Halloween, a holiday observed annually on October 31 and noted for its pagan origins and its Christian roots as well as its secular traditions. In much of Europe and most of North America, observance of Halloween is today largely nonreligious, celebrated with parties, spooky costumes, pumpkin carvings called jack-o’-lanterns, and trick or treat. Trick-or-treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries. During the evening of Halloween, on the night between 31 October and 1 November, people in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase trick or treat. Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Learn all about its history, costumes, foods, Halloween movies and more. From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn. Shop Spirit Halloween for an incredible selection of Halloween Costumes, Decorations, Accessories, and More. Fast shipping & huge selection! *Shop Now & Save* Discover the history behind Halloween traditions: jack-o’-lanterns, costumes, trick-or-treating, and more. Learn why we celebrate this spooky holiday today. Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off. The evening before the saintly celebration became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which was eventually shortened to Halloween. These Christian traditions appear to have blended with remnants of Samhain customs, and Halloween eventually spread to other parts of the world. Halloween: Directed by John Carpenter. With Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran, Nancy Kyes. Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, to kill again. Halloween, [a] also known as All Hallows' Eve[9] or All Saints' Eve, [10] is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of Western Christianity 's feast of All Hallows' Day. Halloween may be all costumes, candy and spooky fun today, but its history stretches back centuries, and it was once a much more serious affair. Here’s what to know.