CuddlyNest is the world's largest vacation rental search engine, comparing millions of accommodations across 200+ booking sites. Our editorial team of seasoned travelers and local experts shares insider tips, destination guides, and travel inspiration to help you plan the perfect trip — whether you're booking a cozy cabin, a beachfront villa, or an apartment in the heart of the city.
Pumpkins, freaky costumes, colorful candies, and scary movies — Halloween is, with no shadow of a doubt, one of the most exciting times of the year. The weather is chill, and fall’s color explosion starts to rise, making this season truly irresistible.
Whether you’re planning on spending Halloween at home eating treats or experiencing this exciting holiday outside, we’ve gathered some ideas to make your October 31st even more thrilling this year — from visiting pumpkin farms to binge-watching your favorite scary movies.
Ready to enjoy Halloween like never before? Then read the post to discover the best ideas for celebrating this spooky day in 2023!
Fun Facts About Halloween
On October 21st of, 2020, there was a rare Halloween blue moon appeared in the sky for the first time since 2001;
"Jack o'lantern" comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a mythical character that invited the Devil to have a drink with him;
Trick-or-treating has existed since the Middle Ages but only became a widespread practice in the United States in the 1930s;
Ancient Celtic harvest festivals like the Gaelic festival Samhain may have influenced Halloween traditions;
The annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in Manhattan is the world's largest Halloween parade.
The History Of Halloween: An Ancient Celtic Festival
Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and welcomes the winter, or “the dark half of the year.” Ancient Celts believed that, during Samhain, the doorways between the physical world and the spirit world would open, allowing more interaction between humans and the souls of the dead.
Between the fall equinox and the winter solstice, Samhain was one of the four main festivals of the Gaelic calendar. During this ancient Celtic festival, the locals would light bonfires and wear masks and costumes typically consisting of animal heads and skins to ward off evil spirits.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints, a celebration known as All Saints Day. Then, all Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain.
The night before, October 31, is Halloween, from the Scottish term for Hallows' Eve (the evening before All Hallows' Day).
Over time, All Hallows Eve evolved into Hallowe'en. Thanks to the mass Irish and Scottish immigration in the 19th century, Halloween became a major holiday in the USA, a festival when spooky legends, haunted houses, and fun activities take center stage.
Which Countries Celebrate Halloween?
While nowadays there are Halloween festivities widely happening across the globe, the celebration is more popular in the North American Countries of the United States and Canada and in Ireland and the UK.
Halloween is also becoming more popular in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, France, Poland, and China.
When Is Halloween Celebrated?
Halloween is a holiday observed each year on October 31. Halloween 2023 will occur on Tuesday, October 31.
What Are The Most Common Halloween Traditions?
Some popular Halloween activities and traditions include carving jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, festive gatherings, donning costumes, scary stories, and visiting a haunted house.
How To Celebrate Halloween In 2023: Quarantine Halloween Ideas
Decorate Your House
First things first. If you decide to stay home on October 31st, set up the mood by embellishing your house with spooky Halloween decorations.
To dial up the devilish factor to a ten, dress up your home inside and out with plastic spiders, led candles, witch brooms, bubbling cauldrons, fake spiderwebs, and wind strips of toilet paper on your front door.
You can even go the extra mile by contesting with your neighbors to see who nailed the Halloween aesthetic the most!
Binge Watch Your Favorite Horror Movies
Just because you’re celebrating Halloween at home does not mean you have to stay bored. Spice your holiday by making a selection of scary movies, from all-time classics like “The Exorcist,” to trashy, like Piranha 3D, and newer releases such as The Conjuring.
Are you at home with the kids? No worries! You can watch some lighter family-friendly Halloween movies with the little ones. Go-to classics include Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and The Adams Family.
Don’t forget to light some candles to set up the mood, and grab some Halloween-themed snacks like candy corn cobs and caramel apple s'mores to binge-eat while watching the movies!
Wear Halloween Costumes And Throw A Theme Dinner
A fun Halloween party or dinner can go a long way. So put on your scariest costume, fully decorate your house, and organize some fun-filled activities for the evening. You can dive into your favorite ghost stories, watch your favorite Halloween-themed movie together, or play games like trivia and treasure hunting.
For a truly epic night, put on some fun Halloween music (there are several playlists featuring classics like “Ghostbusters,” “Monster Mash,” and many more), make your favorite festive drink, and host a dance party with your friends and family.
Make sure to offer plenty of lip-smacking treats like gummy worms and candy corn cobs!
Pumpkin Carving
There's no more classic Halloween activity than carving pumpkins. From picking out the perfect pumpkin to putting your artistic skills to the test, this is one of the most enjoyable traditions of the season.
So gather your pumpkin carving tools, set up your workspace, and create the jack-o-lantern of your dreams.
Tip: don't throw away the seeds. Season them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, roast them in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, and you'll have a mouthwatering Halloween snack!
How To Celebrate Halloween In 2023: Top Halloween Experiences
Go On A Halloween Trip
Since November 1 (All Saints' Day) is a national holiday in some countries, traveling might be the perfect way to have a unique Halloween.
So whether you're thinking of going away just for the weekend or a couple of days, going for a trip is a great opportunity to awaken your wanderlust while experiencing the magic of Halloween.
You can even choose a destination that connects with Halloween, witches, witchcraft, haunted attractions, and the supernatural world, like Salem, Massachusetts, Sleepy Hollow, New York, Ireland, Transylvania, Romania, or Mexico.
Go Pumpkin Picking On An Farm
In late September, the radiance of autumn rises, bringing with it a stunning color explosion, a pleasant brisk air, and a variety of irresistible seasonal treats.
One of the best ways to take advantage of the season and celebrate Hallowing is by visiting a local farm to pick your pumpkin.
There are several pumpkin farms across the United States, with the picking season usually beginning in mid-September and ending on Halloween Day.
Aside from choosing the perfect pumpkin to create your jack-o-lantern while visiting the farm, you can indulge in various themed activities and events.
Take a Nigh Tour At A City Of Choice
There's something different and almost eerie about exploring a city at nighttime. So, this Halloween, don't pass up the chance to go for a walking tour on a destination of choice — it can even be the city you live in.
There are several Halloween-themed walking tours worldwide, where participants wander the streets under the stars and the moonlight while hearing spooky stories and supernatural tales.
Visit A Hunted Location
Wanna take your Halloween tour to the extra level? Then a trip to a hunted location might be just what you need. And there are several of them around the world!
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, Poveglia Island, and Venice, Italy, are some of Earth's spookiest yet beautiful locations.
Wear Costumes And Go Trick Or Treating With The Kids
Last but not least, the ultimate Halloween night activity is the famous trick or treat. Whether you're with your kids or a group of friends, embrace this fun tradition by dressing up in your scariest outfit and going from door to door searching for some delicious Halloween candies!
Browse. Book. Stay.
CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blogs and our social media channels Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
