A Guide to Your Spookiest & Most Whimsical Halloween Yet
Shows, books, recipes, rituals — a guide to living inside the season, not just scrolling through it.
Halloween doesn’t just show up — it creeps in. The nights grow longer, the air sharpens, and suddenly the world feels just a little haunted. Pumpkins glow on porches, the wind sounds like it’s carrying secrets, and every street corner feels like the opening scene of a movie.
This is the season for leaning into the strange and the magical — for bringing out the candles, watching scary movies under a blanket, baking something sweet and spooky, and letting yourself get swept up in the thrill of it all.
This guide is my invitation to make Halloween feel intentional and unforgettable this year — to plan the perfect spooky watchlist, refresh your décor (porch pumpkins are a personality), pick a costume that feels iconic, and fill October with moments that feel a little enchanted.
So grab a mug of cider, turn on your favorite eerie playlist, and let’s make this Halloween your spookiest one yet.
Scream & Stream (Your Halloween Watchlist)
Halloween is as much about what you watch as what you wear. There’s something ritualistic about dimming the lights, pulling up a blanket, and letting a story scare you just enough to make you laugh about it after.
Of course, there are the classics we all know and love — The Craft, Nightmare on Elm Street, Jason, The Conjuring films, Charmed, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Chucky, Practical Magic, Death Becomes Her, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Scream — the list goes on. But what I want to share with you here are a few you may know, but don’t immediately think of when October rolls around.
Here’s my curated mix of cozy-spooky, gothic, campy, and genuinely chilling shows and films for your October nights:
ParaNorman – Stop-motion magic, ghosts, and an ending that will tug at your heart. Perfect for when you want spooky but heartwarming.
The Others – Candlelight, foggy manors, and one of the most haunting twists ever. Perfect for a rainy night.
The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix) – Emotional, terrifying, beautifully written — it will make you cry and scream in the same episode.
Perfect for a marathon with candles lit and blankets piled high.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix) – A gothic love story disguised as a ghost story.
Perfect if you like your horror bittersweet and romantic.
Marianne (Netflix) – French, deeply unsettling, and stylishly scary.
Perfect for a late-night binge when you want to be truly creeped out.
Castle Rock (Hulu) – For Stephen King fans who love a slow-burn, interconnected small-town nightmare. Dark, layered, and full of Easter eggs for King fans.
El Orfanato (The Orphanage) – An unforgettable Spanish gothic film — part ghost story, part tragedy, with a twist that will stick with you.
Perfect for when you want a movie that leaves you quiet after the credits roll.Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – A love letter to the creepy book series so many of us grew up with — and the monsters are even scarier on screen. It nails the atmosphere: eerie, unsettling, and filled with the kind of stories that crawl into your head and stay there.
Perfect for when you want classic campfire scares brought to life with just the right amount of nightmare fuel.Evil Dead Rise – Truly terrifying and gloriously gory — there were moments I couldn’t look at the screen.
Perfect for horror lovers who want to be completely freaked out.
Midnight Mass (Netflix) – A masterpiece of slow-burn horror and existential dread — about faith, grief, and what we believe in when faced with the unthinkable.
Perfect for when you want something eerie and existential.
Dead Boy Detectives (Netflix) – Whimsical, weird, and full of charm — two ghostly teen detectives solving supernatural mysteries.
Perfect for when you want something spooky but not too scary.Sandman (Netflix) – Dark fantasy with dreamlike visuals and haunting storytelling. Every episode feels like opening a strange, beautiful book.
Perfect for when you want to get lost in another world.Veronica (Netflix) – Spanish horror at its finest — unnerving, well-acted, and deeply atmospheric.
Perfect for fans of The Conjuring who want something fresh.Doctor Sleep – The continuation of The Shining is chilling but surprisingly emotional. A story about confronting old ghosts — literal and figurative.
Perfect for when you want a scary film with a satisfying, cathartic ending.Halloween H20 & Michael Myers Classics – For when you want a traditional slasher night. I just love this one, its probably my favorite from the Halloween franchise.
