š Halloween Countdown
October 31, 2026
About Halloween
Halloween is celebrated on October 31 each year. It has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints Day, and the evening before became known as All Hallows Eve, eventually Halloween.
Halloween Traditions
Modern Halloween traditions include trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, costume parties, visiting haunted houses, and watching horror movies. Americans spend over $10 billion on Halloween annually, making it the second largest commercial holiday after Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halloween a federal holiday?
No. Halloween is not a federal holiday. Schools, businesses, and government offices remain open on October 31.
What is the origin of trick-or-treating?
Trick-or-treating is thought to derive from the medieval practice of "souling," where the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. The modern American tradition took hold in the 1930sā1950s.