Halloween 2025: Events, Costumes, And Friday The 13th Fun

Trying to plan the perfect Halloween 2025: Events, Costumes, And Friday The 13th Fun can feel like a real puzzle, can’t it? You’re juggling costume ideas, scrolling through local events, and trying to figure out which spooky parties are actually worth the hype.

It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by all the choices.

But I’ve got some great news for you. Halloween 2025 lands on a Friday, which means everyone gets a little extra time to celebrate. That built-in weekend vibe is perfect for making the fun last even longer!

I’m going to walk you through everything you need, from trending costumes to can’t-miss events. Think of this as your one-stop guide for all the spooky surprises headed your way.

Key Takeaways

• Halloween 2025 falls on Friday, October 31, kicking off a full weekend of celebrations and parties across the country.
• Major national events to watch for include the Escape Halloween music festival in Southern California and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood.
• Popular parades like New York City’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade and the Krewe of Boo in New Orleans are expected to draw massive crowds.
• Costume trends for 2025 are leaning toward superheroes from recent blockbusters and characters from hit TV shows, with total spending on costumes projected to reach $4.3 billion.
• Top-rated haunted houses like Netherworld near Atlanta and Cutting Edge in Fort Worth continue to be major draws for thrill-seekers, with many earning national recognition.
• Safety is key for a fun trick-or-treating experience. Simple tips like wearing reflective clothing and having parents accompany young children can make all the difference.

Halloween 2025: A Spooky Friday Celebration

Get ready for an extra special spooky season, because Halloween 2025 lands on Friday, October 31. This means the celebrations, parties, and trick-or-treating adventures will kick off the weekend, giving everyone more time for fun.

A Friday Halloween often leads to bigger and better festivities. Retailers and event organizers know that people are more likely to attend parties and spend on decorations when they have the whole weekend to enjoy.

In fact, the National Retail Federation predicts that overall Halloween spending will hit a record-breaking $13.1 billion in 2025. That includes everything from candy to those amazing animatronics you see on people’s lawns.

For some, the date has another layer of fun. In Nevada, October 31, 2025, is also the observed date for Nevada Day, a public holiday. So if you’re in Las Vegas, expect the city to be buzzing with a unique mix of state pride and supernatural scares!

Key Dates and Quick Facts

Circle Friday, October 31, on your calendar for Halloween 2025. The night promises to be filled with costumed neighbors, candy hunts, and plenty of community fun, all leading into a festive weekend.

When is Halloween 2025?

Halloween is officially on Friday, October 31, 2025. This timing is perfect for families and friends, as it allows trick-or-treating and school parties to happen without the rush of a typical weeknight.

October 31 isn’t just about ghosts and ghouls. It’s also recognized by the United Nations as World Cities Day. And for magic fans, it’s National Magic Day, honoring the legacy of the famous illusionist Harry Houdini, who died on this date in 1926.

Why a Friday Halloween Feels Extra Special

When Halloween lands on a Friday, it amps up the excitement for everyone. The celebration doesn’t have to end in one night, it can stretch across the entire weekend. This often means more elaborate parties, community festivals, and family gatherings.

Local businesses and event planners take advantage of this by scheduling bigger events. You’ll likely see more multi-day festivals, haunted house extended hours, and themed parties happening from Friday all the way through Sunday.

The weekend timing creates a more relaxed and festive atmosphere, allowing everyone to soak in the spooky spirit just a little bit longer.

Popular Halloween Events in 2025

Get your costume ready, because the events calendar for Halloween 2025 is packed with everything from massive music festivals to terrifying haunted house thrills.

What is the Escape Halloween Festival?

Escape Halloween is one of North America’s largest Halloween-themed electronic music festivals. Hosted by Insomniac Events, it draws tens of thousands of costumed fans for a two-day celebration of music and spooky fun.

For 2025, the festival is scheduled for October 31 and November 1 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California. The event features multiple stages with elaborate, spooky themes, immersive art installations, and creepy performers roaming the grounds.

What happens at Halloween Horror Nights?

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios is a world-famous event that transforms the theme parks in Orlando and Hollywood into a playground of terror. The event is known for its movie-quality haunted houses based on iconic horror films and TV shows.

You’ll also find outdoor “scare zones” filled with costumed actors and fog, as well as live entertainment. It’s a must-do for anyone who loves a good scream. The event typically runs on select nights from late August through early November, giving you plenty of chances to face your fears.

What local community events and parades are planned?

