Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

We can’t give a one-size-fits-all answer, but we can give some guidelines for Christians to consider for this and other occasions.

Why Might Some Christians Avoid Celebrating Halloween?

We shouldn’t assume all cultural practices are acceptable for Christians, so it makes sense for us to examine Halloween to see whether it fits with our faith. People who practice various types of witchcraft and satanism tend to like Halloween, and we don’t want to be lumped in with them. Some people also use Halloween costumes as an excuse to wear far less clothing than they normally would. The celebration of violence, sensuality, witchcraft, and darkness is certainly something we should want to distance ourselves from.

However, just because the world celebrates something in an ungodly way doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way for Christians to take that observance and honor God with it. To see whether that’s possible or not, we need to think carefully and go through several aspects of the holiday.

Does God’s Word Forbid It?

The Bible forbids attempting to communicate with the dead, witchcraft, and worshipping Satan.

First, it should be obvious that if God’s Word explicitly forbids something, Christians can’t do it. The Bible forbids attempting to communicate with the dead, witchcraft, and worshipping Satan. So clearly, you can’t go to a séance or Ouija party for Halloween. This may also extend to the sort of costumes you wear for Halloween (though it should be noted that depicting the devil as a red guy with horns and cloven hoofs is a Christian mockery of Satan!).

However, God’s Word doesn’t have anything to say about candy and dressing up like a princess (as long as you’re a female!). So how do we navigate those parts of Halloween?

What Does Your Conscience Say?

Different people have different conscience issues. Some people partake of things freely, while others have scruples against it. Paul’s message about those things is pretty clear—the people who partake shouldn’t look down on those who don’t and vice versa. He says in Romans 14:

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. (Romans 14:5–7)

This adds an important element—the reason why a Christian is free to choose different options for an issue of conscience is that it is possible to glorify God by participating or abstaining.

Does It Glorify God?

So can Halloween glorify God? Well, what other day of the year do people come to your house looking for a small gift? You might purchase a pack of tracts and hand them out with candy (hopefully the good kind!). You never know how God might use the seeds you sow in this way.

Also, Christians are commanded to fellowship together. Lots of churches put together alternative “harvest” or “Reformation” events around Halloween where kids can wear fun costumes, play games, and get candy. These can also be great community outreaches!

If you don’t celebrate Halloween—and that’s a valid choice!—perhaps have a fun activity planned with your family so children don’t feel “left out.” Celebrating the Reformation is a great alternative because Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenburg church on October 31, 1517.

On October 31 and throughout the year, we should want to glorify God with our choices.

On October 31 and throughout the year, we should want to glorify God with our choices. That means being mindful of what God’s Word has to say, listening to our own conscience, and making decisions that make Christ the center of that day—even on Halloween!