Halloween 2025: How Tellwutters Are Celebrating This Spooky Season

Halloween is creeping up fast, and our latest Tellwut survey reveals how our members are gearing up for the spookiest night of the year. From costumes to candy, and decorations to celebrations, here’s what our respondents are saying.

Costume Plans: From Months in Advance to Last-Minute Ideas

Interestingly, 58% of Americans don’t plan to wear a costume this year. But for those who do, planning strategies vary:

• 21% plan months in advance

• 43% plan a week to a few weeks ahead

• 28% decide within the last week

• 9% wait until the same day

Even though some costumes are planned on the fly, Halloween nostalgia is real: 63% have re-worn a costume from a previous year.

Matching costumes is also popular but not universal: 12% always coordinate with friends, family, or a partner, 56% sometimes do, and 32% never.

Halloween Decorations: Spooky, Cute, or Chic?

 Decorating is in full swing for some—25% of respondents have already started. And Halloween style is surprisingly varied:

• 38% prefer spooky décor (think ghosts, skeletons, and cobwebs)

• 41% lean cute (friendly pumpkins and playful ghosts)

• 9% go funny (puns and silly monsters)

• 8% favor modern/aesthetic décor (neutral, chic, or minimalist vibes)

Halloween decorations are also popping up in neighborhoods early—45% have already noticed spooky setups as of late September.

Candy, Parties, and Celebrations

 Candy reigns supreme: 30% plan to hand out treats this year, while 25% celebrate by indulging in candy themselves. Other popular ways to get in the Halloween spirit include:

• Watching scary movies – 19%

• Decorating the house – 21%

• Carving jack-o’-lanterns – 11%

• Going to costume parties – 8%

• Trick-or-treating – 7%

Is Halloween Too Commercialized?

When it comes to commercialization, opinions are split:

• 40% feel Halloween has become too commercialized

• 27% think it’s somewhat commercialized but still fun

• 16% say it’s just part of the celebration

Whether you love the candy, the costumes, or the décor, one thing is clear: Halloween continues to be a favorite way for Americans to get creative, indulge a little, and celebrate with friends and family.