern celebrations, discover the rich history behind this beloved holiday. Whether you're planning a party, decorating your home, or just enjoying some candy, Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a little bit of fright!
History & origins
Halloween is observed on October 31 and traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in Ireland and Britain, where the end of the harvest and the start of winter were marked with bonfires and beliefs about the dead returning to the world of the living. In the Middle Ages, Christian observances around All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day blended with older customs, helping shape All Hallows’ Eve into Halloween. The modern, largely secular celebration took hold in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially through costume parties, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treating.
Why it matters
Halloween matters because it is one of the biggest cultural celebrations in the United States, shaping everything from candy sales to seasonal retail, party planning, and entertainment. It also gives families and communities a shared chance to be creative, connect with neighbors, and enjoy autumn traditions like costumes, pumpkins, and haunted attractions.
How to celebrate
Carve pumpkins with creative designs and display them on your porch. Dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating or attend a Halloween party. Decorate your home with spooky decorations like cobwebs, skeletons, and jack-o'-lanterns. Watch classic horror movies or family-friendly Halloween films. Visit a haunted house or corn maze for thrills. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood.
Facts
- Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain over 2,000 years ago
- Americans spend over $9 billion on Halloween each year
- The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed 2,624 pounds
- Black cats were once believed to be witches' familiars
- The tradition of trick-or-treating began in medieval Europe
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Sunday, October 31, 2027
- Tuesday, October 31, 2028
- Wednesday, October 31, 2029
- Thursday, October 31, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween in 2026?
Halloween in 2026 is on Saturday, October 31, 2026. It is always observed on October 31.
What is Halloween?
Halloween is a holiday celebrated on October 31 with costumes, candy, decorations, and spooky-themed fun. Its traditions blend ancient Celtic, Christian, and modern secular customs.
Who started Halloween?
No single person started Halloween; it developed from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Later Christian observances and folk customs helped shape the holiday into its modern form.
How do you celebrate Halloween?
People celebrate Halloween by carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, trick-or-treating, decorating homes, and hosting parties. Many families also watch scary or family-friendly Halloween movies.
Is Halloween an official holiday?
Halloween is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is an informal cultural holiday widely celebrated with community events, costumes, and candy.
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