Halloween is a holiday that often glorifies darkness, sin, and the occult. Christians may celebrate Halloween to the extent that they feel the freedom to do so and to the degree that the particular practices glorify God.
Halloween has origins in darkness, superstition, and the occult, yet the Bible gives clear principles for how Christians can approach it. God forbids practices such as witchcraft, divination, and attempting to communicate with the dead, reminding us that He alone is to be honored (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Leviticus 19:31). Believers are called to live in the light, avoiding anything that glorifies sin or leads others astray. Christians may participate in Halloween in ways that honor God, but they should respect differing convictions and avoid judging those who make other choices. Activities like costumes, decorations, or community events can be enjoyed safely if they steer clear of promoting evil or sin. Many churches offer alternatives, such as Harvest festivals, to engage neighbors in wholesome, God-honoring activities during Halloween. Ultimately, a Christian perspective on Halloween emphasizes discernment and glorifying God while exercising freedom responsibly, whether one chooses to celebrate or abstain.
Although our modern celebration of Halloween has religious influences, there is nothing biblical about the holiday. It is affiliated with "All Saints' Day," but even this holiday is not supported by Scripture. The Bible does not tell us to pray for the dead. There is no purgatory the dead need to escape from. The spirits of the dead do not come back to visit us on Earth. And although the Bible does not forbid us from remembering our loved ones, neither does it ordain the practice, and attempting to contact them was punishable by death (Leviticus 19:31).
With this in mind, we can analyze the various practices associated with Halloween to determine if they’re biblical. It is not biblical to endorse or represent demons, evil, sin, or anything that would lead another to sin. But there is no injunction in the Bible against making lanterns out of gourds, wearing superhero and princess costumes, and asking neighbors for candy. Many churches and Christian organizations have Halloween alternatives, like Harvest Parties or Festivals. Others encourage their members to use Halloween as an opportunity to meet neighbors in hopes of being a light to them.
Whether we avoid Halloween or participate in it in godly ways, we shouldn’t try to justify the secular tradition of Halloween nor read evil intent into where there is none. Instead, we should strive to glorify God in all that we do. Whether we go trick-or-treating, attend a Harvest Party, or ignore the day altogether, our actions should reflect God's leading in our own lives.