Donate - Together we can bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

October 26, 2011 - We receive thousands of spiritual questions from people around the world. People in our Christian Guidance Department who are trained advisers and pastors respond to these queries in letters, calls and online. This timely question relates to Halloween.

Q: I have mixed feelings about how our family should be involved in Halloween. What should I do?

A: People come to different conclusions about celebrating Halloween, particularly if they have young children or grandchildren to consider.

For some people this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun. Others express concern for their child's safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year.

Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday's origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan.

On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of "All Saints' Day" (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.

We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them. The responsibility to make this decision rests on the adults in the family, not the children. The peer pressure on children is far too great for them to be objective. Certainly, providing a safe, fun environment must be a priority.

Some parents adapt the traditional Halloween practices, while others develop totally different alternatives. These alternatives may include fall festival parties where children are encouraged to dress in a particular theme such as positive cartoon or book characters, famous historical characters, or Bible heroes.

Carrying out that theme with simple acting can be great fun and an opportunity for teaching values as well. Children will always be attracted to costumes and treats; finding positive ways to enjoy these pleasures is the primary challenge for caring adults.

If you decide to make a major change in the way your family celebrates Halloween, you may not need to do all the work yourself. We would encourage you to contact churches in your area to determine what activities are being planned.

Rather than separate completely from the night's activities, some Christians give gospel tracts along with treats to children who come to their homes and make Halloween an opportunity to witness for Christ. Others offer safe places for lighthearted fun.

46 Comments

Mark says 10.8.2012, 5:04 p.m.

We have an anti-halloween party in our family. We teach our kids that halloween is not an edifying holiday. We do the harvest party at our church as the anti-halloween alternative. We focus on praying to rid the world of evil during this time.

HUMMER MENA says 9.27.2012, 5:23 p.m.

1Cor10:20-21 I say the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons,not to God,and I do not want you to be participants with demons.You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in the Lord’s table and demons

Nicole says 9.18.2012, 12:49 a.m.

I think it's a cultural tradition. Just as long as it's kept healthy and not a bloody mess. Just stick with rated G costumes, pumpkin carving and plastic spider in jello.

John says 1.24.2012, 7:27 p.m.

First read Billy Graham's most excellent book "The Holy Spirit". Strengthen your ties to the Holy Spirit practicing his advice. Then pray fervently to God for the answer and I believe the Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of Truth", will answer, not man.

Tim says 10.29.2010, 10:02 p.m.

Thank you all for what you do.

Joshua Landberg says 10.29.2010, 5:37 p.m.

Christians shouldn't celebrate because it's satanic holiday and if you do then you are worshipping Demonic force

Anna says 10.29.2010, 4:14 p.m.

I'm with Alliison, Christians should stop trying to clean up these worldly ritualistic celebrations of the world. We have done it with Christmas, Easter and a whole slew of holidays that the world celebrates. The world has taken the true meaning out of the aforementioned holidays and turned them into commercial endeavors. We should teach our children the true meaning of these celebrations, including Halloween, which is a pagan celebration. I personally don't celebrate it and neither did my children and they are fine.

Levi says 10.29.2010, 4:09 p.m.

I don't know if most people realize it but ALL of the religious holidays instituted by the Roman Catholic Church are founded in Paganism - ALL of them. It was an attempt to get the local peasants to join the church. They just gave the pagan holidays a christian name. For Example: Yule became Christmas - The Christ was not even born in December or close to it. Oster became Easter - I pagan fertility holiday Samhain became Holloween - the origins are covered above.and there are many more.....We - The Church - rejected the Holy Days instituted in the Bible for the Pagan Holidays. I have received much criticism from friends and even from churches regarding my stance on vanquishing paganism from my life. When I was raising my kids as a single father I was even questioned by social services - accused of denying my children. Even though we may receive criticism I feel it is important that we stand up for Biblical principles and not compromise our faith. You cannot worship both God and Satan. So, show me where God is worshiped in Halloween. I think the real question is "What would Jesus Do?" Would you find him dressing up and going out on trick or treating? I think not! If we are to be called "Christians" meaning "Those who are like the Christ" we should do our best to live as he lived. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shame on you for dishonoring the Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit by your acceptance of Halloween. Of all peoples you should know better.

