Redeeming Halloween: Thoughts on Christians Celebrating Halloween
- Jodee Schrlau
- Oct 11
- 5 min read
Halloween’s roots stretch back over a thousand years, beginning as a solemn religious observance. Over centuries, its spiritual side faded, and today, most people simply embrace the holiday as a playful, creative celebration.
A recent poll found that about a quarter of Americans count Halloween among their favorite holidays. In 2023 alone, Americans spent a staggering $12.2 billion on costumes, candy, and decorations. And that number is even higher in 2024.
My neighbor is proudly among that 25%. Each year, his yard transforms into a wonderland of giant spider webs, inflatable pumpkins, playful monsters, floating ghosts, glowing goo, skeletons, eerie sounds, and twinkling lights. When I asked him why he goes all out, he smiled and said, "Because it's fun!" For him, it’s not about spiritual meaning, but about unleashing his creativity and spreading joy to everyone who stops by. Families make it a tradition to drive by with their kids, eager to see what he’s dreamed up this time.
Yet for many Christians, Halloween carries deep spiritual weight. Some see sinister forces behind every jack-o’-lantern, ghost, and skeleton, choosing to either avoid the festivities or pray for those who join in. Too often, these responses are rooted in fear. But let’s recall the words of Jesus in Luke 10.
"Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.” Luke 10:19-20 TPT
A survey by CIT Bank and Harris Polls reveals that 79% of adult Americans, including 93% of Gen Z (ages 18-28) and 87% of Millennials (ages 29-44), intend to celebrate Halloween in 2025. This represents a significant portion of our population! If we refuse to acknowledge this holiday, we are conceding it to the adversary. Jesus told us we are to be a light in the darkness. By redeeming this season, we are shining light in the darkness that the enemy wants to perpetuate this time of year. Martin Luther said, “The best way to drive out the Devil if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” Why not view Halloween as a fun opportunity to laugh at the enemy who no longer has power over us, rather than being afraid of the darkness?
Here are some exciting and creative ways for Christians to start redeeming Halloween and shine the light of the gospel during this vibrant season!
Trick-or-treating
The custom of trick-or-treating, in which children dress up in costume and solicit treats from neighbors, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as Irish and Scottish communities revived the Old World custom of “guising,” in which a person would dress in costume and tell a joke, recite a poem, or perform some other trick in exchange for a piece of fruit or candy.
Dressing up for Halloween is exciting for everyone, regardless of age! Planning and executing a costume, even a simple one, requires creativity—a gift that comes from God. When my kids were young, we dressed them as Bible characters. When someone asks, "What are you dressed up as?" it provides a fantastic opportunity for them to learn and practice sharing the gospel. This is equally effective for adults.
Get excited about the other side of trick-or-treating—handing out candy! There are tons of awesome printables you can attach to your treats to spread the good news of Jesus. I've gathered some fantastic ones on a Pinterest board called Christian Halloween. Dive in and think about using these creative ideas to make Halloween meaningful. Be generous with your treats and think back to the candy that made you smile. You definitely don't want to be known as “the worst house on the block”!
Decorations
Many of our favorite decorations for Christmas and Easter have been redeemed. The Christmas tree, for example, has pagan origins. Now, it symbolizes eternal life, hope, and new beginnings.
Here are a few ideas you can incorporate and share about Halloween decorations.
Ghosts: Holy Ghost and unseen spirits that God has sent to help us.
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Hebrews 1:14 KJ
Spider webs: a reminder not to be caught up in the webs of deception and lies of the enemy.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 NIV
Skeletons: Ezekiel's dry bones tell us it is never too late for the miracle-working power of God, and we should never lose hope.
Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore, prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’ ”Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV
Werewolves and beasties: The story of Nebuchadnezzar is a warning not to boast, but to give glory to God for all we accomplish.
Nebuchadnezzar was driven out of human company, ate grass like an ox, and was soaked in heaven’s dew. His hair grew like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails like the claws of a hawk. Daniel 4:33 MSG
Zombies and Walking Dead:
The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints (God’s people) who had fallen asleep [in death] were raised [to life]; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city (Jerusalem) and appeared to many people. Matt. 27: 52-53 AMP
Carved Pumpkins: Carving pumpkins is an excellent time to talk about salvation.
In a whimsical Halloween setting, this image draws a parallel between Christian transformation and carving pumpkins, illustrating how God renews and fills believers with His light.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has this advice about Christians celebrating Halloween.
We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.
The decision on how to navigate this season is for you and your family to make. Please walk in love, not judgment or fear, toward those who choose differently from you.
Just like the Christmas tree, which gradually became a beloved Christian symbol, we have the chance to start redeeming Halloween this season. No matter how you decide to celebrate, I hope you have an absolutely delightful time.
What exciting steps will you take this year to redeem Halloween? Share with us in the comments below!
