Get the Finder app 🥳

Connect your accounts & save

Install
finder.com.au

Halloween in Australia 2020

Do Australians celebrate Halloween? Where did Halloween come from? Can I go trick-or-treating? Your questions answered.

Mia Steiber
Mia Steiber

Updated

Halloween is an annual celebration held on 31 October every year. It’s a day where children and adults alike dress up in costumes, walk through their neighbourhood trick-or-treating, carve lanterns out of pumpkins and bob for candy apples.

This is a hugely popular day in North America. Even big companies like Starbucks join in on the fun by offering Pumpkin Spice lattes during the Halloween period. But in countries like Australia, Halloween can often slip by without anyone even noticing and many Australians openly reject this celebration.

Read on to under the history of Halloween and why Australians are divided over this spooky celebration.

Do Australians celebrate Halloween?

Yes and no.

Halloween is a subject that Australians are divided over. Some Australians believe it is another great excuse to celebrate and have fun – not like we need an excuse or anything. Others may feel that it isn’t an Australian celebration.

As a result, when Halloween comes around, you’ll see some brilliantly decorated homes as well as many that are not. You may see a few trick-or-treaters out and about, but many people will choose to stay home.

Many neighbourhoods with small children will often participate in Halloween celebrations. But other areas with older demographics may ignore this day all together.

Why don’t some Australians want to celebrate Halloween?

Some Australians seem to be very against celebrating this day in Australia. This is because some view Halloween as an American tradition, and thus celebrating this day is accepting American culture over our own.

Rejecting Halloween could be seen as rejecting American culture and protecting our own unique Australian culture.

Some have suggested that Australia’s rejection of Halloween stems back to the Victorian era and the forsaking of indulgence. But when you talk to many Aussies, most just plainly say that it’s an American holiday and not for us.

The history of Halloween

Halloween is a contraction of “All Hallows Evening” and is a day that has been celebrated all over the world under a number of different names.

There is a school of thought that links modern Halloween celebrations back to the Celtic festival Samhain, which is an ancient pagan celebration. Samhain was held at the end of the harvest season and marked the descent into the darker half of the year. During this time, it was suggested that the divide between the world of the living and world of the supernatural shifted and that mystical creatures could more easily come into the human and living realm. This could be the spooky origin of our modern-day Halloween.

There is also said to be some influence from Christian celebrations. In Christianity, 1 November is a holy day called All Hallows Day, making 31 October All Hallows Eve. In addition, 2 November is called All Souls Day. These days were a time to honour the dead and saints. It is believed that during the 700s Christian beliefs merged somewhat with Celtic beliefs and All Hallows Eve merged with Samhain and began to more closely resemble the celebration we have today.

Another celebration linked to Halloween is the Mexican festival of the Day of the Dead, which is celebrated on 2 November, the same day as All Souls Day in early Christianity. The Day of the Dead traditions come from pre-Colombian cultures, celebrated in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar. It is believed that this day dates back 2,500-3,000 years. During the Day of the Dead festival, many people will dress up, decorate their homes, walk the streets and remember friends and family members who have died. It is very possible that this ancient celebration has, over time, influenced and shaped the Halloween celebrations that we have today.

Trick-or-treating etiquette in Australia for Halloween

If you plan on trick-or-treating in Australia or you want to hand out lollies to trick-or-treaters, there are a few things you should consider:

For trick-or-treaters:

  • Try and stick to areas that have other trick-or-treaters. If you see lots of other trick-or-treaters out on the street, it’s likely that this is a Halloween-friendly neighbourhood. You’ll have better luck here.
  • Choose houses with decorations. Since many Australians reject Halloween, choosing houses with decorations is a good indicator of those who are happy to accept trick-or-treaters.
  • Try not to disturb people during dinnertime. Many people find doorbell ringers of any kind very offensive during dinnertime. Keep this in mind.
  • Don’t trick-or-treat too late in the evening. Be mindful that Halloween often occurs on a weekday and many people need their sleep. Try to do your trick-or-treating earlier rather than later.

  • A costume is a must. If you want to trick-or-treat, you’ll need a costume. Otherwise, you’re just asking strangers for candy.
  • Inspect your candy. Parents of young children, or you yourself, should inspect your lollies carefully before eating them. This can stop those with allergies from consuming something potentially unsafe.

For accepting trick-or-treaters:

  • Wrapped lollies are best. Pre-wrapped candy is a lot more hygienic when you have lots of little hands rifling through candy bowls.
  • Put up some decorations. If you’re willing to accept trick-or-treaters, maybe put up a decoration or two on your door so kids and parents know that they can knock at your place.
  • Be mindful of allergies. It’s always kind to stay away from nut-based or gluten-based candy given the prevalence of allergies in western society. Kids often won’t read the labels before eating their candy.

