Top Halloween Trends 2024: Spooky Ideas to Try

According to Goodwill Industries International’s 2024 Halloween Survey, 80% of Americans are gearing up to celebrate Halloween this year. And why not? Halloween is always a fun time, packed with exciting new trends. 

In 2024, you can expect even more excitement with a blend of classic costumes, traditions, and fresh, spooky ideas. From costumes and decorations to parties and treats, we love mixing the old with the new. So, let's dive into the magic and explore the top Halloween trends for 2024 while answering all your spooky questions!

When is Halloween?

Halloween happens every year on the evening of October 31. The name comes from "All Hallows' Eve," which means the night before All Saints' Day, a day to honor saints. Halloween has roots in both Christian and ancient Celtic traditions, with the Celtic festival of Samhain marking the end of the harvest and remembering the dead. 

Though not an official holiday, Halloween is celebrated worldwide, especially in North America and Europe, and has become a big commercial event,  and has become a fun-filled event with costumes, parties, and lots of spooky treats!

Top 15+ Emerging Halloween Trends 2024

1. Reusable and Swappable Halloween Costumes

(Image Resource: USC Annenberg Media)

One of the biggest changes for Halloween 2024 is the trend of reusing, swapping, or repurposing costumes. People are getting creative by using things they already have at home to add a personal touch to their Halloween outfits. 

Swapping costumes with friends or at local events is also on the rise, giving old costumes a new life. You can expect to see more customized costumes and clever use of household items mixed with the new styles this year.

It’s really an inspired story to tell, the USC Student Union’s Sustainability Hub has launched a Halloween Costume Drop ‘N’ Swap to help reduce waste and promote sustainability. Drop off gently used costumes, clothes, and accessories, or pick out something new from the collection—even if you don’t bring anything to swap.

Any unclaimed items will be donated afterward. With Halloween generating a lot of costume waste, this initiative offers a great way to celebrate sustainably.

2. Technology-Enhanced Decorations

Smart home tech is now adding a spooky twist to Halloween decorations! In 2024, many homes will feature interactive decorations that you can control with your smartphone. From lights that change colors to props and animated figures that move when trick-or-treaters come close, these techy additions will make your Halloween extra exciting. 

You can add in a touch of magic to your home with these high-tech ideas:

• Animated Decorations: Bring your decorations to life with animated figures that move and make spooky sounds.
• Interactive Games: Set up interactive games like haunted houses or escape rooms to keep your guests entertained.
• Smart Lighting: Use smart lights to create a spooky atmosphere with changing colors and flashing lights.

Look out for motion-activated screams from speakers and many other high-tech surprises.

3. Retro 80s and 90s Vibes

Nostalgia is set to be a big trend for Halloween costumes in 2024. Expect to see a wave of outfits inspired by TV shows, movies, and music from the 80s and 90s. Characters like The Gallagher Brothers, Ghostbusters, Spice Girls, and even classic video game icons like Street Fighter will be making a comeback. Bring back the fun and excitement of the '80s and '90s with a retro-themed Halloween party like:

• Neon Costumes: Dress up in bright, neon colors to capture the spirit of the era.
• Vintage Decor: Decorate your home with vintage items like old posters, cassette tapes, and arcade games.
• Retro Music: Create a nostalgic atmosphere with classic '80s and '90s music.

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s playing Mario and his friends, you’ll love this adorable couples costume! This pair has gone all out as Mario and Princess Peach, and they’ve even included their dog as Little Luigi. How cute is that?

4. Outdoor Halloween Fun

Lately, with milder weather and less rain in Ireland, outdoor events have become more popular. For Halloween 2024, expect even more outdoor fun, thanks to a growing interest in family-friendly activities. Look out for Halloween-themed trails, pumpkin patches, and spooky outdoor escape rooms becoming favorite spots all over:

• Haunted Hayrides
• Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
• Zombie Walk
• Halloween-Themed Scavenger Hunts
• Outdoor Movie Nights
• Halloween-Themed Carnivals
• Spooky Bonfires
• DIY Halloween Stuff

5. Witchcraft and Magical Themes

As interest in spiritual and occult themes continues to grow (did it ever really fade away?), 2024 will bring more people embracing witchcraft and Celtic/Pagan-inspired costumes and decorations.

Picture long cloaks, pointy hats, and magical accessories like crystal necklaces or wands with rune designs. People will be embracing both classic witch looks and modern magical styles. You can also add a Celtic twist with natural touches like leaves, feathers, and earthy colors to give your costume a mystical feel.

For decorations, expect a magical, witchy atmosphere filled with Celtic symbols, crystals, and enchanted items. Use glowing candles, hanging runes, and old spell books to set the scene. Adding things like twigs, dried flowers, and herbs can make your space feel more natural and mystical. To make it even spookier, use dark lighting and add crystal balls or potion bottles for that extra magical touch!

6. Pet Halloween Costumes

We absolutely love these costumes, but do our pets?

