When is Halloween?
Halloween is always October 31. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Sunday, October 31, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 19 days to go, which is about 2 weeks and 5 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
A little history
Halloween comes from the Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed the line between the living and the dead got thin. Later it blended with All Hallows' Eve, the night before the Christian feast of All Saints. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the customs to America, where they turned into the candy-fueled night we know.
How people celebrate
Costumes, trick-or-treating, jack-o'-lanterns, haunted houses and horror movie marathons. Plan on two or three pieces of candy per kid; on a weekend Halloween you'll get more of them than usual. I always buy one extra bag, because running out at 7:30 p.m. is the worst.
Closures and practical notes
It's not a public holiday, so school and work are normal. In 2026 it falls on a Saturday, which means bigger parties and earlier trick-or-treating hours.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026.
What day of the week is Halloween in 2027?
It's a Sunday (October 31, 2027).
What day is Halloween 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026.