Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

If you’re wondering if Christians should celebrate Halloween you’re not alone. I believe that many believers struggle with this each year, and that the answer is of greater importance than we’re typically willing to give it. I’m certainly far from an expert in this area, but would like to share with you what I’ve discovered over the last few years of researching this conflicting topic. My hope is that it will, at the very least, help point you in the right direction.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

So what exactly are we to do every year October 31^st rolls around? Should Christians celebrate Halloween or is there a better way?

Once upon a time I would’ve thought nothing of sending little ones out in cute costumes to collect candy on a particular day of the year. I’ll be the first to admit that seeing tiny toddlers dressed up as ladybugs and elementary aged kiddos looking like their favorite animal or superhero is an adorable sight to see!

It wasn’t until my husband and I started a family of our own that I began to start praying about the subject and whether or not it was honoring to God to celebrate Halloween. I’ll be honest and say that there was something inside of me that was uneasy.

Obviously this holiday is known to be very dark and although young children don’t typically celebrate that part of it I still wasn’t entirely convinced that partaking of it in any way was okay.

I’d like to hang here for a second and explain that your family’s decision in this matter is entirely between you and God. In no way do I look down upon those with a different view than my own. I’m prepared to receive some opposing feedback, and that is okay! Please know that my desire is to simply share with you my own discoveries and convictions on this matter. I sincerely want to please God in my decisions, especially those affecting my children.

Related: WHAT IS GOD’S WILL FOR MY LIFE?

Origins of Halloween

As I began to study the origins of Halloween I learned that its history isn’t exactly cut and dry. The condensed version is that Halloween is a combination of the Celtic festival of Samhain (dating back a couple thousand years) and “All Saints Day” initiated by Pope Boniface IV of Rome in 609 A.D.

The Celtic people started their New Year on November 1^st which marked the end of their harvest and the beginning of many dark, dreadful, cold days ahead. They believed that on October 31^st the souls of the dead came back to earth to haunt those still living. The Celts dressed up in costumes in an attempt to scare off the ghosts, and left food on doorsteps to appease unwelcome spirits.  

“All Saints Day” originally known as “All Martyrs Day” was also observed on November 1^st to honor the Catholic martyrs and saints during 7^th century Rome. It’s important to note that the Romans conquered much of the Celtic territory in the first century A.D. Their pagan beliefs likely infiltrated Rome, which would explain the merging of the two separate “holidays” into one.

“All Saints Day” morphed yet again into “All Souls Day” in the 9^th century which eventually began to celebrate the souls of all the dead in a similar fashion to the Celts Samhain festival- parades, costumes, bonfires, etc.

“Souling” and “guising” also took place around this time frame. Souling involved the poor approaching their wealthier neighbors for sweet treats called soul cakes. As payment for these pastries they would pray for the diseased loved ones of their neighbors. In a similar fashion, youth from Scotland and Ireland participated in what’s known as guising where they would perform for their neighbors, while in costume, in exchange for a treat or money.

Halloween came to America as immigrants settled into the southern colonies. It is easy to see that our Americanized version stems from all of these traditions. Obviously, it is now heavily geared towards children. If the majority of us truly understood the history and current practices that take place on this night would we still encourage our children to participate?

Is It A Sin To Celebrate Halloween?

You may be wondering if it’s a sin to celebrate Halloween and what God’s thoughts are on the topic. My desire in writing this is to provide a biblical response to Halloween, but please don’t just take my word for it.

I encourage you to always go straight to God’s Word for wisdom on any subject, and sincerely pray for a discerning heart. I’d like to share with you some of my own discoveries, but also encourage you to do your own research.

Now that we have a history of Halloween I’d like to transition into what takes place on the streets of America each year during the month of October. We’re all aware of the parties and trick-or-treating, but there are other aspects that the majority of us aren’t as acquainted with.

When I first began digging into this topic I was surprised at the number of former satanists and witches that were pleading with Christians to stop celebrating Halloween. Many of those who’ve experienced the reality of the spirit world and the depths of evil and darkness are passionately against this holiday.

As I listened to their testimonies I was shocked to learn that animal and HUMAN sacrifices are still performed on Halloween each year. I learned that members of the occult will actually visit stores that sell costumes and candy to specifically pray over the innocent children who come in contact with them. I’ll never forget a quote I heard several years ago. Anton LaVey (founder of the Church of Satan) famously said “I’m glad Christians let their kids worship the devil at least one night out of the year.”

