This is the most informative article about Christians and Halloween online.
The best part?
You’ll get answers to some of the most challenging questions about Christians celebrating Halloween.
So, if you want an answer to the question, “Should Christians celebrate Halloween,” you’ll love this guide.
Let’s dive right in.
Simplifying the Question, “Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?”
Each year as October begins, a familiar question arises: “Is Halloween bad to celebrate?”
Why does this discussion arise every year around October 1st and never seems to have an end in sight?
Much of the discussion centers around differing perspectives on what it means for Christians to 'celebrate' Halloween.
What does one mean by saying, “Christians should not celebrate Halloween”?
Some give the impression that the day itself is inherently evil and dangerous, and Christians should lock themselves in the house on Oct. 31 and not even come outside.
Others believe Christians should not engage in certain activities and be careful.
To simplify this conversation, let’s consider a straightforward question instead:
Is it wrong for a child to dress up in a cute bear costume and enjoy getting candy in a safe environment on Halloween?
Why ask this question?
Because it cuts through all of the vague statements and confusion and gets right to the heart of the matter.
Here’s Where Everyone Agrees Concerning Halloween
Most Christians, whether they do stuff on Halloween or not, would agree that it’s bad to do certain things on Halloween.
Here is a list of things that most would agree that Christians should avoid on Halloween:
Demons
Obvious Satanic stuff, like pentagrams
Blood and gore
Murder
Witchcraft, spells, etc.
Now, these things can be further broken up and analyzed.
For example, one might think it’s OK to watch a scary movie with blood and gore but might not think it’s a good idea to decorate their house by splattering fake blood around.
One might not think it’s good to dress their kid in a witch costume but believe there’s nothing wrong with watching the children’s movie Hocus Pocus.
Also, the opinions on why these things are considered harmful vary.
Some will say that wearing a devil mask opens portals to demons in your house. Others will simply say it’s just not shining a good light for Jesus.
Let’s just keep all this simple. Everyone would agree that we should be careful with things like these.
But again, I’ll ask, “Is it a sin to dress your kid in a cute bear outfit and take them down the street to get candy on Halloween? Yes or no?”
I'm not just referring to bear costumes when I ask this question. I’m referring to all seemingly harmless and less darkness-oriented activities.
Getting or handing out candy
Non-demonic costumes
Trunk-or-treats at church
Community events for children
Carving cute designs in pumpkins
If it’s all forbidden, why?
Appealing to the Paganistic, Historical Side of Halloween
Often, Christians may associate fellow believers who view cute bear costumes as harmless with the more paganistic side of Halloween.
Notice how she says the whole “day” is given over to “demonic activities.”
And by “not participating,” she means that even if you only get candy on Halloween, you’re getting close to worshipping the devil.
This is usually because of beliefs about Christianity and Halloween history.
It goes like this:
Halloween has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people believed the boundary between the living and the dead blurred.
This led to practices aimed at warding off spirits, like pumpkin carving.
When Christianity spread into Celtic regions, the church established All Saints’ Day on November 1, hoping to replace pagan practices with Christian observances.
Despite these efforts, many customs associated with Samhain, like costumes and carving pumpkins, continued.
This caused some Christians to view Halloween as promoting occult or pagan practices.
Today, some Christians believe Halloween encourages fascination with the dead, darkness, and fear, which they see as contrary to biblical teachings.
However, there is a big problem (in my opinion) with using the “paganistic argument” to encourage Christians not to do anything on Halloween:
Much of what we think we know about the history of Halloween is unclear.
Honestly, I think that many Christians are simply getting all of this information from random websites and accepting it without doing “deep research.”
“Deep research” is done by consulting primary sources, not just online rabbit holes.
A primary source is an actual document from an ancient source that clearly verifies something.
Secondary sources are usually scholars who cite these primary sources.
However, deep research isn’t done by only getting secondary sources, either, because the secondary source could misinterpret what was initially said.
But many Christians aren’t even looking at secondary sources. They’re only reading online information from various places, like social media.
I’m not saying that the information they’re presenting is automatically untrue. I’m just saying the obvious: NO ONE is really researching this topic with primary sources.
And that means we don’t even know if what we’re saying is really accurate or not.
For example, the picture below circulates every year around Halloween:
The picture makes people say things like this:
But here’s the problem: As far as we know, Anton LaVey never said anything like this.
His team has testified that he never said such a thing.
