Whether you love it or hate it, more people are celebrating Halloween in Australia. While you might love the idea of dressing up in scary costumes and eating pumpkin-flavoured everything, do you know the history behind the holiday? We’ve got a brief rundown, as well as easy costume and decorating ideas for a spooky Halloween that won’t cost the earth or require a small loan.
Overview:
- When is Halloween?
- The history of Halloween explained
- Halloween in Australia vs America
- How To Celebrate Halloween in Australia
- Halloween in Australia FAQs
When is Halloween?
Just like in other countries, Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October each year. Sadly, since Halloween isn’t an “official” holiday, it’s not a public holiday in Australia. But that doesn’t stop many Aussie Halloween enthusiasts from celebrating!
When did Halloween start in Australia?
Halloween started gaining traction in Australia in the late 1990s and early 2000s, influenced by American pop culture, movies, and television. More recently, its popularity is further driven by:
- Social media influence
- Retailers
- The growth of “nerd culture”
- The desire to connect with others
Prior to this, Halloween was not a widely recognised or celebrated event in Australia.
How popular is Halloween in Australia?
While Halloween is not widely celebrated in Australia, it is gaining more popularity, especially among certain groups or communities. It’s common for clubs and venues to host Halloween or spooky-themed events, such as the ever-popular Fright Nights at Movie World on the Gold Coast. Some neighbourhoods might hold a local community trick-or-treat for kids in the early evening, or groups of young people may use Halloween as an excuse to have a party or watch horror movies.
While some groups enjoy Halloween for just a bit of fun together, like Easter or Christmas, others oppose the holiday, resisting American culture and traditions. Some might also dislike the holiday for being so commercialised and consumerist.
As Halloween is not a public holiday, it’s likely to be more popular when it falls on a weekend. It falls on a Saturday this year, so expect it to busier!
In 2025, Roy Morgan Research and the ARA found that:
- 43% dress in costumes
- 46% go trick-or-treating
- 38% decorate their home
This means that Halloween is certainly becoming more popular in Australia.
The history of Halloween explained
Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. The Celts believed that on the night before November 1st, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, and ghosts could return to earth. To ward off spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes.
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows’ Day), and the night before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, later shortened to “Halloween.” All Saints’ Day was a time to honour saints and martyrs, and it was thought to absorb some of the traditions of Samhain.
Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the traditions to America, where it exploded in media and commercial popularity.
Why Trick or Treat?
In medieval Europe, particularly in England, there was a custom known as “souling,” which took place on All Souls’ Day (November 2). The poor would go from door to door, offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food, often soul cakes. In return for the cakes, they would promise to pray for the souls of the deceased. This practice is one of the key origins of trick-or-treating.
Today, trick-or-treating is a fun, family-friendly Halloween tradition. Children dress in costumes and go from house to house, saying “trick or treat” and expecting candy or small treats. It has become a key part of the modern Halloween celebration, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, and increasingly in other places like Australia and the U.K.
Halloween in Australia vs America
With most Halloween traditions being heavily reliant on the climate, the culture around the holiday is a little different in Australia versus America. Here is a little summary:
| America | Australia |
| In autumn, adding to the spooky vibe | In spring, when the days start getting longer |
| More focus on trick-or-treating and decorating | More emphasis on parties rather than trick-or-treating |
| Most people participate in trick-or-treating, having lollies ready | Houses use decorations or signs to indicate participation in trick-or-treating |
| More participants and more integrated into the culture, including in the workplace | Fewer participants and generally less festive spirit for those that do participate |
| Pumpkins not in season (some farmers/supermarkets encourage carving pineapples or watermelons) |
How to celebrate Halloween in Australia
While trick-or-treating is popular in America, we haven’t fully embraced it in Australia. Most people decide to host or attend a dress-up party. On top of that, Australia is embracing the Halloween tradition of decorating their home, carving pumpkins, and throwing parties with cheap Halloween ideas. These are the best from the Swoosh vault.
Last minute Halloween costume ideas
One of the best things about Halloween is dressing up in the perfect costume. But sometimes life is just too busy, and there isn’t time for an elaborate disguise. Never fear! Swoosh is here. We’ve got some last-minute Halloween costume ideas that will ensure you’re on theme and on time.
