5 ways to get into the Halloween Spirit

5 ways to get into the Halloween Spirit [Updated for 2025]

The moment autumn arrives, something magical happens in the world, doesn’t it?

The air turns crisp, the leaves crunch under your boots, and suddenly, pumpkin spice everything appears.

It’s like the whole world agrees that October is the month for a little fright filled fun.

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Still, not everyone feels instantly spooky.

Maybe you’re not quite in the mood yet, or maybe you’re looking for fresh ways to celebrate.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

I’ve put together five fun and easy ways to bring out your inner ghost, ghoul, or pumpkin queen.

Whether you love jump scares or prefer cosy vibes, these ideas will help you embrace the Halloween Spirit and enjoy every chilling moment.

Here are 5 ways to get into the Halloween Spirit

1: Binge on Scary Movies to get into the Halloween Spirit

Nothing sets the mood faster than a horror marathon, does it?

I love that heart racing tension of waiting for the bad guy to jump out.

My October rule?

Only thrillers, slashers, supernatural horrors, and a little gore for spice.

By the end of the month, I’m basically fluent in spooky screams.

Streaming platforms know we want it too.

Every October, they drop new horror movies, creepy documentaries, and even nostalgic Halloween classics.

So grab popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to freak yourself out.

A scary movie night with friends makes it even better, you can laugh at each other’s screams.

Want ideas? Check out some of these posts filled with great Movie and TV recommendations.

What to watch this October

• Mega List of Movies and Shows to watch this October
• A-Z of What to watch on Netflix UK this October
• Ultimate List of Horror Films on Netflix UK
• 38 TV shows to watch this Autumn

2: Bake some spooky treats

For those who prefer sugar over screams, baking really is your Halloween playground!

Think gooey monster cupcakes, ghost shaped cookies, or even a spiderweb chocolate cake.

Pinterest is bursting with creative Halloween baking ideas that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Here are some I found – Halloween Baking Ideas on Pinterest

Shop Halloween Baking Must-Haves

I love how baking can become a whole event.

Put on your Halloween playlist, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and bake away.

You’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fill your home with that cosy festive smell.

Plus, who doesn’t love showing off themed treats at a Halloween party?

How to make a Halloween Chocolate Slab

I’ve also got a super quick and easy how to video on creating a Spooky Chocolate Slab, check that out!

What you need:

• 2x Bars of cooking chocolate
• Baking paper
• Oven tray
• Moulds / I used these ones – 2 Pack Halloween Silicone Moulds
• Microwave safe bowl
• Toppings such as M&Ms, Marshmallows, Rice Krispies etc.
• Spoon

3: Carve some Pumpkins to get into the Halloween Spirit

Pumpkin carving is a Halloween classic for a reason.

Whether you stick to goofy faces or attempt a detailed haunted mansion, it’s always a blast.

And honestly?

I find it super therapeutic.

There’s something calming about scooping out the insides and transforming a pumpkin into your own masterpiece.

*Psst, if you’re looking for pumpkin carving tools that ACTUALLY work, I Highly recommend the OWUDE Professional Pumpkin Carving Kit. We love ours!

It’s also a great way to bring grumpy housemates or family members into the Halloween Spirit.

My gran tends to roll her eyes at all my spooky excitement.

But once I sit down with the kids to carve, she can’t resist joining in.

Before long, she’s laughing with us and proudly showing off her pumpkin.

It happens every year without fail.

That’s the power of a glowing jack-o’-lantern.

Free Printable Pumpkin Carving Templates

Want to make your pumpkin carving even easier (and way more fun)?

I’ve put together 13 free printable pumpkin carving face templates that you can download and use right away, FOR FREE.

From cute and funny to spooky and creepy, there’s something for every vibe.

Simply print them out, tape them to your pumpkin, and carve along the lines.

It’s the perfect shortcut if you’re not feeling super artsy but still want a show-stopping jack-o’-lantern.

So, grab your free pumpkin carving templates here and get carving!

4: Decorate the house

Decorating your home is like flipping a spooky switch.

One day it’s ordinary, the next it’s a haunted lair filled with fabulous bats, cobwebs, and glowing pumpkins.

Just like Christmas decorations make December magical, Halloween decorations transform October into pure magic.

Why stop at a pumpkin on the porch though?

Go all out this year!

String fairy lights, hang skeletons, and scatter faux spiderwebs around.

Even a few decorations can instantly lift the mood and wrap you in the Halloween Spirit.

And yes, please share photos if you decorate, I live for seeing other people’s spooky setups!

If you’re looking for some inspiration on getting your home ready for Autumn, check out my post – 8 Simple Ways to Create a Cosy Home for Autumn

Halloween Decor Recommendations

• Constellation Duvet Cover Set
• Whaline Happy Halloween Pillow Cover x4
• 98pcs Halloween Decorations Window Stickers (We use ours every year!)
• 50” Giant Spider + 200” Triangular Giant Spider Web
• Vampire Tears Black Candles

5: Read a nail biting Book

Not everyone loves jump scares.

If reading is more your style, why not dive into a dark, twisty novel instead.

There’s something delicious about curling up with a hot chocolate, a blanket, and a spine-tingling book on a chilly night.

Thriller books and horror books have a way of creeping under your skin even more than movies.

Some of my favourites leave me sleeping with the lights on for days.

And don’t forget seasonal reads too, there are loads of Halloween themed novels that fit the mood perfectly.

Reading a chilling story is one of the simplest and cosiest ways to immerse yourself in the Halloween Spirit.

I’ve got a few book reviews that may just be of interest

These are perfect for this time of year as they are thriller based.

• The Last Girl Spoiler Free Book Review
• Good Girls Die First Spoiler Free Book Review
• Five Little Liars Spoiler Free Book Review
• One of Us is Lying Spoiler Free Book Review
• This Lie Will Kill You Spoiler Free Book Review

Bonus tip – Use Audible for spooky audiobooks

If you want chills without having to turn a page, then Audible is perfect!

Simply pop in your earbuds and let the eerie vibes roll.

Listen while you:

• Walk the dog
• Do the dishes
• Clean the house
• Take a shower
• Commute to and from work/school/college etc
• Have to rock the baby all night… (ok, that one is personal for me haha)

With an Audiobook you can still sink into a haunting story and stay in the Halloween Spirit.

You can grab a free trial and pick a chilling title that’s yours to keep, even if you cancel.

I highly recommend it as you also get acsess to an extensive library of titles to listen to that are included in your membership (no credit needed).

You’ll also get acsess to a huge library of Audible originals that are AMAZING!

I’ve recently consumed all of Jenny Blakhurst’s books available on Audible and Anni Taylor’s books. They were soooo good and would be fabulous listens for October.

Final Thoughts: Let the Halloween Spirit Take Over

Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just dipping your toes into the spooky season, these five ideas can transform your October.

Watch the movies, bake the treats, carve the pumpkins, deck out your home, and snuggle up with a creepy book.

The Halloween Spirit is about more than costumes and candy.

It’s about creating memories, having fun, and letting yourself embrace a little seasonal magic.

Once you lean in, you’ll find yourself counting down the days until next year. Atleast thats what I do.

So, light that pumpkin candle, grab your popcorn, and let’s make this the spookiest, most fun Halloween yet.