You can only find this picture on social media and random Christian websites.
There is no evidence, but someone, somewhere, created this picture and put the statement in quotes to credit it to him.
And the person did this without having any primary sources to back it up.
In essence, this has led to thousands of Christians repeating something and calling it truth when we’re not even sure if it is.
If there’s a primary source for this, please let me know.
But if we’re just not sure, it’s not right to pass it off as automatic truth in order to fit our narrative about Halloween.
Why? Because it teeters too close to bearing false witness if you ask me. It more than likely is false witness, based on what we do know about this statement.
We should instead be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17, who researched the matter to “see if these things were so.”
It isn’t OK to lie only when it’s toward a Satanist.
This brings me back to the paganistic history of Halloween.
Some primary sources, like Roman and early Christian texts, mention Samhain or other harvest festivals, though they’re often vague.
For example, the Roman historian Pliny recorded Celtic pagan customs in Book 16 of his volume Natural History, but the customs don’t look anything like Halloween today. [1]
Even later works, such as the Annals of the Four Masters compiled in the 1600s, mention Samhain but only say it’s the “eve of All-Hallows.” [2]
The idea that Samhain is a time when spirits cross into the physical world seems to be reconstructed mainly by mixing later folklore with early writings about the Celts. We have yet to find any primary sources describing Samhain this way.
Similarly, early church records note the creation of All Saints' Day to encourage Christian observances over pagan rituals, but writers mainly presume the connection with Samhain rather than directly document it.
Take pumpkin carving, for example.
The custom of carving turnips in Ireland is better documented from the 18th and 19th centuries than from ancient records.
Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America and used pumpkins instead because they were more accessible.
However, the connection to warding off spirits is a later interpretation from Irish folklore that probably merged with American Halloween practices over time.
In short, some Halloween traditions have a foundation in history.
However, the specifics—especially the spiritual elements of Samhain—were often added by later folklore rather than hard evidence from primary sources.
This simply means it’s probably not best to preach historical “facts” about Halloween without objective evidence.
The details of these historical “facts” are often muddied, and there’s even evidence to suggest that Halloween was a “Christian thing” at one time.
Ultimately, while Halloween has some roots in ancient traditions, most people today engage in Halloween activities simply for enjoyment, with no intent of invoking any dark practices.
Take mirrors, for instance—historically, some cultures used them for mystical or superstitious beliefs, even seeing them as portals to other realms.
Yet today, mirrors are an everyday item in nearly every household because our modern use is entirely practical and unrelated to those ancient ideas.
Something neutral and harmless (like mirrors, bear costumes, and candy) could have been taken by a random culture at one point in history and turned into something dark.
But this doesn’t mean that those items are forever cursed. People are not putting on bear costumes today to ward off evil spirits or conjure the dead.
So, the question remains: Is a bear costume and candy indeed a concern for one’s faith?
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Many Christians are unaware that Christmas also has paganistic ties.
If celebrating Halloween is wrong because of its paganistic history, why isn’t Christmas?
For those who celebrate Christmas but not Halloween, knowing that there is paganism in both, they would probably say:
“I celebrate Christmas because even though there’s a paganistic history, we’re now doing it unto the Lord. The holiday is all about him at my house. On the other hand, Halloween has nothing to do with Jesus.”
Here is how I would respond:
First, it doesn’t matter if a specific holiday has pre-existing Christian overtones. The Bible simply says that if we “celebrate” a day or not, we should just do it unto the Lord.
Anything we do should be unto the Lord.
If we avoid activities on a specific day because they have nothing to do with Jesus, we would also exclude birthdays, Independence Day, Memorial Day, and so on.
If I put my kid in a bear costume to get candy, as a Christian, I can guarantee I’m doing it unto the Lord while enjoying my family and having fun.
Second, some Christians clearly choose to make it about the Lord by having trunk-or-treats, “Hallelujah Nights” at church, or just keeping things clean.
However, some still feel these alternatives might not align with Christian values.
This raises an interesting question: If the concern is that Halloween lacks spiritual focus, wouldn’t efforts to celebrate in a Christ-centered way, similar to how we approach Christmas, be something to celebrate together?
This is literally what Paul instructed in Romans 14. People asked him whether it was OK to eat meat offered to false gods.
He begins by saying that one person says it’s OK, and another does not. But they should not judge each other for their decision. (Romans 14:2)
Obviously, it didn’t make any difference if they did or didn’t eat the meat.