What We Do in the Shadows (Hulu) – Vampires, roommates, and pure absurdity. This show is laugh-out-loud funny but still drenched in spooky atmosphere.
Perfect for when you want a break from the scares but still stay in the Halloween spirit.
Pro Tip: Pair your watchlist with seasonal snacks — think popcorn with cinnamon sugar, caramel apples, or hot cider with a cinnamon stick — and make it a ritual. Light a candle, turn off your phone, and let the spooky season take over.
Books for the Bewitched (Haunted Reading List)
There’s nothing like reading something eerie with a blanket around your shoulders and a cup of tea nearby. These books aren’t just spooky — they’re full of atmosphere, haunting settings, and emotional weight.
The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson
The ultimate haunted house story — psychological, unsettling, and beautifully written.
Perfect for when you want to feel the chill of something watching you just beyond the page.Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier
A young bride arrives at Manderley, where the memory of her husband’s first wife lingers in every shadow.
Perfect for when you crave gothic romance, foggy estates, and a twist you’ll never forget.The House of the Spirits – Isabel Allende
Spanning generations of love, loss, and family secrets — with a touch of ghosts and magical realism.
Perfect for when you want a sweeping story with a haunted heart.Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
The original tale of creation, ambition, and the monster within us all.
Perfect for a moody night by candlelight, when you want a classic with teeth.Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
A stormy love story set on the wild, windswept moors. With a new movie coming in 2026, now is the perfect time to revisit it (or read it for the first time).
Perfect for when you want a love story that’s passionate, obsessive, and a little bit haunted.Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
A gothic love story about independence, morality, and mysterious halls with locked doors.
Perfect for a slow autumn afternoon when you want brooding romance and a touch of suspense.Interview with the Vampire – Anne Rice
Decadent, sensual, and dripping with atmosphere. A gothic tale of immortality, morality, and longing, set against the shadowy backdrop of New Orleans.
Perfect for when you want a vampire story that feels like velvet, candlelight, and secrets whispered at midnight.Dracula – Bram Stoker
The classic vampire novel that shaped all the ones to come. Dark, sensual, and filled with eerie landscapes, it’s as much about fear and desire as it is about monsters. Perfect to revisit it this time of the year.
Perfect for when you want to sink into the gothic atmosphere that started it all.Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz
A collection of creepy folktales and urban legends that haunted so many childhoods — complete with the unforgettable, chilling illustrations. The stories are short, eerie, and designed to crawl into your imagination long after you’ve closed the book.
Perfect for when you want quick, spine-tingling scares that feel like whispers around a campfire.
Tip: Pair these books with a rainy day, a warm blanket, and a candle burning nearby — call it self-care, call it seasonal magic, but don’t rush it. Let them haunt you in the best way.
Curate Your Haunted House (Atmosphere & Décor)
You don’t need to turn your home into a full haunted house (unless you want to) — a few small, intentional touches can transform your space into something moody and magical.
Here’s how you can make your home feel just a little haunted in October:
Start with Lighting: Halloween is about shadows, so lean into warm, low light. Skip the overheads, turn on lamps, and scatter candles around the house — black tapers, pillar candles, candelabras, or tea lights in clusters. If you can, place them near mirrors to double the glow. Fairy lights or string lights add a subtle twinkle that feels like a spell cast across the room.
Layer in Texture & Color: Swap pillow covers and throws for darker hues — think deep burgundy, forest green, inky navy, or charcoal. Drape cozy blankets over chairs, fold a quilt at the foot of the bed, or even add a faux-fur throw for a touch of drama. If you have art frames or prints, switch a few for something moody: silhouettes, vintage botanicals, or even DIY black-and-white photos.
Pumpkins, Gourds & Dark Florals: No Halloween is complete without pumpkins — line them up on your porch steps, group them on the dining table, or style a few minis on bookshelves. Dried flowers, dark deep color flowers for a more gothic vibe, black eucalyptus, or dark roses in an amber vase can create a subtle but haunting floral moment.
Scents of the Season: Rotate in your spookiest candles (smoky, woodsy, or clove-spiced scents work beautifully). Or go the simmer pot route: apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a sprig of rosemary bubbling on the stove will make the whole house smell like October.
