What Does the Bible Say About Halloween? A Practical Guide for Christian Parents

This article has been adapted for parents from Ryan Denison’s Daily Article

As parents, October often brings up the question: how should we approach Halloween in our homes? Should we participate, skip it, or re-frame it somehow? The good news is this: the Bible gives us guiding principles even though it doesn’t mention Halloween by name.

1. Understand the roots

Halloween has a mixed heritage. It traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain—marked by harvest rituals and belief in the boundary between the living and the dead. (Denison Forum) Later it merged with Christian traditions like All Saints’ Day (November 1) and became what we now know as October 31. (Denison Forum)

As parents, it’s helpful to explain to our kids that while Halloween has cultural and historical layers, our goal is to respond to it intentionally.

2. Six questions to ask in your home

• Are we doing anything that celebrates or makes light of evil? The Bible reminds us to take spiritual things seriously, even on a night that’s meant to be fun.
• Does this costume or plan fit with what we’d normally be comfortable with? Does it point toward Jesus, or just follow what everyone else is doing?
• Can we look at Halloween as a cultural thing and choose to handle it in a way that honors God?
• How can we be a light in the middle of it all? If we do join in, can we do it in a way that shows kindness, generosity, or joy?
• What boundaries make sense for our family? Think about costumes, movies, and decorations ahead of time so you’re all on the same page.
• How can we use the night to connect with each other, our kids, and our neighbors? Maybe this is a chance to share some candy and a little light.

3. Three paths families often take

Depending on your convictions and context, many Christian families choose one of these:

• Skip it entirely – If your family feels Halloween is too entangled with darkness or the occult, you might opt out and create an alternative fall event. And that’s okay. The article reminds us that for some, “yes” means avoiding it altogether. (Denison Forum)
• Engage with caution – Use Halloween but transform it. Choose costumes that reflect something good (heroes, biblical figures, animals), opt for safe and fun décor, attend a church “trunk-or-treat” or fall festival.
• Use it proactively for the gospel – Open your door with generosity, invite neighbours over, hand out a simple faith-rooted item along with candy, have a conversation with older kids about why we’re celebrating differently.

4. Practical ideas for your family this year

• Pre-talk with your kids: “Here’s how our family will do Halloween. Here’s our boundary. Here’s how we’ll talk about it.”
• Choose costumes together based on creativity, fun, and safe themes rather than scary, creepy, or dark-occult.
• Set a time-limit for trick-or-treating. Make it a fun outing, then come home for a warm family time (board game, popcorn, share highlights).
• Use decorations that are festive but light-hearted, not fear-driven. Consider adding a faith-filled accent (e.g., a simple “God is light” sign by your pumpkins).
• If you’re handing out candy: add a small “happy Halloween” card with a verse or blessing. It’s a subtle way to reflect what you believe.
• Reflect afterwards: Ask your kids what their favourite part was, what surprised them, and how they saw Jesus (or might have seen him) in the evening.

5. Remember the why

At the end of the day, the question isn’t just “Will we do Halloween?” but “How will we respond in a way that honors Christ?” The holiday itself is a non-biblical matter (God neither commands nor forbids it) therefore our focus is how we honor him in our response. (Denison Forum)

Let Halloween be a moment of connection with your kids, connection with your neighbors, and intentionality in reflecting the hope and light of Christ.