1. Mime
Short on time? Then you need a mime! Perhaps one of the easiest costumes you can whip up in a hurry, all you need is some face paint and a striped shirt. You can even skip the extras like a hat, gloves, and suspenders – but if you want to go the full mile, your local cheap shop should have all the accessories you need.
2. Get your twin on
This one is so easy. Just team up with another time-poor friend and wear matching outfits with matching hairstyles. Then you can go as twins! Bonus points if one of you is the evil twin.
3. Classic cat
A cat costume is a timeless, easy option for both kids and adults. All you need is a black marker, face paint, or eyeliner to draw on some whiskers and a little nose. If you don’t already have cat ears, you can quickly make a pair using paper and a spare headband. Or, you can get a fun tall hat and easily become the Cat in the Hat! Simple, cheap, and always a crowd-pleaser!
4. Toilet paper mummy
Need a costume that you can make using only the things you already have on hand? Toilet paper mummy is your answer! In a similar vein, you can do the classic ghost with a white sheet and cut out holes. These are sure to create some laughs.
5. 80’s throwback
Few costume ideas out there are easier than dressing as a 1980s flashback. Some of the fashion from the 80s has even made a comeback and can be found in our wardrobes already. Want to get the 80s look for your Halloween party? Then just aim for things like:
- Jean jackets
- High-top Chuck Taylors
- Crimped hair with scrunchies, outrageous bows, and high ponytails
- Red lips and red nail polish
- Crop tops with high-waisted three-quarter pants or jeans
- Wayfarer-style sunglasses
- Neon colours
- Workout gear with sweatbands and ankle warmers
- Bangles
- Funky coloured tights with mini skirts
Budget decorating ideas for Halloween
Australians have really embraced Halloween decorations in recent years! Come October, the shops are packed with plastic pumpkins, spooky ornaments, and fake cobwebs. If you’d prefer to save money, there are plenty of cheap ideas for DIY Halloween decorations that can help you create a ghoulish atmosphere without using your credit card.
1. Carve a pumpkin
More and more Aussies are choosing to carve pumpkins this Halloween. As well as being fun, it’s a great way to support Australian farmers while also having fun with your family. Get inspired and start carving! Since pumpkins aren’t in season, you can try some alternatives like:
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Rockmelon
- Papaya
- Butternut pumpkin
Fun fact: the original Halloween tradition was to carve “ghost turnips”, but America didn’t have them available.
2. Spooky paper garlands
This one is as easy as paper, scissors, and sticky tape. You can create any Halloween design you like using just paper and string you have around the house. It’s also a fun craft to do with your kids and one of the many budget ideas for your Halloween party.
3. Cobwebs
Fake cobwebs are a Halloween classic. You can either buy some from the cheap shop or even make your own. Try fluffing out some cotton wool to make cobwebs or even make some out of yarn!
Thinking about throwing an epic Halloween bash but low on cash?
Halloween can get expensive fast, but Swoosh Finance is here to help you manage life’s spooky surprises. With our fast, 100% online small loans and no hidden fees, applying is simple and stress-free. Apply online today!
Halloween in Australia FAQs
Do Australians do trick-or-treating?
Generally, Australians don’t do trick-or-treating, but it heavily depends on your local community. Certain neighbourhoods may host a trick-or-treating event for the kids in the early evening before it gets too dark, usually only sticking to houses with Halloween decor or some kind of indication they are participating,
What season is Halloween in Australia?
Halloween is in the middle of Australia’s spring season and the tail end of the dry season. However, this does not stop us from mimicking the autumnal vibes in the Northern Hemisphere with our Halloween decor, like dry leaves and dead trees.
Which country is Halloween originally from?
Halloween actually originated in ancient Ireland, not America!
Which countries don’t celebrate Halloween?
Most countries outside of North America, the UK, Central Europe, Australia, and New Zealand don’t celebrate Halloween.
Is Halloween a big deal in Australia?
While Halloween is getting more popular in Australia, it is not considered “a big deal” like Easter or Christmas. Even if people do celebrate it, it is not taken as seriously and is just an opportunity to have some fun.
