Fun Halloween 2025 Activities: From Scary Costumes to Party Games

Key takeaways:

• Costumes are the heart of Halloween, so we provide you with some creative ideas for all genders, ages, and fandoms—from scary vampires and wicked witches to K-pop demon hunters and 2025 meme-inspired looks.
• Popular activities include trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, visiting haunted houses, swapping scary stories, Halloween baking, gift-giving, movie marathons, and participating in themed makeup sessions.
• Party games like bobbing for apples, Halloween trivia, mummy wraps, and murder mysteries make gatherings fun and interactive for guests.
• With so many ways to celebrate (from spooky to silly), Halloween 2025 is all about creativity, connection, and unforgettable memories.

Halloween is just around the corner, and it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of the season. There are plenty of thrilling and entertaining activities to make this holiday memorable. 

In this article, we'll explore a wide range of fun Halloween activities. From pumpkin carving to trick-or-treating, creative crafts to spooky stories, find fresh ways to celebrate this occasion that will leave your friends spellbound.

Design Costumes

One of the most exciting aspects of Halloween is the opportunity to transform into your favorite characters, creatures, or ghouls. Designing costumes allows you to unleash your creativity and craft a unique look that sets you apart from the rest of the Halloween crowd. 

Whether you're into DIY projects or prefer store-bought costumes, the process of selecting, creating, and putting on your outfit is a thrilling Halloween activity in itself. Plus, it's a chance to express your personality and imagination.

If you're looking for costume inspiration, consider brainstorming ideas based on your favorite movies, books, or TV shows. Remember, the key to a successful Halloween ensemble is attention to detail and a dash of creativity.

How to Dress for Halloween For Men

Whether you want to go all-out with a spooky look or keep it simple and clever, men’s Halloween costumes in 2025 are all about personality and fun. From classic monsters to movie icons, there’s something for every style, budget, and sense of humor:

• Superheroes: Dress up as your favorite comic book character. Some popular options this year include Superman, Spider-Man, Nightwing, and Captain America.
• James Bond: Exude sophistication and charisma as James Bond with a sharp tuxedo, a sleek suit, and a toy Walther PPK.
• Zorro: Transform into the legendary swashbuckling hero, Zorro, with a black mask, hat, cape, and a trusty rapier.
• T. rex Dinosaur: For a playful twist, go prehistoric by dressing up as a T. rex dinosaur with an inflatable costume that's sure to turn heads.
• Dracula: Sink your fangs into Halloween as the iconic Dracula, the infamous vampire from Bram Stoker's classic novel. Transform with a cape, a high-collared shirt, fake blood, and a suave demeanor.
• Pirate: Set sail for adventure by becoming a pirate of the high seas. Equip yourself with an eye patch, bandana, pirate hat, and a parrot (okay, maybe not a real one!).
• Frankenstein's Monster: Pay homage to the classic horror character with a Frankenstein's Monster costume. Apply green face paint, add some neck bolts, and lumber around with outstretched arms.
• Mad Scientist: Embrace the quirky world of mad science by wearing a lab coat, tousled hair, safety goggles, and beakers filled with colorful concoctions.
• The Joker: Bring chaos and unpredictability to your Halloween as The Joker, Batman's infamous arch-nemesis. Create a sinister look with creepy clown makeup, a purple suit, and a wicked grin.
• Zombie: Join the undead with a zombie costume. Tear up old clothes, add gruesome makeup, and perfect the zombie shuffle for a truly chilling effect.
• Werewolf: Transform under the full moon into a fearsome werewolf with furry accessories, clawed gloves, and menacing growls.
• Ghostbuster: Become a paranormal investigator with a Ghostbuster costume, complete with a proton pack and ghost-catching gear.
• Mummy: Wrap yourself in mystery by dressing up as a mummy. Use bandages or torn strips of fabric to create an authentic ancient Egyptian look.
• Indiana Jones: Channel your inner archaeologist-adventurer with an Indiana Jones costume. Wear a fedora, a leather jacket, and a whip for an action-packed Halloween.
• Nintendo Characters: Level up your Halloween with fan-favorite video game icons like Mario, Luigi, Ash Ketchum, or Link.. Bonus points if you bring a plush Pikachu or a cardboard power-up box!