Donna says 10.29.2010, 3:26 p.m.

I struggled with this topic for a few years when my children were young, and I was learning what the origins of Halloween were. Finally, when our middle child was about four or five, I asked the Lord what He thought about it. He responded in one of those almost audible voices in my spirit, "Does this honor Me?" My response was immediate: "No, it honors Satan." It is a high holiday for Satan, like Christmas is for Jesus. Why would we want to have ANYTHING to do with it? If your children feel "left out," they need to understand that it is a good thing to be left out of something that honors the devil. This is an opportunity to teach children to stand up for Jesus, who told us to be very glad when people make fun of you and ridicule you for His name's sake. Perhaps if they learn this while they are still young, it will not be difficult when they are ridiculed for their faith when they are teens and young adults.

Ed says 10.29.2010, 3:23 p.m.

Halloween gets its roots from a christian celebration called "All Hallows Eve" where families gathered at the graves of their family members and prayed and had food to commune with their loved ones. It is the day before Nov 1, All Saints Day, which is a Catholic Christian Holy Day to celebrate and pray for the souls of the departed. Over time, this practice has been paganized into the current Hallowe'en. I think as long as you teach your children the truth about Halloween and celebrate it for the original intention of celebrating life and death as a part of life, then the celebrations can be good ones.

Karan says 10.29.2010, 3:14 p.m.

I personality believe there is nothing wrong with Halloween, We have gone to Churches who sell things to eat and cold drinks, then they had cake walks and other ways to have fun ,all the candy was outside in the parking lot, in trunks of the people that belonged to that Church, I mean come on, your kids get on there costumes have fun in the church and we all have a good time. Come on people dont we have enough to do and worry about than going to a Church and getting candy? Yes I am a Christain, just my thought.

Aislinn says 10.29.2010, 3:03 p.m.

I was raised in a church going family and we were always forbidden to partake in any Halloween celebrations, we all felt completely left out and it was always an unhappy time. Now as a Mother of 2 myself I feel strongly that it is a dark celebration and full of occult undertones and I feel that all Christian churches should have a Night of fun and games for their children so they don't feel left out but so they are aware from a young age that it is one night that Christians shouldn't celebrate in the same way as non believers.

Ron says 10.29.2010, 2:42 p.m.

I Love the Lord. I have Prayed about this. The word that I get is that we must separate our selves from these things that are leading those that partake in the wong direction. Away from the Lord. And the lost, Away from Salvation.

Raquel says 10.29.2010, 2:29 p.m.

When I was a child my parents allowed my brother and I to dress for Halloween for several years. This was a culture in our community a very big part of our schools, after schools and now I'm sad to say church. As a mother and a wife of 8 children from ages 10-18, I have never allowed my children to celebrate Halloween, and I must say I am very proud of this. See as I developed my relationship with Christ I grew to learn her heart. So while there may be many things we may do because of tradition or earthly meaning we must be wise to the word of God. I'll leave everyone with these scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Leviticus 20:27, 20:6I pray for all to have the wisdom of God while reading the scriptures.

Bonnie says 10.29.2010, 2:28 p.m.

When I was a kid, we used to pass out tracts along with the candy to trick-or-treaters. Later, when we found out about the origins of Halloween and that many still practice witchcraft and sorcery on Halloween, we posted a note on our door that explains the origins of Halloween and that we wouldn't be participating anymore. Now that I'm married and with very young kids, I realize how important it is to protect our children emotionally and spiritually as well. I used to think that it'd be ok to let them go to school and that they would carry a testimony for not dressing up, but I've seen and heard from other parents where their kids would be ridiculed and made fun of for not wearing a costume. It's better to protect young children by pulling them out of school for those events. There are many churches out there that plan activities that are open to everyone even if yours don't. It would be fun for young children without having them to feel left out and question with rebellion.

