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Written By
Zain Usmani
Oct 22, 2025
•Life in Canada
Halloween in Canada is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. It’s a time when communities light up with spooky decorations, creative costumes, and plenty of treats. For newcomers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Canadian culture, meet neighbours, and join in on the fun. In this guide, discover what to expect from Halloween in Canada, including when it’s celebrated, popular traditions, and safety tips for a happy and fun-filled evening.
Halloween traces its roots to the ancient Celts of Ireland, who celebrated Samhain nearly 2,000 years ago. They believed October 31 was when spirits could cross into the world of the living, so people dressed up as ghosts to protect themselves.
Irish and Scottish immigrants brought these customs to Canada in the 1700s, along with the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns and going door-to-door for treats. Over time, Canadians embraced and adapted these traditions, transforming Halloween into a day filled with costumes, candy, and community spirit.
Today, Halloween is not a public holiday, but it’s one of Canada’s most beloved celebrations, second only to Christmas in popularity and spending!
Canadians celebrate Halloween every year on October 31. In 2025, that falls on a Friday.
In the weeks leading up to the big day, families:
On Halloween night, children dress up and go trick-or-treating around their neighbourhoods, and you may even see adults wearing costumes at work or parties!
If your child plans to wear a costume to school, check any school-specific dress guidelines to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.
Tip for Newcomers: Halloween is also a great way to connect with neighbours and learn about your community. A simple “Happy Halloween!” can go a long way.
If you’re still learning about other celebrations in Canada, explore Diwali in Canada: How Newcomers Celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Trick-or-treating is the highlight of Halloween for Canadian children. On October 31, kids dress up and go door-to-door collecting candy from friendly neighbours, often between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., depending on local customs.
Many neighbourhoods and communities organize fun Halloween events such as:
In Quebec, there’s even a historic tradition called “La Guignolée”, where people go door-to-door singing and collecting donations for those in need, a reflection of Canada’s generosity and community spirit.
When it comes to Halloween costumes, creativity is key! You’ll see everything from spooky ghosts and witches to superheroes, animals, and movie characters. Adults often join in with themed or group costumes for Halloween parties.
Whether you buy or make your costume, there are affordable options across Canada. Try Walmart, Spirit Halloween, Dollarama, or thrift stores like Value Village for budget-friendly ideas.
If you’re watching your expenses as you settle in, you’ll find helpful tips in Cost-Saving Ideas: 22 Practical Tips for Newcomers and How to Save Money on Rent in Canada.
Safety tip: Use makeup instead of masks for better visibility, and add reflective tape so drivers can see kids in the dark.
From pumpkin-lined porches to spooky skeletons, Canadians love decorating their homes for Halloween! Starting in mid-October, it’s common to see:
For inspiration, check out local stores like Canadian Tire, Home Depot, or Dollarama to create a haunted yet welcoming look for trick-or-treaters.
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween must! Families gather to design jack-o’-lanterns, spooky, funny, or creative, and light them with candles to glow on Halloween night.
If carving isn’t your thing, try painting or decorating pumpkins with stickers instead. It’s safer for younger kids and just as festive.
🎃Fun Fact: “Jack-o’-lanterns” originated from an old Irish folktale about Stingy Jack, who was doomed to wander the earth with only a carved-out turnip to light his way.
Wherever you live, whether in Calgary, Surrey, or London, you’ll find local events and pumpkin patches that make this tradition even more memorable.
While Halloween is fun, safety always comes first, especially for children. Follow these key tips for a safe and happy night:
🏠 Apartment tip: If you live in a condo or apartment, ask if your building hosts an indoor Halloween event for families.
No, Halloween is not a public holiday, but it is widely celebrated nationwide on October 31 with parties, decorations, and community events.
Canadians celebrate by decorating homes, dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and going trick-or-treating. Many cities also host haunted attractions and themed events.
Popular stores include Walmart, Spirit Halloween, Canadian Tire, and Value Village. For budget options, try Dollarama or online retailers.
Check your neighbourhood’s trick-or-treating hours, wear warm layers, and bring a flashlight or glowsticks. If you prefer not to participate, keep your porch light off on Halloween night.
Halloween in Canada is more than a spooky celebration; it’s a shared cultural experience that brings families and communities together. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, handing out candy, or going trick-or-treating with your kids, it’s a great way to feel at home in your new country.
And remember, stay safe, dress warmly, and have fun! 🎃
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARWRITTEN BY
Zain Usmani
Writer, Prepare for Canada
My name is Zain Usmani and I am a freelance content writer who currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario. I immigrated from Pakistan to Canada 5 years ago and have lived in many cities ever since. I have lived in Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Regina SK, London ON, and Mississauga ON, while visiting over 40 Canadian cities and towns. I have a great passion for writing and I love helping people through it.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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