How to Dress for Halloween For Women

This Halloween, women’s costume trends mix creativity, comfort, and confidence. From enchanting witches and glamorous vampires to pop-culture queens and nostalgic throwbacks, it’s all about expressing yourself while enjoying the spooky spirit of the season:

• Witch: Embrace the classic Halloween vibe with a witch costume featuring a pointed hat, broomstick, and a bewitching ensemble. Dressing up specifically as Elphaba or Glinda from Wicked could be great and trendy choices, too.
• Disney Princess: Transform into your favorite Disney princess, whether it's Cinderella, Belle, Elsa, Moana, Ariel, Snow White, or Jasmine, and bring a touch of magic to Halloween night.
• Disney Villains: If, on the other hand, you are feeling mischievous this Halloween, you can always choose to dress up like one of the iconic Disney villains, like Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Mother Gothel, or Ursula
• Comic book characters: Who says women can’t steal the spotlight in superhero (or villain) costumes? Top picks for 2025 include Scarlet Witch, Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Black Widow — powerful, stylish, and instantly iconic.
• Vampire: Embrace your inner vampire with a Gothic gown, fangs, and dramatic makeup for a look that's both elegant and eerie.
• Fairy: Add a sprinkle of fairy dust with a whimsical fairy costume, complete with wings and a sparkling ensemble.
• Zombie Bride: Unleash your inner undead bride with a tattered wedding gown, pale makeup, and eerie bridal accessories.
• Mermaid: Dive into the mystical world of the sea with a mermaid costume, featuring a shimmering tail, seashell accessories, and ethereal makeup.
• Video Game Characters: From Princess Peach and Samus Aran to Lara Croft or Amy Rose, gaming-inspired costumes are trending again — bright, bold, and perfect for showing off your fandom.
• Greek Goddess: Ascend to the heights of Mount Olympus as a Greek goddess, channeling the divine presence of Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, or Hera. Drape yourself in flowing robes, adorn yourself with laurel leaves, and wield a prop golden staff.
• Fortune Teller: Embrace the mystique of a fortune-teller with a flowing dress, scarves, and plenty of mystical accessories like crystal balls and tarot cards.
• Steampunk Explorer: Combine Victorian fashion with sci-fi elements as a steampunk explorer, complete with a corset, goggles, gears, and a sense of adventure.
• Book Characters: A great choice for literature lovers. Dress as Hermione Granger, Katniss Everdeen, Alice in Wonderland, or even Elizabeth Bennet for a costume that feels both smart and iconic.
• Catrina (Día de Muertos): Pay tribute to Mexican culture with a vibrant Day of the Dead Catrina costume, featuring intricate sugar skull makeup and a colorful, ruffled dress.
• TV Show Characters: Celebrate your favorite series by dressing as your favorite character, like Daenerys Targaryen, Buffy Summers, Lisa Simpson, or even Lorelai or Rory Gilmore. 

Other Popular Costume Ideas for Halloween 2025

Looking for something a little different this year? 2025 brings a mix of viral trends, iconic characters, and fresh ideas inspired by movies, games, and social media. These creative picks will help you stand out at any Halloween celebration:

• KPop Demon Hunters: Channel the fierce style of Rumi, Zoey, or Mira (or even one of the Saja Boys) with a look inspired by this hit Netflix movie. Bold colors, edgy accessories, and a touch of supernatural flair make it one of 2025’s trendiest costumes.
• The Addams Family: A timeless Halloween classic that never goes out of style. Thanks to the continued popularity of the show Wednesday, dressing up as Wednesday herself, Morticia, Gomez, or even Thing is both recognizable and easy to put together.
• Lilo & Stitch: With Disney’s remake still making waves, expect to see lots of tropical prints, blue alien ears, and Hawaiian flower accessories. It’s a fun, family-friendly option that brings a nostalgic touch to Halloween night.
• Labubus: The viral creature from TikTok and online fan art is one of 2025’s strangest yet funniest costume trends. Expect exaggerated horns, glowing eyes, and chaotic energy. It’s spooky, absurd, and totally internet-approved.
• Bluey: Bluey costumes are perfect for kids and parents who want to twin as their favorite animated characters. Comfortable, colorful, and instantly recognizable.
• Capybaras: Everyone’s favorite chill animal meme has officially become a Halloween costume. Grab a brown hoodie, some felt ears, and a relaxed attitude, and you’ll be ready to be 2025’s cutest low-effort trend.
• Minecraft: A perennial favorite, but with new game updates and expansions this year, along with the huge popularity of the film adaptation, Minecraft characters like Steve, Alex, Enderman, or Creeper are making a big comeback, and luckily, it’s easy to DIY with cardboard boxes and green paint.
• The Summer I Turned Pretty: Capture the dreamy, sun-soaked vibe of this teen drama with sundresses, pastel polos, and heart-shaped sunglasses. Perfect for friend groups who prefer charming over chilling — and guaranteed to spark some playful “Team Conrad vs. Team Jeremiah” debates.
• Pop singers: Spice up your Halloween night by dressing as your favorite music icon! Whether you go for glam, rock, or pure pop, this year’s lineup has endless inspiration, including The Weeknd, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo.
• Social media memes: If you love humor and viral culture, 2025’s best meme-inspired costumes include: AI-generated image fails (think distorted faces or extra limbs), Blue Origin’s all-female space flight crew, and the viral couple caught cheating at Coldplay’s concert.