Many towns across America host their own beloved Halloween celebrations. These local **events** are a great way to get into the spooky spirit with your community.

• Greenwich Village Halloween Parade (New York, NY): This iconic parade has been a NYC tradition since 1974, featuring more than 60,000 costumed marchers and drawing over 2 million spectators.
• Krewe of Boo! (New Orleans, LA): As the official Halloween parade in New Orleans since 2007, this event brings Mardi Gras-style float-building artistry from Kern Studios to the French Quarter for a uniquely spooky procession. The 2025 parade is set for Saturday, October 25.
• Rutland Halloween Parade (Vermont): A small-town tradition running since 1960, this parade is known for its creative floats and family-friendly atmosphere.
• Derry Halloween (Derry, Northern Ireland): For those looking for an international trip, Derry hosts what is considered Europe’s largest Halloween festival, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The 2025 festival runs from October 28th to 31st.

Where are the best haunted house attractions?

If you’re looking for professional-grade frights, some haunted houses stand out as the best in the nation. Many have even been recognized by publications like USA Today for their incredible sets and scares.

Here are a few top-tier attractions to consider for your Halloween 2025 plans:

Halloween Costumes in 2025

Choosing the right costume is a huge part of the fun, and the options for Halloween 2025 feel limitless. With total spending on costumes expected to hit $4.3 billion, you can bet you’ll see some amazing outfits out there.

What are the trending costume themes in 2025?

Pop culture always drives the biggest trends. Look for costumes inspired by the year’s blockbuster movies and hit streaming series. Superheroes are a safe bet, with Spider-Man predicted to be the top choice for over 2.3 million kids.

For adults, classic themes remain popular. The National Retail Federation reports that the witch is still the number one costume choice for adults, followed by vampires and pirates.

How can I make DIY Halloween costumes?

Making your own costume is a fantastic way to stand out and show off your creativity. You don’t need to be a professional cosplayer to make something amazing.

• Start with basics from your closet, like old t-shirts or cardboard boxes, to create simple ghost or robot outfits.
• Use face paint and makeup to transform into animals, zombies, or your favorite characters without needing a full mask.
• For more advanced projects, many creators on YouTube and crafting blogs offer tutorials on working with materials like EVA foam to create impressive armor and props.
• A fun modern touch is to add battery-powered LED strip lights to your outfit for a glowing, futuristic effect that looks incredible in the dark.

Which movie and TV costumes are popular this year?

Each year brings a new wave of costume ideas from the screen. For 2025, expect to see outfits inspired by major film releases and talked-about TV shows.

Characters from the Marvel and DC cinematic universes are always a hit. Think about any major superhero films scheduled for a late 2024 or 2025 release. Nostalgic reboots and popular fantasy series also provide great inspiration for both individual and group costumes.

What are fun pet costume ideas and accessories?

Don’t forget your furry friends! Pet costumes have become a huge part of Halloween celebrations, with owners expected to spend around $860 million on outfits for their companions.

The most popular pet costume is the classic pumpkin, followed closely by the hot dog and the bumblebee. You can find a huge variety of these online or at pet stores, from simple bandanas to full-body outfits. It’s a fun way to include the whole family in the dress-up festivities.

Halloween Decorations and Themes

Setting a spooky scene with creative decorations is one of the best parts of the season. From glowing pumpkins to high-tech frights, there are more ways than ever to transform your home into a haunted haven.

How to create spooky outdoor Halloween setups

A great outdoor display can make your house the talk of the neighborhood. The key is to layer different elements to create a spooky atmosphere.

1. Jack-o’-lanterns: The classic carved pumpkin is a must. Place them on your porch or along your walkway to greet trick-or-treaters.
2. Fake Cobwebs: Drape them over bushes, railings, and windows for an instant creepy effect.
3. DIY Graveyard: Use foam headstones to turn your front yard into a mini-cemetery.
4. Hanging Ghosts: These are easy to make with old sheets and can look very eerie swaying from tree branches.
5. Spooky Lighting: Use orange, green, or purple lights to cast a haunted glow on your house.

What are the latest pumpkin carving trends?

While a classic spooky face never goes out of style, pumpkin carving has evolved. Many people now use detailed stencils of pop culture characters for a modern twist.

Glow-in-the-dark paint is another popular trend for making your design stand out at night. For those who want to get really creative, using power tools like a Dremel can help you carve incredibly intricate and delicate patterns that look stunning when lit from within.

What high-tech Halloween decorations are available?