Soundtrack the Space: Create a Halloween playlist that fits your mood — maybe haunting and ethereal (Florence + the Machine, Chelsea Wolfe), maybe fun and campy (Monster Mash, anyone?). Music instantly changes how a space feels.
Porch & Entryway Magic: Even a few pumpkins, a lantern, and a wreath made of dried leaves can make your entryway feel like an invitation to October. Add some hay bale seating and cornstalk to add an edge. If you’re feeling extra, add a strand of twinkly orange lights, a bench with a skeleton, or a fog machine for Halloween night.
Pick a Theme for Your Front Yard: Spooky Graveyard, Witches' Coven, Haunted House, or a Whimsical pumpkin patch.
Pro Tip: Pick one or two areas of your home (the entryway, the dining table, your reading nook) and go all in on those, instead of trying to decorate every corner. It keeps things intentional — and just a little bit spooky.
Dress the Part (Costumes & Gatherings)
Halloween is your chance to be extra — to lean into drama, have a little fun, and create memories that feel cinematic. Whether you’re dressing up, hosting friends, or planning a quiet night in with themed snacks.
Costume Planning Ideas:
Don’t wait until October 30th to panic at the store. Pick something now that feels like a character you want to channel for a night:
Witchy & Chic: Sally or Gillian Owens (Practical Magic), Morticia Addams, Stevie Nicks energy.
Classic Figures: Joan of Arc, Knights, Angels, Phantom of the Opera, Michael Myers, or even a Victorian ghost.
Pop Culture Moments: Fantastic Mr. Fox characters, Frankenstain’s Bride/Couple, Wednesday Addams, or your favorite TV show duo.
Group Fun: Scooby Doo gang, Clueless crew, What We Do in the Shadows vampires.
Perfect for when you want to play pretend and feel a little larger than life for one night.
Gathering Ideas
🎃 Pumpkin Carving Night
Set out newspapers, carving tools, candles, and bowls for seeds. Play a spooky playlist and make it a low-pressure creative night. Bonus points for a mini contest with silly categories (“Most Likely to Curse Your House,” “Cutest Jack-O’-Lantern”).
🍷 Spooky Dinner Party
Think moody lighting, a dramatic tablecloth, deep red wine, and a menu that leans into the season — soup, roasted squash, and a dessert that looks a little witchy (black cocoa cake, anyone?).
📽️ Movie Marathon Night
Pick a theme (classic slashers, campy horror, ghost stories), stock up on popcorn, candy corn, and cozy blankets.
🍸 Costume Cocktail Hour
Invite friends over for signature spooky drinks (like a Black Widow Martini or smoky mezcal cocktail) and lean into the glamour.
🍫Host a Bonfire or Patio Night
Roast marshmallows for s’mores, tell scary stories, and enjoy the crisp night air.
Hosting Tip: Give your night one intentional detail that makes it feel magical — a themed playlist, handwritten place cards, or even just lots of candles. It’s the little things that make the memory stick.
Spooky Season Bucket List
Halloween isn’t just one night — it’s a whole season if you let it be. Here’s my list of little (and big) things to do before October ends:
Visit a Haunted Attraction – Brave a haunted house, trail, or hayride for a classic Halloween scare. The scarier, the better — or go for a historic ghost tour if jump scares aren’t your thing.
Neighborhood Decoration Drive – Grab a hot cocoa and take a slow evening drive to admire everyone’s Halloween displays.
Carve or Decorate Pumpkins – Solo or with friends, bonus points for creative designs and roasting the seeds after. Get creative! Try unique patterns for carving or go the no carve route with paint and decorations.
Bake a Halloween Dessert – Ghost cookies, black velvet cupcakes, caramel apples — anything that makes your kitchen smell like October.
Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party – Dim the lights, light the candles, and lean into the drama with a moody tablespace. Gather friends for a themed night of costumes, suspense, and role-playing.
Plan a Costume Night – Even if you’re staying in — put on the costume, pour the cocktail, take the photos.
