How many days until Halloween?
The number above shows how many days until Halloween. Halloween is always 31 October; in 2026 it falls on a Saturday, which means trick-or-treating and parties on a weekend night. Once it has passed, this countdown rolls straight over to next year's Halloween, which is a Sunday in 2027.
Where Halloween comes from
Halloween grew from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the start of winter, when the boundary with the spirit world was thought to be thin. The name comes from "All Hallows' Eve", the evening before All Saints' Day on 1 November. Carved lanterns began in Ireland and Scotland, where turnips were used; in North America, pumpkins took over. Trick-or-treating became widespread in the US by the 1950s.
Halloween dates ahead
- 2026: Saturday 31 October
- 2027: Sunday 31 October
- 2028: Tuesday 31 October
- 2029: Wednesday 31 October
- 2030: Thursday 31 October
Last-minute Halloween ideas
- Costumes from the cupboard: a sheet ghost, a cardboard robot, or face paint and a cape.
- Pumpkin tips: scoop it out from the bottom, not the top, so it stands steady.
- Safety: reflective tape or a torch for children walking after dark.
Once Halloween is over, the Christmas countdown really begins. See days until Christmas and the full list of holiday countdowns.
Halloween traditions around the world
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) follows on 1 and 2 November, with altars and marigolds honouring loved ones. In Ireland, where many Halloween customs began, families still eat barmbrack, a fruit bread with a ring hidden inside. In Scotland, children went "guising", wearing disguises and performing a song or joke for treats, long before trick-or-treating spread in America.
Pumpkin carving in five steps
- Pick a pumpkin with a flat base and a sturdy stem, and no soft spots.
- Cut a lid in the base, not the top. It stands steadier and is easier to light.
- Scoop out the seeds and scrape the wall facing outward to about 2 cm thick.
- Draw the face with a washable marker, then cut with a small serrated knife. Adults should do the cutting with young children.
- Light it safely with a battery tea light instead of a candle.
Roast the seeds with a little oil and salt at 160°C for about 25 minutes for a snack.
Easy costume ideas
The best last-minute costumes use what you already have. A white sheet makes a ghost; a black outfit plus cat ears makes a cat; a cardboard box and foil make a robot; a striped top and a drawn moustache make a mime. For groups, pick a theme such as the planets, a box of crayons or a deck of cards. Add reflective tape for anyone walking outside after dark.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
When is Halloween 2026?
Saturday 31 October 2026.
How many days until Halloween 2027?
After 31 October 2026, this countdown switches to Sunday 31 October 2027.
Is Halloween a public holiday?
No, it is not a public holiday in the US, UK or most countries.
How many weeks until Halloween?
Divide the days at the top by seven.
How many hours until Halloween?
The ticker at the top shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left. Multiply the days by 24 and add the hours for the total.
More holiday countdowns
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.