Panton says 10.29.2010, 2:14 p.m.

Halloween, without a doubt, has its origin in the occult but I think the festival can be used for constructive alternatives by Christians. How would Jesus react if He was walking on the earth today in physical form? I believe He would embark upon some programs (in love) that would bring liberation and emancipation to bound individuals, families and communities. So lets be proactive and creative in using this occasion for the glory of God.

Anthony says 10.29.2010, 1:56 p.m.

Hey thanks for this insightful response. I really like the idea of giving out Gospel tracts along with treats. I think it would be fun to celebrate the Reformation and the religious freedoms won at that time too. God Bless!

Donna says 10.29.2010, 1:45 p.m.

I agree on the positive side of the coin. I let my children trick or treat but only to frinds and family and church that I know. We do it in a non-scary way that children can enjoy and we like seeing the costumes. To some I can see it being the devils day but I can also see the fun and good side of it all to, festival-food-candy-dress up- make up- and laughter. Have a safe one.

Kate says 10.29.2010, 12:40 a.m.

I think 89.3, KSBJ said it best. "Let this night be an opportunity for us to be the light for Jesus...." Celebrate Harvest time with Fall decorations. Have a basket filled with Biblical scriptures especially geared towards how kids should behave so they too could grow closer to God.

Lisa says 10.29.2010, 12:39 a.m.

This has always been a light hearted celebration for our family, the fun of planning costumes and using your imagination. For several years our family would go to the Disney party in Orlando. I can tell you , my son and daughter had the best time coming up with costumes together. On June 30, 2008, our son Jon went to Heaven, all laughter stopped in our family. But we are using this halloween to stick it right back to death and say "we are not going to let you steal our laughter, Jesus defeated you and you do not have the victory". So on Oct 30 , my daughter, husband , and I are hosting a very playful , and light hearted party at our home. It is the first time we have really had guest since Jon went to Heaven, and I think a really awesome time to celebrate the precious gift of life and light that Christ bought for us with His on blood.

Allison says 10.29.2010, 12:06 a.m.

It says in the Bible, God's Word, the Truth, in Ephesians 5:11 "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness" (Read all of Ephesians 5-it' so good!) How clear does that have to be..have NOTHING to do with it. If you need more than that but why would you, after all it's God's Word...but in all seriousness, If Christians look into their heart and are honest before GOD, they would know that Halloween is not pleasing to GOD. I want to honor GOD, Halloween does not honor GOD any way you try to spin it. I am not saying it, HIS Word says it! It is marketed as"dark and spooky" to say the least. I believe some people and some Christians spin it to make it comfortable for them and to fit in with "the world." 1John 2:15 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." Just sayin' Christians, reflect Jesus!!!! Hallelujah!!

Nina says 10.29.2010, 11:47 a.m.

I believe that we can celebrate Halloween, but do not bring the ritualistic ideas into it. I would never have my children dress in evil attire, and if we all can remember that it truly is the eve, of ALL Saints Day and maybe let our children know about the true meaning of the day. Maybe that evening we could light a candle for Jesus, at the dinner table. Just to let the kids know what this is all about.

Angela\ says 10.29.2010, 11:21 a.m.

Thanks for this =) Kinda confused also.

Lisa says 10.29.2010, 11:15 a.m.

We enjoy the harvest themed events and our children have always dressed up in wholesome costumes. I am reminded of Phil. 4:8 in guiding what we do as a family. If it doesn't meet the criteria of that passage in God's Word, then we shouldn't be doing it. We can use this time to witness to others who might ask why our house doesn't have a pretend graveyard in the front yard or gory decorations. On the other hand, pumpkins were made by our Creator.

Maribel says 10.29.2010, 11:08 a.m.

Wow, never looked at this way. I feel more comfortable now about it. My family has always looked at it as dressing up and candy. I was skeptical because a church I attended percieved it as "the devil's holiday". My son is Autistic so he won't even wear a costume. I can now see this in a different way with peace in my heart. Thank you.