Go Thrifting for Costume Pieces – A fun weekend adventure and great for building something unique.
Have a Scary Movie Marathon – Pick a theme (witchy, ghost stories, campy slashers) and watch a few back-to-back.
Make a Simmer Pot – Cinnamon, cloves, orange peels, and a sprig of rosemary to make the house smell like fall magic.
Host a Bonfire or Patio Night: Roast marshmallows for s’mores, tell stories, and enjoy the crisp night air.
Start a New Tradition – Tarot night, candle-making, or an annual “Hallow-dinner” — something you’ll look forward to every October.
Cozy Up with a Book – Create a fall reading nook with blankets, candles, and spooky or gothic novels. From your haunted reading list — even just a few chapters by candlelight.
Try a Halloween Playlist – Curate one yourself or find one with moody, witchy vibes and let it play while you cook or get ready.
Have a Picnic – At the botanical gardens, under the falling leaves. Pack a simple lunch and just linger.
Take a Long Bath – With candles, music, maybe a few drops of essential oil — make it a ritual, not just a rinse. Lush has some of the spookiest bath bombs and they smell amazing.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch or a Corn Maze: The quintessential October experience, pick out the perfect pumpkin and get lost in a Corn Maze.
Attend a Fall Festival or Harvest Fair: Many towns and cities host seasonal events with games, crafts, and food.
Getting Ready for Halloween Night
Halloween night deserves its own prep — it’s not just about the costume, it’s about the whole vibe. A little planning makes it feel less stressful and way more magical.
Candy Stockpile – Buy more than you think you’ll need (and the good stuff, please). No one wants raisins. If you have any left you can always donate it to the library.
Signal You’re Open – Don’t just turn on your porch light, decorate your porch and yard so parents and kids know you’re handing out treats. Aim to have at least something up by the second week of October — lights, pumpkins, or even just a wreath.
Create a Playlist – From spooky classics (Thriller, Monster Mash) to moody instrumentals, set the soundtrack so the night feels festive. If you are playing spooky music in your front yard, trick or treaters will know to stop by.
Front Yard Glow – Candles in lanterns, string lights, or a fog machine if you want to go all out. Nothing says “Halloween lives here” like a dramatic entrance.
Make a Host’s Survival Kit – Snacks for you, a bottle of wine (or a themed cocktail), and something easy to nibble between trick-or-treat waves.
Dream Big (Bob’s Burgers Style) – One day, maybe you’ll be that legendary house — the one kids whisper about and parents make sure to visit. Until then, start with a few special touches, like king-size candy bars or a quirky front yard display.
Last-Minute Checklist – Candy ✔ Fog liquid ✔ Lights ✔ Decorations ✔ Costume ✔
Witchy Rituals & Reflection
Halloween may be about costumes and candy, but it’s also about transformation — about letting go of what no longer serves you before stepping into a new season. Here are a few simple rituals to help you end October feeling lighter and a little more magical:
Moon Water Ritual – Leave a jar of water under the full moon and use it the next morning (add to a bath, water your plants, or just splash it on your face to mark the moment).
Release the Ghosts – Write down something you want to let go of — a fear, a bad habit, a grudge — and burn it (safely!) as a way of saying goodbye.
Tarot or Oracle Reading – Pull a card to guide the next few months or set an intention for the rest of the year.
Candle Magic – Light a candle with a purpose — more peace, more joy, more courage — and let it burn down as a reminder of what you’re calling in.
Create a Quiet Moment – Brew tea, dim the lights, and spend 10 minutes journaling what you loved most about this October
Closing Thought
Halloween is about more than just one night — it’s about allowing yourself to be enchanted by the season, to flirt with fear, and to create moments that feel a little otherworldly. When the costumes are packed away and the candy is gone, you’ll still have the memories — the flicker of candlelight, the sound of leaves crunching under your feet, and the sense that you paused long enough to feel the magic.
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Always fascinated by this turning time of the year when the Irish Samhain comes close to the day of the dead. These latter day rituals have old roots.
What an incredibly inspiring list! Thanks for curating this for all of us. Bring on the spooky! 👻