If you want to celebrate Halloween this year, here’s all the inspiration and costumes ideas you need:

Halloween costume ideas

Jeff the Killer Morphsuit Boys Costume
Jeff the Killer Morphsuit Boys Costume

Costume Box

View details
DC Superhero Girls Harley Quinn Value Girls Costume
DC Superhero Girls Harley Quinn Value Girls Costume

Costume Box

View details
Black Panther Deluxe Shuri Womens Costume
Black Panther Deluxe Shuri Womens Costume

Costume Box

View details
Justice League Wonder Woman Toddler Girls Costume
Justice League Wonder Woman Toddler Girls Costume

Costume Box

View details
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Groot Toddler Costume
Guardians of the Galaxy 2 Groot Toddler Costume

Costume Box

View details
Stranger Things Elevens Plaid Girls Shirt
Stranger Things Elevens Plaid Girls Shirt

Costume Box

View details
Steve Scoops Ahoy Halloween Stranger Things Costume for Men or Boy
Steve Scoops Ahoy Halloween Stranger Things Costume for Men or Boy

Amazon

View details
Novelty Male Face Halloween Mask
Novelty Male Face Halloween Mask

PrettyLittleThing

View details
Disney Maleficent Deluxe Womens Costume
Disney Maleficent Deluxe Womens Costume

Costume Box

View details
Star Wars Inflatable Chewbacca Adult Costume
Star Wars Inflatable Chewbacca Adult Costume

Costume Box

View details

Top stores to buy Halloween costumes

Take the fuss out of Halloween and buy a costume from one of our favourite costume stores

Cheapest stores to buy basics for Halloween costumes

Looking for a plain white tee to tear up? Or maybe you need a cheap pair of gloves to match your costume? Well then check out these stores.

More costume inspiration

Feature images: Shutterstock

PrettyLittleThing PrettyLittleThing

Up to 70% off everything + extra 10% off

Enjoy up to 70% off everything at PrettyLittleThing. Plus, take an extra 10% off with code. Hurry, this deal won't last long. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Dangerfield Dangerfield

Up to 60% off store-wide

Shop now to enjoy up to 60% off store-wide at Dangerfield. Hurry, this deal won't last long. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

ASOS ASOS

Extra 25% off dresses and jumpsuits

Enjoy an additional 25% off dresses and jumpsuits at ASOS. Use promo code at checkout. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Myer Myer

Up to 50% off: Stocktake Sale

Get up to 50% off a great range of clothing, accessories, toys, and more, including daily deals at Myer. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Dangerfield Dangerfield

70% off outlet: Flash Sale

Enjoy 70% off outlet sale at Dangerfield. Valid for a limited time at Dangerfield. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Missguided Missguided

50% off everything + Extra 15% off winter

Enjoy 50% off absolutely everything plus an extra 15% off winter sale with code at Missguided. Hurry, valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Gymshark Gymshark

$30 off when you spend $220

Save $30 on your $220 purchase by using the promo code at Gymshark. Hurry, this deal won't last long. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Quay Australia Quay Australia
Exclusive

10% off orders over $75

Use the code to save 10% when you spend over $75 on glasses and accessories at Quay Australia. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive
PatPat PatPat
Exclusive

Up to 70% off + 15% off site-wide

Save more 15% on kids' dresses, jumpsuits, matching outfits and more at PatPat. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive

Coupon code ends

Princess Polly Princess Polly

30-60% off 100's of new sale styles

Enjoy up to 60% off sale for the styles you'll love from Abrand, Wrangler, Thrills and more at Princess Polly. While stocks last. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Cettire Cettire

Up to 60% off sale

Score up to 60% off selected styles from Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferrgamo and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
PatPat PatPat
Exclusive

$5 off when you order over $59

Save $5 on kids' dresses, jumpsuits, matching outfits and more at PatPat. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive

Coupon code ends

THE ICONIC THE ICONIC

Up to 70% off sale + new styles added

Enjoy up to 70% off selected styles from top brands including Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Nike and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Bally Bally

Up to 50% off sale + FREE shipping

Enjoy up to 50% off the Bally™ Spring/Summer 2020 collection including shoes, accessories and ready-to-wear. Plus, FREE shipping and returns. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Glue Store Glue Store

Up to 70% off outlet items

Enjoy up to 70% off selected styles from Superga, Vans, Le Coq Sportif and more at Glue Store. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Bonds Bonds

Up to 50% off + extra 10% off sale

Enjoy up to 50% off clothing and underwear for men, women and kids. Plus, take an extra 10% off with code. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
adidas adidas

Up to 50% off outlet

Get up to 50% off selected footwear, apparel and more at adidas. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Nike Nike

Up to 50% off Nike shoes, clothing and more

Shop for Nike products on sale and enjoy up to 50% off selected styles. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Peppermayo Peppermayo
Exclusive

15% off site-wide

Score 15% off dresses, tops, shoes and more at Peppermayo. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive

Coupon code ends

Sportscraft Sportscraft

Buy 2 or more, get 20% off

Buy 2 or more items to get 20% off at Sportscraft. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
THE ICONIC THE ICONIC
Exclusive

$20 off your first order

Get $20 off your first order when you sign up at THE ICONIC. Valid on orders over $99. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive
Chow Sang Sang Chow Sang Sang

Purchase 2 or more selected jewellery and get 10% off.

