Halloween falls on October 31 each year and is one of the most commercially significant holidays in the English-speaking world. In the United States alone, consumers spend over $12 billion annually on costumes, decorations, candy and related merchandise — making it the second-largest commercial holiday after Christmas. The holiday is also enormously popular in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, and has been growing in continental Europe and beyond.
The origins of Halloween lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced 'SAH-win'), observed across Ireland, Scotland and Wales around 2,000 years ago. Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became permeable, allowing spirits to roam the earth. When the Roman Empire conquered Celtic lands, Samhain merged with two Roman festivals — Feralia and Pomona — and later with the Christian feast of All Hallows' Eve (the night before All Saints' Day on November 1). Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to North America in the 19th century.
The holiday's modern form — trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lanterns, haunted houses and costume parties — developed primarily in the United States during the 20th century. Today it is a broadly secular celebration of imagination, fear and community, enjoyed by children and adults alike. The live countdown above shows exactly how long until October 31.
How many days until Halloween?
The live countdown above shows the exact days, hours, minutes and seconds until October 31.
What day is Halloween 2026?
Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, October 31.
What day is Halloween 2027?
Halloween 2027 falls on a Sunday, October 31.
What is the origin of trick-or-treating?
Trick-or-treating evolved from the medieval practice of 'souling', where poor people would go door to door on All Souls' Day offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. Irish immigrants brought similar traditions to the US, where it developed into the candy-centred custom we know today.
Why do we carve pumpkins?
The jack-o'-lantern tradition comes from an Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack who tricked the Devil. Irish immigrants originally carved turnips; when they arrived in America, they found pumpkins much easier to carve.
Is Halloween celebrated outside the US?
Yes. Halloween is widely celebrated in Canada, Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It is growing in popularity in Germany, France, Spain and parts of Latin America, though traditions vary.
What are the most popular Halloween costumes?
For adults: witches, vampires, ghosts, zombies and pop culture characters. For children: superheroes, princesses, animals and characters from current films and TV shows.
What is the most popular Halloween candy in the US?
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups consistently top US Halloween candy rankings, followed by Snickers, Kit Kat, Candy Corn and M&Ms.
When should I buy Halloween decorations?
Retailers typically put Halloween stock on shelves in September. For the best selection and prices, shop in late September or early October.
What is Día de los Muertos and is it the same as Halloween?
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican and Central American tradition observed November 1–2 to honour deceased family members. While it overlaps with Halloween on the calendar, it is a distinct cultural celebration with different origins, meaning and rituals.