Once you've got your costume sorted, it's time to explore all the fun things to do on Halloween!

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is a beloved Halloween tradition. It's a time when adults can dress up in their spooky or adorable costumes and go door-to-door in search of delicious treats. The excitement of ringing doorbells, yelling "trick or treat," and collecting a bag full of candies and sweets is a Halloween activity that brings joy to people of all ages.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience, make sure to accompany one another, carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, and stick to well-lit neighborhoods. Additionally, be mindful of dietary restrictions and allergies when distributing candies.

Carving Pumpkins for the Perfect Jack-o-Lanterns

Carving pumpkins has evolved from being a task primarily for kids to a cherished hands-on activity for people of all ages. Halloween fans eagerly carve faces or creative shapes into pumpkins, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and skill development. These intricately carved creations are more than just Halloween decorations; they are a source of pride for artists. 

Once the carving is complete, the real magic happens at night when their jack-o-lanterns are illuminated, casting an eerie glow on the porch or serving as captivating centerpieces at Halloween gatherings. Though the process may be messy, the rewards of this cherished tradition are beautifully radiant and provide lasting memories during the spooky season.

Get Your Fright On at a Haunted House

Halloween enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure can't miss the chance to step into a haunted house. These spine-tingling attractions come in a variety of intensities, catering to everyone's scare threshold. From locally-run haunted houses to those hosted by amusement parks, these immersive experiences transport visitors to a world of chilling horrors and Halloween party activities. 

As you navigate the eerie corridors and rooms, be prepared to encounter lurking monsters, spine-chilling surprises, and scenes of pure terror that will have you screaming with excitement. It's not just about the scares; it's about the thrill and the heart-pounding moments that make haunted houses a quintessential part of Halloween festivities. 

So, sign those liability waivers and embrace the spine-tingling adventure that awaits you.

Fun Halloween Party Games

Elevate your All Saints' Eve party to spooktacular heights with a range of entertaining games that are sure to keep your guests thoroughly entertained. Discover the best things to do on Halloween night with these exciting activities:

• Halloween Costume Contest: Host a costume contest with categories like "Most Creative," "Funniest Costume", "Scariest," and "Best Group Costume." Let your guests showcase their Halloween spirit.
• Bobbing for Apples: Fill a large tub with water and float apples in it. Players must use their teeth to grab apples without using their hands.
• Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of Halloween-themed items or clues and send guests on a spooky scavenger hunt around your home or yard.
• Pin the Spider on the Web: Similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, blindfolded players attempt to pin a spider on a web while spun around.
• Mummy Wrap: Divide guests into pairs and give them a roll of toilet paper. One person becomes the mummy, and the other must wrap them up like a mummy as quickly as possible.
• Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Provide pumpkins and decorating supplies, and let guests unleash their creativity in a pumpkin decorating competition.
• Halloween Bingo: Create bingo cards with Halloween-themed images or words and play a spooky round of bingo.
• Murder Mystery Game: Host a murder mystery dinner party where guests assume roles and work together to solve a Halloween-themed mystery.
• Witch's Hat Ring Toss: Set up witch's hats at varying distances and challenge guests to toss rings onto the hats' pointy tips.
• Candy Corn Guessing Game: Fill a jar with candy corn and have guests guess how many candies are inside. The closest guess wins the jar.
• Spider Races: Create a racetrack and have guests race toy spiders by blowing on them with straws.
• Halloween Charades: Play a Halloween-themed version of charades with spooky words or phrases related to the holiday.
• Ghostly Bowling: Transform empty plastic bottles into ghostly pins and use a pumpkin as a bowling ball for a ghostly bowling game.
• Halloween Trivia: Challenge your guests with Halloween-themed trivia questions, covering everything from horror movies to spooky history.
• Guess the Villain: Write the names of famous horror movie villains on cards and tape them to guests' foreheads as they arrive. The catch? They can't see what's written! Guests must rely on clues and hints from others to guess their assigned villain. 
• Halloween Feel Box Game: Fill boxes with eerie items like cold, slimy, or unsettling textures—think cooked spaghetti or peeled grapes. Challenge your guests to reach into these mysterious boxes and guess the spooky surprises hidden inside.
• Halloween Film Festival Game: Divide your guests into groups and assign each group a popular scene from a Halloween or horror movie to act out. Watch as your guests channel their favorite movie characters for a spirited performance. After the mini film festival, you can cap off the evening with a screening of your favorite Halloween movie to continue the spooky celebration.

