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Things to do for Halloween

By October 24, 2025General

🎃 Embrace the Spooky Season: What to Do for Halloween 2025

Halloween is creeping closer, and whether you’re a fan of ghouls, ghosts, or just good old candy, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Here’s a full guide (with inspiration) for how to make this year’s Halloween one to remember — whether you’re planning for kids, parties, date nights, or just chilling with a spooky vibe.

1 | Set the Mood Early: Halloween Season Activities

Don’t wait until October 31. Halloween isn’t just one night — it’s a season. Here are ways to stretch out the fun:

  • 30-day countdown — do one spooky activity per day (decorate, watch a horror short, carve or paint a pumpkin, ghost-themed snack.

  • Haunted corn mazes & pumpkin patches — classic fall staples.

  • Decorating your house / porch / yard — go big with lighting, animatronics, webs, or go minimalist with candles and silhouettes.

  • DIY craft nights — carve pumpkins, paint them, make ghost lanterns, crafts with kids or friends.

2 | Plan the Big Night: Halloween Proper (Oct 31)

Here’s a multi-track approach depending on how wild (or chill) you want your night to be:

For families / kids:

  • Trick-or-treating — map a safe route, bring glow sticks or flashlights.

  • “Trunk-or-treat” — set up in a parking lot where decorated car trunks hand out candy.

  • Pumpkin carving / decorating — have stencils, tools, paint vs carving (safer for little hands).

  • Costume parade / contest — let everyone vote (by applause or secret ballot) for winners in fun categories.

  • Scary (but not too scary) movie night — classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or more mild thrillers.

  • Spooky treats — ghost cookies, “witch’s brew” punch, mummy hot dogs, spider cupcakes.

For adults / parties:

  • Haunted house theme party — decorate rooms as “scenes,” use sound effects, fog machines.

  • Murder mystery dinner — assign guests characters, clues, act it out.

  • Costume contest with themes (e.g. horror icons, pop culture, “glam witches,” “witch noir”).

  • Horror movie marathon — outside on a projector or inside with cozy blankets.

  • Themed cocktails & charcuterie — make a coffin board, blood red cocktails, “eyeball” olives.

  • Spooky photo booth corner — props, backdrops, instant cameras or Polaroids.

3 | Choose Your Costume (or Theme) ⚰️

This is half the fun. Some ideas for 2025:

  • Pop culture or trending: Wicked (Elphaba / Glinda), characters from new shows, or spin on “pink-O-ween.”

  • Classic horror icons (Dracula, Frankenstein, witches) — always solid.

  • Group or duo costumes — themed together (e.g. dynamic duos, movie ensembles).

  • DIY with things you already own: combining thrift store pieces, makeup, accessories.

  • For kids: characters from current family films or classic spooky ones.

Pro tip: plan your costume early so you have time to gather or make accessories.

4 | Entertainment & Activities

To keep the energy up, include interactive elements:

  • Scavenger hunts with spooky clues.

  • Pumpkin decorating contest (not just carving — paint, glitter, stickers).

  • Spooky games: ghost stories around a lantern, “murder in the dark,” pumpkin tic-tac-toe, spider web obstacle.

  • Live performers / entertainers — magicians, contortionists, fortune tellers.

  • Music / DJ / dance floor — mix Halloween music, classic rock, eerie instrumentals.

  • Photo / video storytelling booth — guests can record a mini horror tale or message.

5 | Safety & Logistics Tips

  • Make sure walkways are clear, well lit, and safe for trick-or-treaters.

  • Use battery-operated or LED lights rather than real candles when possible.

  • If hosting outdoors or in multiple rooms, think traffic flow so people aren’t bunched up.

  • Label foods with allergens, offer non-candy treats for kids with dietary needs.

  • If children go out, travel in groups and have a meeting time/place.

  • For parties, have a chill zone or low-lit area for guests who prefer less intensity.

6 | After the Big Night: Keep the Vibe Going

  • Halloween brunch or leftover potluck — serve spooky breakfast (pumpkin pancakes, ghost toast).

  • Candy swap / donation — kids pick a few favorites to keep and donate rest.

  • Review & document — share photos, vote on best costume, plan what to do differently next year.

  • Start brainstorming early for 2026 — keep ideas in a file so next year you don’t start from scratch.

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