Dressing up pets has been a huge trend in recent years, and Halloween 2024 will keep that going strong. Pet owners all over the world will be putting their furry companions in cute outfits, from mini vampires and witches to fun costumes inspired by their favorite celebrities.

To add to the excitement, pet costume contests are also becoming super popular. One example is the annual Halloween contest from Wag and Cluck, where proud pet parents can show off their pets' creative costumes. The first-place winner will receive a $500 gift card to Wayfair, making it even more fun to get your pets involved in the Halloween spirit. This contest is a great way to celebrate the season with your furry friends!

7. Healthy Halloween Treats

The focus on health is still going strong! In 2024, there will be an even bigger demand for healthier, allergen-free Halloween treats. Organic, gluten-free, and vegan candies are gaining popularity with many families, and even trick-or-treaters are paying attention to what they eat. Here are of the best you must try:

• Pumpkin hummus
• Mummy cookies
• Banana Ghost
• Candy Corn parfait
• Strawberry ghosts
• Bean dip
• Chocolate seeded granola
• Mummy pizza
• Curry roasted pumpkin seeds

These treats are really yummy and matching the concept but still keep us healthy with all good ingredients.

8. Zombie Survival Parties

Zombie-themed events are becoming a big part of Halloween in every corner of the world. In 2024, get ready for more zombie survival parties, where people play a game trying to avoid getting "infected." These parties can be held either both indoors or outdoors, and they will be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Here are some of the parties ideas:

• Zombie Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course filled with challenges that zombies will try to overcome.
• Zombie Tag: Play a game of tag where the zombies try to "infect" the humans.
• Zombie Laser Tag: Use laser tag guns to battle zombies in a thrilling game of survival.
• Zombie Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues around the party venue and have guests search for them while avoiding zombies.

For a zombie survival party, set up a zombie face-painting station and decorate with spooky props like fake limbs and brains. Use red and green lights and fog machines to create a creepy atmosphere. 

You can serve "zombie brains" like deviled eggs, a red drink for "zombie blood," and gross-looking snacks like moldy cheese or bug cupcakes.

9. Haunted History Tours

Historical tours of haunted castles and ghostly sites are becoming more popular. In 2024, more towns and cities will offer these spooky experiences, making them a must-see for Halloween enthusiasts who want to dive into eerie history. 

Normally, there will be some common types of haunted tour like:

• Ghost Stories: Listen to chilling tales of ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly phenomena.
• Historical Facts: Learn about the history of the haunted locations you visit.
• Paranormal Investigations: Some tours may include paranormal investigations, such as using EMF meters or trying to communicate with spirits.
• Costumes and Atmosphere: Many haunted history tours feature costumed guides and a spooky atmosphere.

Haunted history tours are a great way to have fun and learn something new. Whether you're a history buff or a fan of the supernatural, these tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

10. TikTok-Inspired Looks

Social media, especially TikTok, is shaping Halloween trends like never before. Makeup tutorials featuring creative, spooky designs are inspiring Irish trick-or-treaters to come up with more unique and detailed costumes.

It has become a hub for creative and innovative Halloween costume ideas. Here are some of the most popular TikTok-inspired looks for 2024:

• Y2K Nostalgia
• Cottagecore
• Goblincore
• Dark Academia
• Glam Rock
• DIY Challenges

These are just a few of the many TikTok-inspired Halloween looks that are trending in 2024. You just need to search for keywords and incorporate these ideas into your costume, then you can freely create a unique and memorable look that is sure to turn heads.

11. Anime and Manga Inspired Costumes

Anime and manga characters will be a popular choice for Halloween costumes in 2024. Fans of these Japanese animation and comics will be dressing up as beloved characters from shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and My Hero Academia.

Here are some popular anime and manga characters to consider for your Halloween costume:

• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira are all popular choices.
• Jujutsu Kaisen: Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki, and Satoru Gojo are popular characters.
• Attack on Titan: Eren Yeager, Armin Arlert, Mikasa Ackerman and Levi Ackerman are iconic characters.
• My Hero Academia: Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Ochaco Uraraka, and All Might are popular choices.

12. Squid Game Inspired Looks

The hit Netflix series Squid Game is expected to inspire many Halloween costumes in 2024, with people dressing up as the show's iconic characters in green tracksuits or the creepy doll from the Red Light, Green Light game.

Squid Game has taken the world by storm, and it's no surprise that it's a popular inspiration for Halloween costumes. Here are some ideas for Squid Game-inspired looks:

• Player 
• Pink Soldier
• Pink Triangle Guard
• Red Circle Guard
• Squid Game Doll

13. Euphoria Makeup Looks

The bold, glittery makeup looks from the HBO series Euphoria will be a popular choice for Halloween in 2024. People will experiment with rhinestones, neon colors, and intricate eye makeup to recreate the show's signature style.