These Halloween party games are a surefire way to keep the festivities lively and entertaining, ensuring that your guests have a blast while celebrating the spookiest night of the year.

Swap Scary Stories After Dark

When the moon is high and the shadows grow long, it's the perfect time to revive the time-honored Halloween tradition of sharing ghost stories in the dark. Gather around, light some candles, and plunge into the eerie ambiance as you take turns spinning tales that are sure to send shivers down the spines. 

You can draw inspiration from classics like Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" or H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horrors. Dive into local legends, like the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow or the haunted tales of Salem's Witch Trials. Unearth mythical creatures, such as the eerie Banshee from Irish folklore or the skin walker from Navajo legend. Explore unsolved mysteries like the enigmatic disappearance of the Roanoke Colony or the chilling story of the dark vanishing of the crew of the USS Cyclops in the Bermuda Triangle. 

The frightening possibilities are endless when you let your imagination run wild. Just remember, after this spine-tingling activity, you might want to keep the lights on for a while, as you can't be held responsible for any lingering nightmares that may haunt your fellow storytellers.

Tour Real-Life Haunted Sites

For those seeking a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween, many cities offer guided tours of locations steeped in eerie legends and rumored to be haunted. From abandoned hospitals to old jails and historic cemeteries, these tours provide a unique opportunity to delve into the dark histories and alleged paranormal activity that surround these places. 

But it's not all about storytelling; you'll have the chance to investigate for yourself. Armed with cameras, EMF meters, and your own senses, see if you capture orbs or apparitions on film or experience unexplainable chills that send shivers down your spine. These tours offer an unforgettable adventure for those looking for scary things to do on Halloween.

Decorate Halloween Treats

One of the most delightful aspects of Halloween is the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen by baking Halloween-themed cookies or decorating cake pops. This enjoyable activity transcends age boundaries, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. Those who may not enjoy cooking or baking can still unleash their creativity by helping to measure ingredients and letting their imaginations run wild with spooky decorating ideas. 

Frost cookies to resemble mummies, zombies, and spiders, and use candy corn and sprinkles to conjure up creepy faces on cake pops. The joy of working together with your family and friends in the kitchen not only results in delicious treats but also creates lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Embrace Your Dark Side with Makeup

This Halloween, unleash your inner artist by transforming into vampires, monsters, and ghouls through the transformative power of makeup. It's a chance to get creative and experiment with spooky looks that can be both terrifying and awe-inspiring. To kickstart your creativity, watch online tutorials for inspiration on how to achieve these creepy looks.

To bring your Halloween makeup visions to life, stock up on essential makeup items and accessories. You'll need face paint in various colors, fake blood, body glitter for extra eerie sparkle, makeup remover for easy cleanup, and a variety of brushes and sponges for precise application. 

Costume accessories like wigs, fangs, colored contact lenses, spooky hats, creepy masks, fake tattoos, and other gruesome props can add the perfect finishing touch to your sinister transformation.

In addition to these specialized items and accessories, don't forget some general makeup staples to complete your spooky look. These may include lipstick for bold, dramatic lips, mascara for luscious lashes, eyeliners for intricate details, and setting powder or spray to ensure your look stays in place throughout the festivities.

12

Enjoy a Halloween Movie Marathon

If you're wondering what to do for Halloween, why not snuggle up and indulge in a spooky movie marathon? It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit, complete with lighthearted scares that are fun for all ages. To enhance the experience, add some candy, creepy snacks, and costumes to truly immerse yourself in the world of the characters on-screen.