Technology has brought Halloween decorations to a whole new level. Animatronics are incredibly popular, with life-sized figures like Home Depot’s famous 12-foot skeleton that can move and make sounds.

Digital projectors are another game-changer. Companies like AtmosFX offer kits that let you project animations of ghosts, zombies, or other spooky scenes directly onto your windows or walls. You can even use smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to play spooky sound effects or control your lights with voice commands for a truly interactive haunted house experience.

Making the Most of a Friday Halloween

A Friday Halloween opens the door for a weekend full of spooky fun and celebrations. It’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family and lean into the festive spirit.

Ideas for an Epic Halloween Party

With the whole weekend ahead, you can throw a memorable Halloween party. Pick a fun theme, like a classic monster mash, a murder mystery, or a costume party based on a specific decade or movie.

Plan some simple but spooky snacks, create a playlist of Halloween-themed music, and organize a few games. A costume contest with a small prize is always a huge hit and encourages guests to get creative with their outfits.

Spooky Movie Marathon Picks for 2025

A horror movie marathon is a perfect way to spend a chilly October evening. You can mix and match classics with newer thrillers to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Here are a few ideas for your lineup:

• Classic Horror: Halloween (1978), The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street
• Family-Friendly Frights: Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice
• Modern Thrills: Get Out, A Quiet Place, Hereditary

Fun Halloween Superstitions and Folklore

Halloween is rich with history and folklore that goes back centuries. The tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns, for instance, comes from an old Irish myth about a man named “Stingy Jack.” Originally, people in Ireland carved scary faces into turnips to frighten away wandering evil spirits. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins were much easier to carve and the tradition as we know it was born.

Family-Friendly Activities

Halloween is a magical time for kids, filled with costumes, games, and of course, candy. Here are a few ways to make sure the fun is safe and memorable for the whole family.

How to stay safe while trick-or-treating

A few simple precautions can ensure everyone has a great time while trick-or-treating. Safety should always be the top priority on a busy night.

• Wear bright or reflective clothing. Adding reflective tape to costumes or carrying glow sticks makes kids much more visible to drivers.
• Use flashlights to see and be seen.
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. For older kids, you can use a location-sharing app like Life360 to keep track of their whereabouts.
• Inspect all candy at home before anyone eats it. Throw away any unwrapped or suspicious-looking items.

What Halloween crafts and games are great for kids?

Crafts and games are a wonderful way to celebrate at home or in the classroom. They let kids get creative and excited for the holiday.

1. Pumpkin Decorating: Besides carving, younger kids can have a blast painting pumpkins or decorating them with markers and stickers.
2. Apple Bobbing: This classic game is always a source of laughter and fun at parties.
3. Mask Making: Use paper plates, construction paper, and other craft supplies to let kids create their own unique masks.
4. Spooky Storytelling: Gather in a circle with a flashlight and take turns telling silly or spooky stories.

Where can families find pumpkin patches and hayrides?

A trip to a pumpkin patch is a perfect fall family outing. These farms often offer much more than just pumpkins, turning a simple visit into a full day of fun.

Many local farms have pumpkin patches that open in late September or early October. You can often find hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and apple picking all in one place. Famous destinations like Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Nebraska, offer over 50 attractions and feel like a full-scale fall festival. Check your local community websites or social media pages to find a farm near you.

Food and Treats for Halloween 2025

What’s Halloween without some spooky and delicious treats? From classic candies to creative party snacks, food is a huge part of the celebration.

What are popular Halloween-themed snacks?

Candy is king on Halloween. According to a 2024 survey by CandyStore.com, M&M’s have taken the top spot as the most popular Halloween candy, just ahead of the longtime favorite, Reese’s Cups. Candy corn also remains a divisive but popular choice, climbing to the #7 spot.

Beyond candy, caramel apples, popcorn balls, and festive cookies from brands like Pillsbury are staples at any Halloween gathering.

How can I make DIY Halloween candies?

Making your own treats adds a personal touch to your celebration. Many recipes are surprisingly simple and fun to make with kids.

• Chocolate Peanut Clusters: Simply melt chocolate chips and stir in roasted peanuts. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them set.
• Marshmallow Monsters: Use large marshmallows as a base and let kids decorate them with colored icing and candy eyes.
• Spider Web Bark: Spread melted dark chocolate on a baking sheet. Drizzle melted white chocolate over it and use a toothpick to drag lines through it, creating a web effect.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: After carving your jack-o’-lantern, clean the seeds, toss them with a little oil and salt, and roast them until crispy.

What unique recipes work well for Halloween parties?

