If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the spooky season’s arrival since June, now’s your time to shine.
Between decking out your porch, coming up with creative Halloween costumes, and whipping up some themed treats, October is full of fun and scary activities for the whole family.
Of course, the ultimate way to show your love for the season is to host a hair-raising Halloween party.
Whether you’re planning an upscale costume party or an all-ages neighborhood party, these Halloween party ideas are guaranteed to bring the festive vibes.
Dazzle your guests at the door with Halloween garlands, classic and creative pumpkin designs and wicked cool wreaths.
A playlist of Halloween songs is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor, whether they’re going to the “Monster Mash” or mingling while sipping Frankenstein punch.
Encourage your friends to embrace the Halloween spirit with a costume contest, a spooky scavenger hunt, or a spooktacular game like “Pin the Eye on the Monster.”
You can’t have tricks without treats, and your guests will be delighted to devour spooky treats like spider web cookies and mummy hot dogs.
With these simple DIY Halloween party ideas, your spooky gathering will be the talk of the town.
Make a colorful Halloween garland
Enter … if you dare! This festive garland instantly sets the mood for your spooky function. With ghost, cat, bat and candy paper cutouts, these decorations are equal parts spooky and cute. Hang these ghostly garlands above your door, across the mantle or simply on the wall. Best of all, they’re easy to DIY with materials around the house – all you need is paper, scissors and thread.
Get the instructions for this garland at The House that Lars Built.
Host a costume contest
Ask your party guests to bring their A game this year. A Halloween costume contest will inspire everyone to get creative. From Disney characters to clever costume puns (Taco Belle is a perennial favorite), you’ll have a blast seeing all the innovative costumes your friends come up with. Depending on the size of the party, you can give prizes for best individual, duo and group costumes. Bake mini mummy hot dogs
Move over, pigs in a blanket: there’s a new mini hot dog recipe in town. Instead of covering your mini dogs in dough, cut your dough into thin strips and wrap the dogs like a mummy. If you’re feeling extra spooky, paint spooky eyes on the hot dogs with mustard and you’ve got the cutest appetizers in town.
Make a spooky scavenger hunt
If you and your guests love party games, a Halloween scavenger hunt is guaranteed to start some spooky fun. Create a list of Halloween themes to lead your guests through a series of spooky challenges. The scale of the scavenger hunt is up to you, from an outdoor neighborhood adventure to an escape room-style challenge. The first person (or team) to reach the end gets first dibs on the candy bowl.
Decorate your door
Eye see you! Greet your friends at the door with this adorable monster wreath. Putting up some spooky Halloween decorations is the perfect way to get the party started before your guests even enter your haunted home. Whether you choose this cute monster or another Halloween door decoration, your guests are sure to feel the festive spirit.
Get the instructions for this wreath from Jennifer Perkins.
Serve creepy spider web cookies
How cute are these spider web cookies? This recipe from Martha Stewart is far more cute than creepy. With an elaborate cobweb pattern, these cookies will make a disturbingly delicious centerpiece in your Halloween dessert spread. Best of all, bakers of all ages and skill levels can help make this sweet treat.
Watch a Halloween movie
Gather your party guests for a classic Halloween movie marathon. Whether you’re looking for a chilling thriller like “Scream” or a more family-friendly movie like “Hocus Pocus,” watching a Halloween movie is arguably the coziest way to celebrate the spooky season.
Play Pin the Eye on the Monster
There are plenty of Halloween games to keep everyone entertained during your holiday soiree. Guests of all ages will love playing this classic party game with a spooky twist. Have the players blindfold themselves and try to put the eyeball in the right place on the monster poster. The winner gets extra candy!
Get the instructions for this game at Crafting Chicks.
Queue up a Halloween playlist
It’s impossible not to dance along when you hear Halloween tunes like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller.” Create a fun and scary atmosphere for your party with a playlist full of spooky Halloween songs. From classics like “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder to more modern tunes like “Disturbia” by Rihanna, this Halloween playlist will have all your guests on the dance floor.
Set the table with bat place cards
If your Halloween party includes a festive party, these adorable bat place cards will add some spooky flair to your tablescape. All you need to make these spooky crafts is paper, paint, clothespins and a little patience.
Get the instructions for these cards at Hey, Let’s Make Stuff!
Brew a bowl of Frankenstein punch
Double, double the wear and tear – a Frankenstein-inspired punch recipe is perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages. With limeade and orange, lemon and lime juice, this punch’s citrus flavor will delight all your party guests. This drink naturally tastes best when served straight from the kettle.
Play a game of Halloween trivia
Did you know that Halloween originates from an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain? Learn more about the holiday’s history—and its most iconic monsters—by playing a few rounds of Halloween trivia. If you can answer all of these tricky questions, you’re a bona fide expert on all things spooky.
Decorate pumpkins
You can’t have a Halloween party without pumpkins! Whether you try carving a classic jack-o’-lantern or opt for an easy no-carve pumpkin design, this Halloween activity is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. With some simple craft supplies like paint, stickers, and yarn, you can turn a humble pumpkin into a dazzling Halloween decoration.
Get the instructions for this pumpkin at She Wears Many Hats.
Blow up some skull balloons
Elevate your Halloween party decorations with these simple skull balloons. Adding vinyl decals will transform a plain white balloon into a spooky skull, while a black ribbon bow adds a nice touch.
Get the instructions for these balloons at Hey, Let’s Make Stuff!
Make a spooky crudité dish
Halloween is notorious for its abundance of candy and sweet treats, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a few vegetables to your Christmas spread. This crudité platter is a great way to bring some healthy horror to your Halloween snack table.