Rebekah says 10.29.2010, 10:53 a.m.

We never really made a big thing about Halloween, in fact, my husband and I felt it wasn't something for us. But we moved back to the states when my daughter was 3 yrs old and when I asked if she wanted to dress up for Halloween, she would only want to dress as a cowgirl. I took her trick or treating until she was 5yrs old. Than she asked 'why is it we read in the bible we should keep always on GOD's path and away from evil and we celebrate Halloween? She said 'it's like we are celebrating evil'. We haven't celebrated Halloween since. I can't believe how every year my husband and I would go back and forth on this and it took my little girl to say 'no' and clearly say what it is. Now she is in 4th grade. Her teacher was speaking in class about this holiday. My daughter had said that she doesn't celebrate Halloween. Her teacher gave an assignment for the class to write their most memorable Halloween on scary paper. The teacher said to my daughter that she might be standing out for being different, but her alone had an assignment to write her most memorable fall experience and she was handed very nice fall paper to write on. My daughter said she loved to feel different and beaming with joy. She's been blessed and so has our whole family for this one small act, but big to us. This teacher honored our difference and by this, she honored GOD. Praise GOD!

Aimee says 10.29.2010, 10:37 a.m.

For Halloween as Christians we have started a new tradition in our family - I told my children if they want to go out and trick or treat we need to leave everyone with our own treat - so every Halloween for the last 5 yrs we have written up slips with God's message of salvation and hope and given them out to everyone we see, not only were surprised to see how many people accepted the message, but my kids now write up the messages themselves and can't wait to see people's response!

O.t. Manary says 10.29.2010, 10:25 a.m.

Really and amazing answer. In Atlanta, Ga we will have a "Festival at the Mount" in our Mount Paran Church of God, where we'll use the idea of dressing up as many characters from the Bible and known figure, and worship God with songs, karaoke, candies, and a lot of fun for the kids without celebrating death, devil and the evil spirit of this Horror party Halloween.

Junior says 10.29.2010, 09:59 a.m.

Sorry, there is no way to dress this up. I'm surprised. Scripture is clear. You are marginalizing and justifying your desires to do what you want versus doing what you should. There is no way to jusify this. You can't be "lukewarm", you are either "for it or against it". It's too bad that with things the way they are in this world that people are getting all "wishy-washy" with their Faith.

Charlie says 10.29.2010, 09:50 a.m.

With 6 kids I sure have been thru this over the years. New twist: I love Christmas and try to set up a tree Nov. 1st. Why not decorate the outside of my house for Thanksgiving/ Christmas and give out candy canes etc. celebrating the Life of Christ? Remind with literature that to dress like Jess you have to have a white robe. The commercials for Christmas have started....why cant I?

Mario says 10.29.2010, 09:35 a.m.

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Connie says 10.29.2010, 09:32 a.m.

it is what you make it .

Jana says 10.29.2010, 09:31 a.m.

I bought candy to give to these children in the apartments! I have no children and love to see the children! I put candy w/ plastic bracelets that are cartoon characters! Only the outside I put a sticker that sticks to back that "Jesus loves you!" That way I have a positive message!

Levi says 10.29.2010, 09:28 a.m.

I am shocked and so extremely disappointed that the BGEA would support this non-holiday in any way. It is about nothing but pure evil. We have so lost focus on Christ that we have incorporated Pagan Holidays into our daily lives. Read the Book of Kings and Chronicles and see what happened to Israel when they brought paganism into their culture. Instead of standing up to evil we have given it to it. With each generation we give in to more and more as we rationalize away our faith.

Pastor Rick says 10.29.2010, 09:22 a.m.

I am a new Pastor still attending School and this was a great help to alot of people in our ministry and we have a shared feeling in the words expressed above, we always try to turn any event into a positive way to witness or share the love of Jesus, just be safe and drive slow alot of kids and parents out on that night. God bless ya'll for caring eough to post your views and share them.

Kitty says 10.29.2010, 09:16 a.m.