If you want to go beyond the usual sweets, there are plenty of savory and creative recipes that are perfect for a Halloween party.

• Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap strips of crescent roll dough around hot dogs before baking to make them look like mummies. Use dots of mustard for eyes.
• Spider Web Dip: Layer a 7-layer dip in a round dish. Pipe sour cream on top in a spiral and drag a toothpick from the center to the edge to create a web.
• Witches’ Brew Punch: Mix green Hawaiian Punch, pineapple juice, and lemon-lime soda for a bubbly, green punch. Add a scoop of sherbet for a frothy top.
• Stuffed “Jack-o’-Lantern” Bell Peppers: Carve spooky faces into orange bell peppers, then stuff them with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and veggies before baking.

The Economic Impact of Halloween

Halloween is a major commercial holiday, driving a huge amount of economic activity every October. From candy sales to costume shops, many industries see a significant boost.

What are the Halloween spending trends in 2025?

Halloween spending is projected to reach an all-time high of $13.1 billion in 2025. The average person is expected to spend around $114 on the holiday, covering candy, costumes, and decorations.

Candy is the biggest spending category, expected to reach $3.9 billion. Costumes and decorations are close behind, with spending projected at $4.3 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively.

How is the costume and decoration industry growing?

The demand for new and exciting costumes and decorations has led to huge growth in this industry. Pop-up stores like Spirit Halloween have become a familiar sight each fall, capitalizing on seasonal demand.

Store-bought costumes have been popular since the 1930s, but the variety and quality have exploded in recent years. This growth is also fueled by large-scale events at theme parks and a desire for people to create elaborate home displays, a trend that continues to grow each year.

Halloween in Other Countries

While it’s most associated with the United States, Halloween and similar holidays are celebrated in many different ways around the world. These global traditions often focus more on remembrance and folklore.

What unique Halloween traditions exist worldwide?

Many cultures have unique ways of marking this time of year. These celebrations often blend ancient customs with modern fun.

• Mexico (Día de los Muertos): Families honor deceased relatives by creating beautiful altars, or ofrendas, decorated with marigolds, candles, and the favorite foods of their loved ones.
• Ireland (Samhain): In the birthplace of Halloween, the festival of Samhain is still celebrated with bonfires, games, and traditional foods like Barmbrack, a fruitcake with hidden trinkets that are said to predict the future.
• Philippines (Pangangaluluwa): In some regions, children go door-to-door on Halloween night, singing songs in exchange for treats, a tradition similar to caroling.

How do other cultures celebrate October 31?

In many parts of the world, the end of October is a more solemn time for remembering ancestors. These celebrations focus on family, history, and quiet reflection.

In Poland, for example, people visit cemeteries to clean the graves of family members and light candles in their memory. In Italy, some families would traditionally leave out a meal for their ancestors to welcome their spirits home. These customs highlight the holiday’s ancient roots as a time when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest.

Takeaways

Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration, especially since it lands on a Friday. This gives everyone a perfect excuse to stretch the spooky fun across the whole weekend.

You can look forward to big parties, creative costumes, and more than a few tasty treats lighting up the night.

Whether you’re exploring a haunted house, carving pumpkins with your family, or just enjoying some classic horror movies, there’s a way for everyone to get in on the fun.

So get your best costume ready, share some laughs with friends and family, and have a happy and safe Halloween!

FAQs about Halloween 2025

1. What Halloween events are happening in 2025?

Major theme parks like Universal Studios often host special “Halloween Horror Nights,” while local farms will offer pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Many cities also organize events like London’s “Halloween at Kew” light trail or various spooky walking tours. Keep an eye on your local city’s website for specific trick-or-treat times and parade schedules.

2. What are the top costumes for Halloween 2025?

Costumes will likely be dominated by characters from big 2025 movie releases, such as the new Superman film or the second part of the movie Wicked. Characters from popular TV series, like Wednesday, are also expected to be a major trend for all ages. Timeless pop culture figures like Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s remain a popular and easy DIY choice.

3. How does Friday the 13th make Halloween more exciting in 2025?

While October 2025 doesn’t actually have a Friday the 13th, the spooky date for the year falls on June 13th.

4. Where can I find family-friendly activities during Halloween season?

Zoos often host “Boo at the Zoo” events that are perfect for younger kids with daytime activities and games. Many community farms and parks, like Luggwoods in Dublin, create fall festivals with pumpkin picking and non-scary trails. Your local library is also a great place to check for free Halloween-themed craft workshops.