Is it strange that a Satanist can plainly see our ties to the demonic world when we choose to partake of this holiday, but us Christians have a difficult time deciphering truth?

Friend, I get it! You may still be thinking that they’re just kiddos partaking in some innocent fun. And I certainly agree that there is nothing inherently wrong with children dressing up in wholesome costumes and accepting candy from kind strangers. However, when this takes place in conjunction with a holiday that glorifies death, evil, darkness, and sin why do we feel the need to defend and justify it?

What Does the Bible Say About Halloween?

Apart from reading about Halloween’s history and occultist ties, I also knew that even if God’s Word doesn’t explicitly say “Christian, this is what you should do regarding Halloween”, It most definitely does have something to say about the subject.

Believer, we are called to be salt and light.

Set apart.

Imitators of God, as beloved children.

We are called to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” and “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Timothy 6:11, I Thessalonians5:22 emphasis mine). God’s Word clearly says to reject our former ways that were once so encapsulated in darkness, “and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

Why would we lay all of this aside one day a year for a little perceived fun and some candy?

Bible Verses About Halloween:

Ephesians 5:8-11 beautifully reminds us of God’s goodness, grace, and desire for His children:

“…for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Below are some additional Bible verses about Halloween that may be helpful to you.

• “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirit of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8
• “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:21
• “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13
• “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7
• “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:19-21
• “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
• “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31 NIV
•  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
• “Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them…” 2 Corinthians 6:17

Biblical Response to Halloween Videos

If you’re looking for more in depth conversation about this whole topic please be sure to check out some of the videos below. Not every one of these is specifically about Halloween, but they each offer some valuable insight into the reality and dangers of the demonic spirit realm. Please take a look as you have the time.

• Take It From Someone Who Used To Talk To Satan: Halloween Is A Bad Idea– Ex Satanist John Ramirez has an incredibly powerful testimony. He passionately seeks to warn Christians of the devil’s tactics and the deception of this holiday. This specific video is a very short interview, but I strongly encourage you to also take a moment to watch his full length testimony as you have the time.
• From Darkness To Light: One Woman’s Journey Out Of The Occult– Another beautiful testimony of God’s grace. Jac Marino shares her story on the Alisa Childer’s Podcast. Even though this one doesn’t mention Halloween, it is a must watch. Jac shares how the enemy often begins to lure our children into the darkness through illusion and deception at an alarmingly young age.
• Christians and Halloween Hear From An Ex Witch– I first came across Beth several years ago and am so grateful for her desire to speak truth and use her testimony and knowledge to reach as many people as possible.
• Why We Don’t Celebrate Halloween– After watching this one I realized that we touched on many of the same points, but Cate and John go a bit deeper in their explanations and provide a full 10 reasons why they’ve chosen not to celebrate Halloween. It’s always encouraging to come across other like-minded believers and I’m grateful for their boldness and compassion to lovingly share their convictions.
• Christians and Halloween- Jessica Joy does a great job of getting straight to the point in explaining her perspective. I’m super encouraged by seeing younger generations graciously stand up and speak out regarding this topic. 

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? – Our Family’s Decision

Our family has decided to look at Halloween as just any other day of the year. A day to be grateful for the very breath in our lungs, share the hope of Christ, and honor our Creator.

Every year during trick-or-treat hours in our community we take our kids out for a nice meal or dessert and then to the store so they can pick out a small toy or book. Instead of spending money on costumes and candy, we spend it on a fun evening out as a family.

Although my son is still too young to fully understand the details of this holiday and our family’s decision to not participate, my 8 year old daughter does fully understand. She has never once felt like she was missing out, and has actually shown concern while mentioning several times that she doesn’t understand why people celebrate the darkness.

Please don’t assume that your children will be resentful and feel like you’re taking away their fun. Even if they do respond negatively, you are the parent and it is your job to lovingly protect and guide them to the very best of your ability.

Our decision in the matter may look a little different than what God calls your family to, but please make certain that whatever you choose, you’re glorifying HIM above all else. And remember that we can be a light and share the gospel without feeling the need to compromise our convictions.

So should Christians celebrate Halloween? Friend, do your research. Pray about it. And dig into God’s Word. There you will find the answer.