How many days until Halloween?
Halloween 2026 is on Saturday, October 31, 2026. In 2027 it falls on Sunday, October 31, 2027.
Halloween is always October 31, the evening before All Saints' Day on November 1.
Halloween grew out of the Celtic festival of Samhain, when people lit bonfires and wore disguises to ward off wandering spirits as summer ended. Today it means pumpkin carving, costume parties and trick-or-treating after dark. Use the countdown to plan costumes early, book a haunted house before tickets sell out, and stock up on candy before the shelves empty in the final week.
Halloween in the next five years
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 31 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 31 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 31 | Thursday |
Facts about Halloween
- Jack-o'-lanterns were first carved from turnips in Ireland and Scotland. Irish immigrants in America switched to pumpkins, which were larger and easier to carve.
- The phrase 'trick or treat' became common in North America in the 1930s and 1940s.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Halloween a public holiday?
- No. In the United States it is a widely celebrated tradition, but schools, banks and offices stay open.
- What time does trick-or-treating usually start?
- Most neighborhoods see trick-or-treaters from around dusk until about 8 or 9 pm, though some towns set official hours.
- Why are pumpkins carved for Halloween?
- The custom comes from Irish turnip lanterns; immigrants to America switched to native pumpkins, which are larger and easier to carve.
More countdowns
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- New Year's Day
- Valentine's Day
- Easter
- Mother's Day
- Father's Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
Counting to a different date? Try the Date Difference Calculator.