Halloween Spirit Thrives Across the U.S., Poll Reveals

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:09:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As Halloween approaches, an AP-NORC poll highlights the festive mood across the U.S., with families and individuals planning celebrations, costumes, and candy distribution.

In a year where Halloween celebrations are anticipated by about two-thirds of Americans, families are gearing up to enjoy costumes, trick-or-treating, and festive decorations. The AP-NORC poll indicates parents are particularly enthusiastic about the holiday, with many planning to take their children out and don costumes themselves. From rural Blairstown, New Jersey, where 'Friday the 13th' was filmed to colorful celebrations in Arizona and Colorado, the Halloween spirit is vibrant this year, though preferences for candy versus healthy snacks remain clear.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sherry Jenkins embodies the essence of Halloween. Living in Blairstown, New Jersey, a small town famous for its filming of the original “Friday the 13th,” she eagerly participates in the Halloween festivities, hosting friends and distributing candy to upwards of 1,000 trick-or-treaters.

Jenkins represents a growing trend, as about two-thirds of U.S. adults are set to celebrate Halloween this year, according to a recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This enthusiasm is especially prominent among parents of children under 18.

“We’re definitely where the party is,” Jenkins remarked, standing firm against offering healthier treats. “I tried that once with raisins, and everyone made fun of me!”

While Halloween candy remains the preferred option—only 5% of adults plan to offer healthy snacks—the playful spirit carries across all ages. Jenkins plans elaborate decorations and enjoys dressing up her dog in a butterfly costume, despite only 9% of U.S. adults reportedly dressing up their pets.

Parents Take the Lead in Celebrations

A significant 80% of parents with children under 18 intend to celebrate Halloween, compared to 60% of adults without kids. Halloween enthusiasts like Jessica Byrd from Kingman, Arizona, relish the holiday with her family, who plan to don costumes and trick-or-treat together this year.

“I love the free candy and how everyone is nice on Halloween,” Byrd expressed as she prepared for her family’s themed costumes.

Home Decorations and Year-Round Enthusiasm

Halloween isn’t just about the night of trick-or-treating; many enthusiasts like Byrd decorate year-round with skeletons and witches. With about 30% of U.S. adults planning to enhance their homes with Halloween decorations, the creative expressions continue to brighten the festivities.

Some families, like that of Kathy Rice in Colorado Springs, Colorado, have unique traditions, trading treats with neighbors while showcasing impressive decorations, from faux pumpkins to spooky signs.

A Range of Celebratory Styles

Though a fair share of adults embrace the holiday and eagerly participate in Halloween events, others like Karalyn Kiessling from South Lyon, Michigan, enjoy more moderate festivities. Kiessling mentioned her intention to dress as the Bride of Frankenstein due to a recent neck surgery, showcasing how personal stories blend with holiday spirit.

This Halloween season is sure to be a mix of excitement and familial bonding, contributing to the ongoing tradition of dressing up, decorating, and enjoying the unique joys that come with the spooky season.