Halloween Party Ideas 2026
Plan an epic Halloween party with our complete guide — spooky games, costume contest ideas, eerie food and drinks, haunted decorations, and a step-by-step planning timeline for kids and adults.
October 31 · 8 Activities · 8 Food Ideas · Budget Guide
A Halloween party is one of the most anticipated events of the year for kids and adults alike. The best Halloween parties combine spooky-but-fun decorations, costume contests, themed games like mummy wrapping and monster freeze dance, eerie food like witch finger cookies and eyeball punch, and age-appropriate scares. Start planning 3-4 weeks before October 31 and budget $50-150 depending on your guest count.
$65-$185
Budget Range
8+
Activities
8
Food Ideas
5 Steps
Planning Timeline
🎃 Activities & Games
8 ideas for every audience — from calm crafts to active games.
Kids Party
Spooky-fun activities for young trick-or-treaters
Costume Contest
CalmAward prizes for categories: Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, Best Duo/Group, and Best DIY. Let guests vote anonymously.
Mummy Wrap Race
ActiveTeams race to wrap one member in toilet paper like a mummy. First fully-wrapped mummy wins!
Monster Freeze Dance
ActiveDance to Halloween music and freeze when it stops. Strike your scariest monster pose! Best freeze wins.
Spooky Sensory Boxes
CalmGuests reach into boxes to feel "brains" (spaghetti), "eyeballs" (grapes), "bones" (pretzels), and "spider webs" (cotton).
Pumpkin Decorating
CalmDecorate small pumpkins with paint, stickers, googly eyes, and glitter. No carving needed — safer for all ages.
Haunted Scavenger Hunt
ActiveFind hidden spooky items around the house — plastic spiders, bones, bats, and a hidden ghost for bonus points.
Witch Hat Ring Toss
ModerateToss glow-in-the-dark rings onto witch hats placed at different distances for varying points.
Adult Party
Creepy cocktails and costume contests
Costume Contest
CalmAward prizes for categories: Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, Best Duo/Group, and Best DIY. Let guests vote anonymously.
Mummy Wrap Race
ActiveTeams race to wrap one member in toilet paper like a mummy. First fully-wrapped mummy wins!
Eyeball Pong
ModerateBeer pong but with ping pong balls painted like eyeballs and cups of cider (or beer for adults).
Pumpkin Decorating
CalmDecorate small pumpkins with paint, stickers, googly eyes, and glitter. No carving needed — safer for all ages.
Witch Hat Ring Toss
ModerateToss glow-in-the-dark rings onto witch hats placed at different distances for varying points.
Family / Neighborhood
All-ages Halloween celebration
Costume Contest
CalmAward prizes for categories: Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, Best Duo/Group, and Best DIY. Let guests vote anonymously.
Mummy Wrap Race
ActiveTeams race to wrap one member in toilet paper like a mummy. First fully-wrapped mummy wins!
Eyeball Pong
ModerateBeer pong but with ping pong balls painted like eyeballs and cups of cider (or beer for adults).
Pumpkin Decorating
CalmDecorate small pumpkins with paint, stickers, googly eyes, and glitter. No carving needed — safer for all ages.
Witch Hat Ring Toss
ModerateToss glow-in-the-dark rings onto witch hats placed at different distances for varying points.
🍽 Food & Drink Ideas
8 themed recipes and serving ideas for your Halloween party.
| Item | Themed Name | Category | Prep Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Witch Finger Cookies Shortbread cookies shaped like fingers with almond "nails" and red icing "blood." | — | Dessert | 40 min | 24 |
Eyeball Punch Green punch with frozen lychee-blueberry "eyeballs" floating on top. | Monster Eyeball Punch | Drink | 15 min | 12 |
Mummy Hot Dogs Hot dogs wrapped in crescent roll dough strips to look like mummies, with mustard dot eyes. | — | Main | 25 min | 12 |
Spider Web Dip Black bean dip with sour cream piped in a spider web pattern, served with chips. | — | Appetizer | 10 min | 12 |
Ghost Brownies Brownies topped with white frosting ghost shapes and chocolate chip eyes. | — | Dessert | 35 min | 16 |
Pumpkin Quesadillas Quesadillas cut into pumpkin shapes with a jack-o-lantern face cut into the top layer. | — | Main | 15 min | 8 |
Candy Corn Fruit Cups Layered fruit cups with pineapple (yellow), oranges (orange), and whipped cream (white) mimicking candy corn. | — | Snack | 10 min | 12 |
Poison Apple Cider Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks and caramel drizzle, served in a cauldron. | Wicked Witch Cider | Drink | 10 min | 10 |
🎨 Decorations
6 decoration ideas grouped by area, with DIY options and cost ranges.
