Celebrating Halloween in the U.S.

As an international student, one of the most exciting things about studying in the U.S. is the chance to experience American traditions firsthand. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, and few celebrations compare to experiencing it in the U.S. Throughout October, cities and campuses turn into spooky wonderlands filled with costumes, decorations, and activities. For many students, celebrating Halloween in the U.S. offers a thrilling and unique experience.

This guide will explore fun facts and what to expect if you find yourself celebrating Halloween in the U.S.

Fun Facts About Halloween in the U.S.

It’s Not an Official Holiday

Although Halloween is a major cultural event, it is not an official public holiday in the U.S. Schools and businesses remain open. Festivities usually occur the weekend before Halloween and after 5 PM on Halloween day. Many workplaces and schools hold costume contests or Halloween parties. Around 70% of Americans participate in Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating, costume parties, or decorating their homes.

Millions of Pounds of Candy Sold for Halloween

Each year, about 600 million pounds of Halloween candy are sold in the U.S.—that’s a lot of sweets! Hopefully, everyone remembers to brush their teeth a bit more that day. This enormous number highlights how central candy is to the Halloween celebration, with millions of households stocking up for trick-or-treaters and parties. Fun fact: the top 5 Halloween candies sold in the U.S. are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Skittles, M&M’s, Snickers, and Starburst.

“Halloween Capital of the World”

The first citywide Halloween celebration in the U.S. was held in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1920. Known today as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka earned this title by organizing parades, costume contests, and other activities to create a festive environment for families. This event set the foundation for Anoka’s ongoing tradition, making it a significant piece of Halloween history in the U.S., and the town continues to celebrate in grand style each year.

Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of this exciting holiday as an international student:

1. Bring Out the Halloween Decoration

Long before Halloween night, you’ll see just how seriously Americans take their Halloween decorating. As early as September 1st, grocery stores, clothing stores, and neighborhoods start gearing up with Halloween displays, almost two months before the big day. Homes, schools, and businesses are decked out with pumpkins, skeletons, spider webs, and everything spooky. Many cities embrace the holiday spirit by hosting haunted houses, ghost tours, and pumpkin carving contests. On campuses, student groups often join in by organizing themed parties, costume contests, and Halloween movie marathons. At OHLA Schools, we get festive with a school-wide Halloween costume contest, pumpkin carving, and classroom decorating events. Be sure to participate and soak in the fun, spooky atmosphere!

2. Carve a Pumpkin

Anyone who grew up in the U.S. has likely carved a pumpkin for Halloween. If you’ve never tried it, it’s a fun activity to add to your fall traditions. You can find pumpkins at local stores or visit a pumpkin patch, which is an enjoyable autumn outing in itself. Carving kits are typically sold in sets, and many online tutorials are available to help. Here are some creative pumpkin carving ideas. Displaying your carved pumpkin on your doorstep or window will make you feel part of the Halloween tradition.

3. Halloween Costume Culture

No matter if you’re 5 or 50, one of the best parts of Halloween is getting dressed up! Whether you choose a scary, humorous, or pop-culture-inspired costume, there are endless possibilities. During this season, costume stores seem to pop up everywhere, offering plenty of options. However, if you’re feeling creative, you can always put together a unique costume using items from home. Many students look forward to Halloween parties and campus costume contests, which provide the perfect opportunity to show off your outfit.

4. Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is a classic Halloween tradition where children visit decorated houses, cheerfully calling “Trick or treat!” to receive candy. Although it’s primarily for kids, adults can join the fun by handing out treats or strolling through the neighborhood to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Many areas organize safe trick-or-treat routes, making it a family-friendly event. It’s a great chance to admire costumes, decorations, and perhaps satisfy your sweet tooth along the way. Thinking of studying abroad with kids, here are 5 Essential Tips for Moving Abroad with Kids.

5. Attend a Halloween Event

There’s no shortage of Halloween events in your area—just do a quick search! Cities often offer a variety of festivities, from haunted houses to costume parties, making it easy to connect with locals, meet new friends, and fully embrace the Halloween spirit. If you’re in Florida like us, we’ve rounded up the top Halloween events for 2024, but exciting celebrations are happening all over the country for you to explore!

Best Halloween Events in Florida 2024:

• Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando (Aug 30 – Nov 3, 2024) – Renowned globally, this spine-chilling event offers haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows for those seeking fear-inducing thrills.
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney’s Magic Kingdom (Aug 9 – Oct 31, 2024) – Perfect for families, this event features trick-or-treating, fireworks, a parade, and character meet-and-greets with your favorite Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes.
• Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando (Sept 6 – Nov 2, 2024) – Offering haunted houses, scare zones, and thrilling rides in a dark setting, this is ideal for thrill-seekers.
• A Petrified Forest in Altamonte Springs (October 2024) – One of Florida’s top outdoor haunted trails, it provides a frightening experience with special events and backstage tours.
• Fantasy Fest in Key West (Oct 18 – 27, 2024) – A lively 10-day festival packed with parades, costume contests, and street fairs, known for its colorful and eccentric celebrations.

As an international student, celebrating Halloween in the U.S. is a great way to dive into American culture. Beyond the scary fun, you’ll enjoy fall flavors like pumpkin-spiced treats, caramel apples, and candy corn. Be sure to capture the special moments—whether carving pumpkins or dressing up in costume—for memories you’ll cherish and share with friends and family back home. Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy; it’s also a chance to be creative, have fun, and connect with your new community. Embrace the festivities, meet new friends, and make the most of this unique holiday.

Want to read more? Check out Best Time to Study Abroad.

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