These Halloween movie classics are sure to set the spooky mood while providing plenty of laughter:

• "Hocus Pocus" (1993)
• "Beetlejuice" (1988)
• "Ghostbusters" (1984)
• "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
• "Casper" (1995)
• "Harry Potter" saga (2001-2011)
• "Monster House" (2006)
• "Hotel Transylvania" (2012)
• "Corpse Bride" (2005)
• "The Addams Family" (1991)
• "Maleficent" (2014)
• "Cruella" (2021)
• "Haunted Mansion" (2023)
• "Jim Henson's Turkey Hollow" (2015)
• "Into the Woods" (2014)
• "The Haunted Mansion" (2003).

Unique Halloween Gift Ideas 

Finding the perfect gift for those who live for the spooky season can be a delightfully eerie endeavor. If you're searching for unique Halloween presents to thrill your friends or family members who never tire of the macabre and fantastical, consider these ghoulishly delightful ideas:

• Customized Jack-o'-Lantern Decor: Personalized pumpkin decorations add a touch of uniqueness to any Halloween display.
• Haunted House Candle Holders: Creepy candle holders that cast eerie shadows are perfect for setting a chilling atmosphere.
• Elaborate Halloween Costumes: Surprise them with a high-quality costume that goes above and beyond the ordinary.
• Gothic Home Decor: Gothic-themed home decorations, like ornate mirrors or dark tapestries, can transform any space into a haunted mansion.
• Vintage Horror Movie Posters: Frame classic horror movie posters for a touch of cinematic nostalgia.
• Witchcraft Supplies: For those interested in the mystical, provide them with essential witchcraft tools like crystals, herbs, or ritual candles.
• Skull and Skeleton-themed Items: From skull-shaped drinkware to skeleton-themed pillows, these items are both spooky and stylish.
• Cryptic Board Games: Engage their love for the mysterious with board games that involve solving mysteries or puzzles.
• Halloween Baking Kits: Help them create spooky treats with Halloween-themed baking kits complete with cookie cutters, sprinkles, and recipes.
• Gothic Jewelry: Elegantly designed jewelry featuring bats, spiders, or other spooky motifs can be both stylish and on-theme.
• Horror Movie Streaming Service Subscription: Give them access to a library of classic and contemporary horror films with a streaming service subscription.
• Tarot Cards: For those interested in the occult, a set of witchcraft tools or tarot cards can be a fascinating gift.
• Creepy Planters: Macabre gardening can be enhanced with planters in a variety of eerie shapes, including coffins, tombstones, pumpkins, skulls, and cauldrons. These distinctive planters add a spooky and stylish touch to your garden or home decor during the Halloween season.
• Potion Bottles: Decorative potion bottles can be used for both display and storage.
• Escape Room Experience: Treat them to an escape room adventure with a Halloween twist for a fun and challenging experience.
• Halloween Candles: Scented candles with aromas like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or bonfire add a cozy, seasonal touch.
• Halloween Music Playlist: Create a customized Halloween music playlist featuring their favorite spooky tunes.
• Customized Ouija Board: A personalized Ouija board for those with a fascination for the supernatural.
• Halloween Books: A collection of classic horror literature or chilling anthologies to keep their love for the genre alive.

Embrace English Learning with Promova this Halloween:

At Promova, we believe learning English should be as fun as celebrating Halloween. Whether you prefer group classes, one-on-one tutoring, or self-paced lessons, we've got you covered. 

Our app, available on iOS, Android, and web, helps you master grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing at your own pace — no pressure, just progress.

Want to make your English learning festive? Try our English for Travel course to confidently explore countries that love Halloween, like the U.S., Canada, Ireland, the U.K., and Mexico. Or, join our English Literature lessons and dive into spooky classics from Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and more.

With Promova, you’ll improve your English skills while celebrating the thrilling spirit of Halloween — learning has never been this fun!

Keep the Halloween Spirit Going

As you can see, the possibilities for celebrating Halloween in style are endless! Dive into these activities - old favorites and new ideas - for a holiday packed with costumes, candy, and playful scares.

Let your imagination guide trick-or-treating, crafts, and decorating. Raise the fright factor with haunted houses, ghost tours, or parties. And bring everyone together for family-friendly fun like movies, baking, and makeup transformations.

However, you choose to embrace the Halloween spirit, make it a holiday filled with laughter, memories, and good-natured goosebumps.