Halloween 2026: Cheap and Easy Ideas for Costumes, Pumpkins and a Spooky Night In
Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday 31 October. Cheap costume ideas, pumpkin carving tips, trick-or-treat safety and spooky films for a fun night on a budget.
Halloween 2026 falls on a Saturday, which means more time for costumes, parties and trick-or-treating. The good news is that a great Halloween doesn't have to cost much.
Here are easy, budget-friendly ideas for the whole family.
Cheap and easy costume ideas
- Ghost. An old white sheet with eye holes. A classic for a reason. Make sure the eye holes are big enough to see properly.
- Skeleton or zombie. Dark clothes, face paint and some ripped old clothing.
- Witch or wizard. A dark dress or cloak, a hat and a broom from the garden shed.
- Black cat. Black clothes, drawn-on whiskers and a pair of ears made from card.
- Vampire. A white shirt, a black jacket or cape and some face paint.
- Use what you have. Check the dressing-up box, swap costumes with friends, or look in charity shops.
Safety tip: keep costumes away from candles and open flames, and check shop-bought costumes have the proper safety labels.
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Pumpkin carving tips
- Choose a pumpkin with a flat base so it stands up straight.
- Cut the lid at an angle, so it doesn't fall inside.
- Scoop well. A thinner wall is easier to carve.
- Draw your design first with a pen, then carve slowly with a small serrated knife. Adults should do the carving for young children.
- Use LED tea lights instead of real candles. They're safer, especially around children and costumes.
- Don't waste it. Roast the seeds as a snack, and use the flesh in soup or curry.
Trick-or-treat safety
- Young children should always go with an adult.
- Carry a torch and add something reflective to costumes.
- Only visit houses with Halloween decorations, and respect "no trick or treaters" signs.
- Check sweets before children eat them, especially if anyone has allergies.
A spooky night in
Not going out? Turn off the lights, make some popcorn and put on a Halloween film. Family-friendly favourites include Hocus Pocus, Hotel Transylvania, Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Ghostbusters. A board game also works well. See our board games guide.
Save money on Halloween
- Make decorations from paper, card and old jars.
- Buy sweets in big multipacks, rather than small bags.
- Shop the day after Halloween, when decorations are often heavily discounted, ready for next year.
Common questions
When is Halloween 2026?
Halloween is on Saturday 31 October 2026.
What are the cheapest Halloween costume ideas?
A ghost made from an old sheet, a black cat, a skeleton or a witch can all be made from clothes and things you already have.
How long does a carved pumpkin last?
Usually a few days to a week, depending on the weather. Carve it a day or two before Halloween so it looks its best on the night.
What comes after Halloween?
Bonfire Night is on Thursday 5 November, followed by Black Friday on 27 November. See our Bonfire Night guide.
Related guides
This guide is for general information only. Prices, rules and offers can change, so always check the latest details before you decide.
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