Halloween 2025 spending hits a scary high — here's how much Americans are shelling out

Despite frighteningly high costs, most individuals in the U.S. still intend to celebrate Halloween.

As per the National Retail Federation, almost three-quarters of consumers (73%) plan to engage in the holiday, consistent with previous year’s 72%.


“Even with concerns about price increases due to tariffs, Halloween continues to resonate with consumers of all ages,” cited National Retail Federation Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen. “Whether it’s dressing in costume or carving a pumpkin, more consumers plan to take part in Halloween activities and traditions," Cullen mentioned. "Retailers are prepared to ensure the shopping experience is a treat for consumers this Halloween season.”

Record-Breaking Spending Expected

Halloween spending is forecasted to measure a record $13.1 billion in 2025, as per the federation’s annual consumer survey done by Prosper Insights & Analytics. This exceeds previous year’s $11.6 billion and surpasses the past record of $12.2 billion set in 2023.

Top activities for the holiday are distributing candy (66%), wearing costumes (51%), and decorating residences or yards (51%). Several consumers also intend to carve pumpkins (46%), host or attend parties (32%), visit haunted attractions (24%), or dress their pets (23%) compared with previous year.

Candy remains to dominate Halloween shopping, with overall spending anticipated to measure $3.9 billion. Costumes continue to be popular as well, with 71% intending to buy them, resulting in $4.3 billion expenditures. Decorations are also trending, with 78% planning to buy, up from 75% previous year with overall being approximately $4.2 billion. Per-person expenditure has hit a record $114.45, almost $11 higher than previous year and exceeding the past $108.24 record set in 2023.

Tennessee’s Top Costume Options

Fictional figures from the animated Netflix movie KPop Demon Hunters are dominating Halloween outfit trends in Tennessee. Members of the girl group HUNTR/X, Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, rank among the most famous choices in the state’s main cities.

Nashville Favorites:

• Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Zoey (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Mira (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Strawberry Shortcake
  
• Shego (from Kim Possible)
  
  

Knoxville Favorites:

• Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Mira (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Pebbles Flintstone (from The Flintstones)
  
• Johnny Appleseed
  
• Goldilocks
  
  

Chattanooga Favorites:

• Rumi (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
• Velma (from Scooby Doo)
  
• Strawberry Shortcake
  
• Labubu
  
• Baby Saja (from KPop Demon Hunters)
  
  
  

Tennessee’s Favorite Candy

Evaluating grocery purchases throughout the year, Instacart found out Life Savers as Tennessee’s favorite Halloween candy. This iconic ring-shaped treat is also famous in the East and Southeast, frequently appearing in states like Connecticut, Georgia, and North Carolina. Tennessee’s candy orders were 7.4% more than the national average, as per the Instacart’s Sweet Tooth study.

FAQs:

1. When is Halloween celebrated?
   Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31st.
   
2. Who participates in Halloween?
   Almost three-quarters of Americans intend to celebrate Halloween in 2025.