If you're looking to channel your inner Euphoria character this Halloween, here are some iconic makeup trends to try:

• Glitter Tears
• Bold Eyeliner
• Neon Eyeshadow
• Rhinestones and Gems
• Cut Crease
• Graphic Liner
• Matte Lips
• Colorful Eyebrows

Remember, the key to Euphoria makeup is to experiment and have fun. Don't be afraid to try new things and create your own unique look.

14. Wordle and Other Viral Games

The popularity of online word games like Wordle, Quordle, and Heardle will inspire some creative Halloween costumes in 2024. People may dress up as the Wordle grid, create group costumes based on the games, or incorporate game-related elements into their outfits.

Here are some ideas for word game-inspired Halloween costumes:

• The Wordle Grid: Wear a costume with a 5x6 grid of letters, representing the Wordle puzzle. You could use felt letters or paint them onto a white bodysuit.
• The Wordle Guesser: Dress up as a character who is trying to guess the Wordle word. You could wear a detective hat and a magnifying glass.
• The Quordle Master: Wear a costume that represents all four Wordle grids at once. This could be a complex outfit with multiple grids or a group costume where each person represents a different grid.
• The Heardle Listener: Wear a costume that represents a person listening to a song. You could wear headphones and a music note costume.

These are just a few ideas for word game-inspired Halloween costumes. Get creative and have fun with it!

15. Metaverse and Virtual Reality

As virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse become more mainstream, some people may incorporate these technologies into their Halloween celebrations in 2024. This could include virtual Halloween parties, AR-enhanced decorations, or even VR-based haunted houses.

Here are some ways these technologies can enhance your Halloween festivities:

• Virtual Haunted Houses
• Virtual Halloween Parties
• Virtual Halloween Costume Contests
• VR Horror Games
• Halloween-Themed VR Experiences
• Virtual Halloween Shopping

The metaverse and VR offer endless possibilities for Halloween celebrations. Whether you're looking for a spooky adventure, a social gathering, or a creative outlet, these technologies can provide a unique and memorable experience.

How to Customize Your Halloween Website 2024?

Halloween has become a major event in the e-commerce world, beyond just spooky decorations and fun costumes. In this blog, we’ll show you how to create a captivating Halloween landing page for free using the Shopify Page Builder App – EComposer.

What sets EComposer apart is its flexibility, mobile optimization, and real-time editing. You can create any page type, from Halloween landing pages to spooky product displays, with ease. Plus, EComposer offers Halloween templates ready for your creativity.

To get started, all you need is a Shopify account. If you don’t have one, sign up now and enjoy Shopify’s special offer of just $1 for the first month on any plan.

Here’s how you can transform your Shopify store into a Halloween wonderland that wows your customers:

Step 1: Install and Open EComposer

• Head to the Shopify App Store, search for EComposer - Landing Page Builder, and click Install.
• Install the app to activate it on your Shopify store.

• In the Shopify dashboard, go to Apps and open EComposer Landing Page Builder.

Step 2: Create and Customize Your Halloween Landing Page

• Click Start Building in the dashboard’s top right corner.

• Select Landing Page.

• Browse through the templates, categorized as Newest, Popular, Featured, etc. Preview and select the one that fits your store.

• Click Next, name your page, and choose Start Building > Insert

• In the EComposer editor, drag and drop elements from the left sidebar to customize the page. Edit text, colors, and even more to match your brand.

• For further changes, hover over the section you want to adjust and click the editing pen icon.

Step 3: Save and Publish 

Once you’re happy with your page, hit Save and Publish in the top right corner.

Others also read

20+ Must-try Halloween Website Templates & Examples

How to create a Halloween Landing Page for Shopify store

Best practices of a High-Converting Shopify Landing Page 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the origin of Halloween?

Halloween originated as a Celtic festival called Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It was believed that the spirits of the dead returned to Earth on this night. Over time, Samhain evolved into Halloween, a holiday celebrated on October 31st in many countries around the world.

2. What are the most popular 2024 Halloween costumes?

Popular Halloween costumes for 2024 include character costumes from popular movies and TV shows, DIY costumes, and costumes inspired by current trends like retro '80s and '90s vibes, cottagecore, and goblincore.

3. What are some creative Halloween decoration ideas for 2024?

Creative Halloween decoration ideas for 2024 include technology-enhanced decorations, spooky movie-themed decorations, haunted house decorations, and DIY crafts.

4. What are some fun and unique Halloween party ideas for 2024?

Fun and unique Halloween party ideas for 2024 include zombie survival parties, haunted history tours, Halloween-themed escape rooms, and Halloween-themed tea parties.

5. What are some eco-friendly activities to celebrate Halloween in 2024?

Eco-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween include using reusable and swappable costumes, decorating with natural materials, and avoiding single-use plastics.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Halloween, there are lots of fun and exciting activities worth waiting for. The most important thing is that you should choose something that best suits you and makes you feel awesome. It’s all your way!

Whatever you go with, remember Halloween is all about fun and self-expression. So, watch out for these Halloween trends 2024 as you plan your celebrations, and get ready for a holiday that's unlike any other!