Why do people wear costumes on Halloween?

The custom comes from ancient Celtic traditions of disguising oneself to ward off spirits and later evolved into fun costumes for all ages.

What are popular Halloween activities?

Trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, costume parties, and spooky movie nights are all favorites.

Holiday • 31 October

Halloween (31 October): Date, Meaning, Traditions, Costumes & Fun

Updated on October 9, 2025

Halloween isn't just a day; it's a feeling! A magical blend of ancient whispers, Christian traditions, and modern-day pop culture that transforms our neighborhoods into realms of playful fright and sweet treats. Get ready for a night filled with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, imaginative costumes, and maybe a gentle shiver down your spine – perfect for kids and adults alike!

Carved pumpkins glowing at night for Halloween — Jack-o'-lanterns lit up for Halloween celebrations.

When is Halloween?

Mark your calendars! Halloween in 2025 falls on Friday, October 31st. That means a full weekend of potential Halloween festivities!

Upcoming Halloween Dates

Want to plan ahead for future haunts? Here are the upcoming Halloween dates:

Year	Date	Day
2025	31 October	Friday
2026	31 October	Saturday
2027	31 October	Sunday
2028	31 October	Tuesday
2029	31 October	Wednesday
2030	31 October	Thursday

Meaning & Origins

Ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween the way we do? Its origins are as captivating as the holiday itself! Halloween's story begins with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). This pivotal festival marked the end of summer's harvest and the arrival of the dark, often harsh, winter. The Celts believed that on Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead thinned, allowing spirits to cross over. To ward off mischievous spirits (and sometimes welcome benevolent ones), people lit towering bonfires, offered food, and donned disguises to blend in with the spectral visitors.

As Christianity spread, these pagan traditions gradually intertwined with new observances. November 1st became All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day), a time to honor saints and martyrs, and the evening before, October 31st, became All Hallows' Eve – eventually evolving into the "Halloween" we know today.

Popular Traditions

From friendly ghosts to ghoulish delights, here are the traditions that make Halloween truly special:

Trick-or-Treating: The quintessential Halloween activity! Kids (and sometimes adults!) dress up and go door-to-door, collecting candy and shouting the iconic phrase.
Carving Jack-o'-Lanterns: Transforming humble pumpkins into glowing, grinning (or grimacing) works of art is a beloved tradition, harking back to ancient beliefs about warding off evil spirits.
Costume Extravaganza: From terrifying monsters to beloved pop culture icons, dressing up allows us to embrace our alter egos for a night.
Haunted Houses & Themed Parties: For those who love a good fright, haunted attractions offer thrilling scares. Themed parties, on the other hand, provide a chance to socialize in your chosen disguise.
Spooky Movie Marathons: Whether it's a classic horror flick or a family-friendly animated adventure, a Halloween movie night is a must-do.

Kids in costumes trick-or-treating during the Halloween — The candy haul begins! Wishing everyone a safe and spooky fun Halloween!

Costume Ideas

Classic & Spooky

Witches, Vampires, Ghosts: Timeless and always effective.
Skeletons or Zombies: Embrace the undead with creative makeup.
Werewolves and Mummies: Unleash your inner beast or wrap yourself in ancient mystery.

Pop Culture Inspired

Movie Superheroes and Villains: From the latest blockbusters to enduring legends.
TV Series Characters: Recreate iconic looks from your favorite shows.
Memes or Trending Icons: For those who love to be current and get a laugh!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Halloween in 2025?

Halloween in 2025 falls on Friday, 31 October.

Is Halloween only for kids?

No, Halloween has become a fun holiday for all ages with parties, decorations, and themed events for adults too.

Why pumpkins for Halloween?

Carved pumpkins, or jack-o'-lanterns, originated from Irish tales and were believed to ward off evil spirits.