Purchase 2 or more selected jewellery and get 10% off. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Vistaprint Vistaprint
Exclusive

Up to $50 off your order

Use this code to save $50 on orders over $200, $20 on orders over $100 or $10 on orders over $60. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
Exclusive

Coupon code ends

BNKR BNKR

30% off full-priced items

Valid on selected styles and for a limited time only at BNKR. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Forever New Forever New

Up to 50% off: End of Season Sale

Enjoy up to 50% off your purchase at Forever New. Hurry, valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

SurfStitch SurfStitch
Ends tonight!

Nothing over $50 sale

Find the absolute best stuff you can get at Surfstitch for $50 or less. Selected styles from SWELL, Depactus, Wrangler and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Ends tonight!

Deal ends

Lovehoney Lovehoney

Up to 70% off: EOFY Sale

Save up to 70% on sexy lingerie, bondage and more at Lovehoney. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Vistaprint Vistaprint

FREE standard delivery

Enjoy FREE standard delivery on all orders over $60 at Vistaprint. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Quay Australia Quay Australia

40% off sale sunglasses

Shop your favourite Quay's sunglasses for 40% off. Valid on selected styles. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Myer Myer

50% off women's shoes, accessories, and more

Take 50% off the original price of women's shoes, accessories, jewellery by Basque, Piper, Innovare Made in Italy, and more. Hurry, deal ends soon. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Luxe.It.Fwd Luxe.It.Fwd

$25 off site-wide

Enjoy $25 off best-selling styles from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Celine, Hermes and more at Luxe.it.fwd. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
LN-CC LN-CC

Extra 15% off sale

Get an extra 15% off sale clothing, shoes, bags and more at LN-CC. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code
LN-CC LN-CC

Up to 60% off full-priced products

Valid on selected styles and for a limited time only at LN-CC. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Cotton On Cotton On

50-70% off outlet sale

Get 50-70% off outlet sale at Cotton On. Hurry, this deal won't last long. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Wild Secrets Wild Secrets

Up to 60% off: Christmas in July Sale

It's time to celebrate with exciting gifts for her, him and couples with up to 60% off at Wild Secrets. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Boohoo Boohoo

50% off everything

Score 50% off dresses, casual wear, shoes and more at boohoo. While stocks last. Excluding sale. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

ASOS ASOS

Up to 50% off more sale

Enjoy up to 50% off more stuff including tops, jeans, accessories, shoes, and more at ASOS. Hurry, valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

THE ICONIC THE ICONIC

30% off workwear styles

Prepare to wear real pants with 30% off selected styles from Tarocash, Lacoste, Tony Bianco and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

NastyGal NastyGal

55% off everything

Enjoy 55% off absolutely everything at NastyGal. Hurry, deal ends soon. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Saks Fifth Avenue Saks Fifth Avenue

Up to 70% off: Designer Sale

Get up to 70% off designer selections for women and men at Saks Fifth Avenue. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Popular Womens Clothing & Accessories coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
6 Jul 2020 Up to 70% off everything + extra 10% off 10P****
6 Jul 2020 Extra 25% off dresses and jumpsuits DRE****
30 Jun 2020 50% off everything + Extra 15% off winter chi****
24 Jun 2020 10% off orders over $75 FIN****
23 Jun 2020 Up to 70% off + 15% off site-wide fin****

Related Posts

Finder Daily Deals: The 5 best online deals in Australia today

Today's best online deals in Australia, hand-picked by Finder's shopping experts.

Fall back in love with Australia from $109 with this Qantas sale

Book your next escape to Hamilton Island, Gold Coast or even Ballina Byron.

Best mesh routers 2020

Adding a Mesh Router to your home network is an easy way to seriously boost your home or office Wi-Fi performance – but which system should you buy?

The 5 best deals in Qantas' mega-sale

Domestic fares with up to 45% off standard prices.

How to watch Austrian F1 Grand Prix live and free in Australia

Formula 1 finally makes its 2020 debut with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring at Spielberg, Austria.

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Ask a question
Go to site