He then says that one person sees one day as better than another, and the other person thinks it’s just another day. (Romans 14:5)
Then, he states that whoever observes the day and eats the meat does it to honor the Lord. (Romans 14:6)
And whoever does not also does this for the honor of the Lord.
They took something that was initially intended for evil (meat sacrificed to false gods) and turned it into good (thanked God for the provision, knowing that evil has no power over them, anyway). It was literally just meat in their eyes.
Christians doing certain Halloween-related activities see things the same way—it’s just a bear costume and candy. Are they sins?
Weak, Unbiblically-Based Arguments
Critics of Halloween often express concerns about its activities, which they view as inconsistent with Christian values.
However, proponents who engage in alternative, family-friendly activities may find that these opposing arguments lack a direct biblical basis.
I’ll list a few common, unbiblical arguments here.
“Even Clean Things Can Be Evil”
John Ramirez comes out hard against Halloween every year.
As Mariah Carey is thawed out a little before Christmas every year, some Christians usually thaw John out on October 1st.
He is an ex-Satanist who has risen to popularity by warning Christians about Halloween.
Every year, he presents “personal arguments” that are not based on scripture.
These arguments revolve around his own personal experiences of being an ex-Satanist who glorified Halloween in the past.
Where in the Bible does it say if I have a trunk-or-treat, I’m “cursing” my church?
Does this not contradict scripture, which says that Jesus ended the curse and that we, as his children, are blessed and cannot be cursed?
He was even asked in an interview what he would tell people who state that they’re only getting candy for fun on Halloween.
He didn’t present a sound, biblical argument but instead said that getting candy is not good because “people from different walks of life pray over these candies.”
First, I would be surprised to find someone in my community who is praying curses over the candy they hand out.
Second, this is highly absurd logic. Why get or buy anything from anyone anywhere at any time since we’re unsure if they’re praying curses over what they’re giving us?
Could there be curses on the hamburger meat I buy at my local grocery store?
Third, isn’t our God stronger and wise enough to protect us from exterior curses?
One man who did ungodly things with Halloween a long time ago and is now warning everyone not to put on bear costumes and get candy is a silly reason to throw everything Halloween-related out the window.
“But You’re Still in the Atmosphere of Evil”
This argument says that even if you do clean activities on Halloween, you’re still “among evil,” so this makes it bad.
First, skim the rant and notice that no scripture is listed.
Second, note that if you say anything alternative to the usual stance on Halloween, you’re “defending” Halloween and evil.
Third, see how this post lumps clean activities with bad ones: In their eyes, all people who do “candy” and clean “costumes” also do “cauldrons,” “killings,” and “witches.” This is untrue.
Fourth, I agree with her that if churches are going to host Trunk-or-Treats, their trunks should not have “vampires, ghosts, and goblins” along with dark costumes.
I would make it clear to anyone participating not to bring these things.
Again, some people might think a cute ghost with a smiley face is acceptable, but I still wouldn’t do it.
Ultimately, one church’s decision to allow this stuff should not cancel all Trunk-or-Treats for everyone.
Fifth, being in an “atmosphere of evil” is subject to opinion.
We can’t help what other people are doing. If witch costumes are on the streets, that is an illogical reason to avoid getting candy altogether.
What if restaurant employees were dressed as witches on Halloween, and the place was decorated with scary things?
Should we avoid eating there, even if I was only going to enjoy a fellowship meal with my church?
Should we avoid grocery stores since actual witches could be walking around?
Again, the “atmosphere” argument is opinion-based, not Biblically-based. I, personally, don’t think we’re in an atmosphere of evil when we go out on Halloween for clean purposes.
And even if it was a worldly atmosphere, didn’t Jesus go among sinners and visit weddings with alcohol, where God was not the focus?
There is no evidence that evil is thicker on the streets and in the community on Halloween and that it “enters” you when you do clean activities.
When people cannot find good, biblically-based arguments to defend their view that even Trunk-or-Treats are wrong, they resort to ridiculous ones like the one above and this one:
Yikes.
“You’re Inviting Demons Into Your Life”
Others say that maybe demons don’t “enter” you, but you’re indeed “inviting” them to wreak havoc in your life in some way:
Again, this is speculation.
Sure, I believe certain things can attract or have already-attatched spirits on them, but I wouldn’t say that every piece of decor in the Halloween aisle has a spirit or can attract one.