Entrance
Spider Web Entrance
Giant spider web with a big spider over the front door. Instant Halloween atmosphere.
$8-15
Jack-o-Lanterns
DIYCarved or painted pumpkins lining the walkway with battery-operated candles inside.
$10-25
Table
Spooky Table Setup
Black tablecloth, orange plates, spiderweb table runner, and skull/bat confetti.
$10-20
Photo Backdrop
Graveyard Photo Backdrop
DIYDIY tombstones from cardboard, fake spider webs, and a "Boo!" banner.
$10-20
General
Floating Ghost Lights
DIYWhite balloons with ghost faces and LED lights inside, hung from the ceiling.
$8-12
Fog Machine
Low-lying fog for an eerie atmosphere. Affordable machines start at $25.
$25-40
📅 Planning Timeline
Your step-by-step countdown to Halloween party day.
4 Weeks Before
- Set date and send spooky invitations
- Plan costume contest categories
- Order decorations
- Choose a scare level (family-friendly vs. creepy)
2-3 Weeks Before
- Plan menu and buy non-perishables
- Buy pumpkins for decorating
- Plan games and activities
- Curate a Halloween playlist
1 Week Before
- Buy groceries and candy
- Carve or decorate pumpkins
- Set up outdoor decorations
- Prep make-ahead food (cookie dough, dip)
Day Before
- Set up indoor decorations
- Bake treats
- Set up activity stations
- Test fog machine and lights
Day Of
- Final food prep and spooky display
- Cue up the playlist
- Dim the lights
- Welcome guests with your best evil laugh
💰 Budget Guide
Estimated total: $65–$185 for 10–15 guests.
| Category | Low | High | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Drinks | $25 | $60 | Themed shapes make cheap food look amazing — cookie cutters are your best friend |
| Decorations | $20 | $60 | Dollar Tree has incredible Halloween decor — go in September for best selection |
| Activities & Games | $5 | $20 | Toilet paper mummy race + freeze dance = free entertainment |
| Pumpkins | $5 | $20 | Smaller pumpkins are cheaper and easier for kids to decorate |
| Favors / Candy | $10 | $25 | Buy candy in bulk from Costco or Sam's Club |
| Total | $65 | $185 |
🎂 Throwing a Halloween Birthday Party?
If someone's birthday falls near Halloween, combine the themes for a celebration they'll never forget.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
6 common questions about planning a Halloween party.
What are the best Halloween party games?
The most popular Halloween party games are Costume Contest, Mummy Wrap Race, Monster Freeze Dance, Spooky Sensory Boxes, Pumpkin Decorating, Haunted Scavenger Hunt, Witch Hat Ring Toss, and Eyeball Pong (for adults). Mix active games with calm activities for the best flow.
What food do you serve at a Halloween party?
Classic Halloween party food includes witch finger cookies, mummy hot dogs, spider web dip, ghost brownies, eyeball punch, pumpkin quesadillas, and candy corn fruit cups. The key is making everyday food spooky with creative names and shapes.
How do you throw a Halloween party for kids?
Keep it spooky-fun, not scary. Focus on crafts (pumpkin decorating), active games (mummy wrap, freeze dance), sensory activities (mystery boxes), and a scavenger hunt. Serve themed food with fun names. Set up a costume parade and award prizes in positive categories (Most Creative, Funniest, etc.).
How much does a Halloween party cost?
A basic Halloween party costs $50-100 for 10-15 guests. Budget breakdown: food and drinks ($25-60), decorations ($20-60), activities ($5-20), and candy/favors ($10-25). Save money by DIY-ing decorations and using games that require minimal supplies.
How do you decorate for a Halloween party on a budget?
Best budget Halloween decorations: DIY tombstones from cardboard ($0), white balloon ghosts with LED lights ($8), carved pumpkins from a pumpkin patch ($5-10), spider webs from Dollar Tree ($1-3), and dimmed lights with colored bulbs ($5). You can decorate a full room for under $25.
When should you start planning a Halloween party?
Start 3-4 weeks before October 31. Order decorations early (September is ideal for selection). Buy pumpkins 2 weeks out, groceries 1 week before, and set up decorations the day before. Pro tip: buy candy and decorations at 50-75% off on November 1 for next year.
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