Halloween
Costumes, candy, and things that go bump in the night.
About
Halloween is celebrated on October 31 each year, primarily in Western countries. It is characterised by costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, and horror-themed entertainment. While now largely a secular and commercial holiday, it has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred.
History
Halloween's origins trace to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sah-win), held on the night of October 31 to mark the end of the harvest season. With the spread of Christianity, November 1 became All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day), making October 31 All Hallows' Eve. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century, where it evolved into its modern form.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
Halloween is one of the US's biggest commercial holidays at over $10 billion annually. Trick-or-treating, elaborate haunted houses, corn mazes, and office costume parties are mainstream. Pumpkin carving is a near-universal tradition.
KR South Korea
Halloween has grown rapidly in South Korea since the 2010s through American media and expat communities. Itaewon in Seoul became famous for its Halloween street parties, though large public gatherings were scaled back after the 2022 crowd crush tragedy.
JP Japan
Japan embraced Halloween commercially through Disney theme parks in the 1990s. It has evolved into a massive costume event — Shibuya Crossing's Halloween crowd is globally famous. The focus is cosplay and public gathering rather than trick-or-treating.
How to Participate
- 01Carve a jack-o-lantern from a pumpkin
- 02Dress up in a creative costume
- 03Hand out treats to trick-or-treaters
- 04Watch a classic horror or spooky family film
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween?+
Halloween is observed annually on October 31. The date is fixed each year — October 31 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is Halloween?+
Halloween is celebrated on October 31 each year, primarily in Western countries. It is characterised by costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, haunted houses, and horror-themed entertainment. While now largely a secular and commercial holiday, it has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Sa…
Is Halloween a public holiday?+
Halloween is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in Halloween?+
Carve a jack-o-lantern from a pumpkin Dress up in a creative costume Hand out treats to trick-or-treaters These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe Halloween?+
United States, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss Halloween.