I would definitely avoid overly demonic decorations.
I have a friend who has a Halloween Snoopy inflatable outside her house. I don’t think that demons are attracted to her home because of it.
“Ex-Satanists Say It’s Wrong”
Every year, the ex-witches and Satanists are brought out as witnesses to the evils of Halloween.
But let’s paint a hypothetical picture.
What if I told you that apples were evil? And to prove this, I presented many people who shared all the wicked things they did with apples and why they believe they’re inherently evil.
What would your response be?
First, it would have a ring of silliness to your ears.
Second, you’d probably immediately perceive that someone else’s experience doesn’t apply to all situations and people.
Third, you’d acknowledge that apples are not evil by themselves, but it’s probably what they did with them that could be evil.
Fourth, you would continue living with apples, appreciating these witnesses' opinions but realizing that the stance is not for you because it involves a lot of unbiblical-ness.
What Does the Bible Say About Halloween? - Scripture Twisting
Even though we’ve been talking about unbiblical-ness, it’s crucial to understand that those against Halloween believe they do have scriptures for their stance.
We’ll now analyze a few of those scriptures, and I’ll give my opinion on why they shouldn’t be used against Halloween.
Ephesians 5:11
The problem with using this scripture against Halloween is that most will do so to rebuke all activities done on Halloween, even bear costumes and candy.
It has to first be proven that bear costumes and candy on Halloween are evil, and then we can possibly apply this scripture to it.
Again, apples.
What would you say if I used this scripture to claim that we should avoid apples?
We cannot start with a false premise and then use scripture to back it up. The claim was false from the beginning.
So, it depends on what you define as “works of darkness.” Bear costumes and candy are not in the context of Ephesians 5, so it’s speculation.
Halloween activities vary widely. While some may focus on darker themes, many others emphasize lighthearted, family-friendly aspects.
Thus, using this verse broadly against all Halloween observances risks equating harmless activities with “works of darkness,” which Paul uses in a more specific moral sense.
2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Some say that because Halloween promotes fear, Christians shouldn’t do anything on this day.
1. Bear costumes and candy on Halloween don’t promote fear.
Growing up, Halloween was always fun for me, not scary.
2. If we shouldn’t even touch a “playful feeling of fear,” then can we ride roller coasters?
3. The context is about not fearing to use the gift God has given you and preaching the Word without shame.
2 Corinthians 6:17
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
1. We cannot start with a false premise that bear costumes and candy are “unclean” and then apply this scripture.
2. The idea that we need to “be separate” from the world is a broad subject that varies from person to person.
Not many Christians “come out from the world” regarding family-friendly entertainment, like theme parks.
We would all agree that this kind of fun is OK for Christians, too.
3. The context concerns being “unequally yoked (joined)” to unbelievers. I wouldn’t say we’re “joined to unbelievers” when we get candy.
How to Celebrate Halloween as a Christian
In conclusion, I’d like to offer some ideas on how you can celebrate Halloween as a Christian.
It is entirely up to you! As Paul said, let each one be convinced in his mind, and we shouldn’t “quarrel over opinions.” (Rom. 14:1)
You might think that an inflatable, smiling witch is OK. I wouldn’t have that, but I see your point.
Why go to battle over the same thing every year?
I would recommend keeping it as clean as possible. However, the critical thing to remember is that what “clean” means to everyone will differ.
It’s time to stop demonizing people over those opinions.
It’s not a good idea to post things like this:
We shouldn’t warn people of “sending out evil into the atmosphere” with Halloween decorations but then send out division and insult with statements like this.
Let’s try a Romans 14 approach.
I know that this article will not end the Halloween debate.
But I wanted to offer some insight on the matter since more opposition to Halloween is expressed every year other than alternative views.
I respect that view entirely if you’re still against doing anything on Halloween!
Should Christians celebrate Halloween?
Please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts!
Be blessed!
Sources:
[1] Pliny the Elder, Natural History, trans. John Bostock and H. T. Riley, Book 16, Chapter 95, accessed October 26, 2024, http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0137%3Abook%3D16&force=y.
[2] Annals of the Four Masters, ed. and trans. John O’Donovan (Dublin: Hodges and Smith, 1856), 43, https://www.google.com/books/edition/Annals_of_the_Kingdom_of_Ireland/8LHSAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Samhain.
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