I agree with Mr. Graham..I do not participate in Holloween, I do not support now as an adult. Growing up we had parties on the farm with family memers bob for apples, bon fires etc...some would dress up in scary costumes some not at all..I now believe if we are to Trick or Treat I will do it without the Trick..GOD is not about fear! or Tricking people...thats unGODLY...we do however celebrate Harvest Parties at Church for the wee ones and they dress up in bible characters..plus, at home we are one of those Christians passing out christian holloween tracts with candy in a bag that tells the story of holloween and what GODs word tells about it..True lots of kids see it as getting candy and y not make it fun for them by not scarying them..Plus, what disappoints me is these Churches primarily the Catholic Churches here have Haunted Castles...whats up with that? GOD IS NOT FEAR! and here Churches are putting Fear in them..thats not right....

Donna says 10.29.2010, 09:08 a.m.

When my kids were little I would take them trick or treating. They would have fun. Kids love candy! As they grew older they would go out with friends and I would pray for their safety as I always do. I have a grand daughter who is only 2 and wants to have fun too. Kids will be kids. It is our job to teach them about God and His Son. Some churches have Fall Festivals and games and candy for the kids. I especially remember one in particular when my kids were about 2 and 7, they had so much fun. It is funny, Satan worshippers think they have a day to celebrate but they are wrong as usual, it is another day God has given us. I am sure God can use such a time to save young souls.

Mary says 10.29.2010, 09:07 a.m.

It is affirming to find a rational answer from such a trusted source. Thank you!

Jamie says 10.29.2010, 09:03 a.m.

What a great encouragement! It's so refreshing to find a positive answer and support of a family making their own decisions instead of getting slammed for them. We love dressing up!

Charlene says 10.29.2010, 09:02 a.m.

We grew up celebrating Halloween with the traditional "trick of treating" and in celebration of my deceased Grandfather's birthday... yes it was Oct. 31st. He loved for us to dress up and hand candy out to the little children that came to his door! I've never celebrated the day in regards to the satanic origin, nor did I let my children. I believe it has become more of an adult party atmosphere, rather than a day of fun for children, and commercially it is more scary-themed. To me, it will never be the same since we celebrated our last Halloween birthday, when my Grandfather turned 90.

Kim says 10.29.2010, 08:59 a.m.

I too have always struggled with how to approach this, and to make matters harder, my youngest son loves Halloween. We put gospel tracks in treat bags along with candy. To decorate, we've considered putting up a skeleton and a faux tombstone with scripture that talks about Jesus' victory over death and the grave. Those are just some options.

Jo Ann says 10.29.2010, 08:58 a.m.

It's a fine thing if you dress up and go for the candy and fun. It is not so fine to destroy property or people. Halloween is a fun time for those that enjoy it. It is not fun time it use to be when you would go to everyones door step and tric or treat. times have changed, and so has the prices of candy. But it is still a fun time for those who do enjoy it.. I say, go have fun...

karen says 10.29.2010, 08:57 a.m.

when my children were younger----no dress-up as witches ,no ghost ,and certainly no devil .Limited time to trick -or -treat .Usually we mostly celebrated fall ..

Alice says 10.29.2010, 08:56 a.m.

My children come from the harsh place of a split home with a nonsaved parent and a saved parent and step-parent. At one home, Halloween is the most important "holiday" of the year - deemed far more important than Christ or Christmas or Easter. Because of that, we'd had to go the other way and downplay it and discuss the idolatry. There is no right or wrong here. It's about praying and letting the Lord guide the decision.

Sherry says 10.29.2010, 08:55 a.m.

I totally agree. That it is a personal conviction..but I also agree that if you are a Christian your child or yourself should not demonize the event...so to speak ..just my opinion.

Brock says 10.20.2010, 2:38 p.m.

I was amazed at the response. I've taken my kids out trick or treating every year and I've always told them that if they wanted to trick or treat they had to be something positive (superman/princess) and here it's re-affirmed. There was one year I let my son be a vampire (not sure why) but we've never thought of that day as anything more than dressing up and getting candy.