When is Halloween?
October 31. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next Halloween
Saturday, October 31, 2026Halloween dates, 2026–2031
Rule: October 31.
What’s open on Halloween
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Open Open (regular hours) |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Open Open (regular delivery) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open Open (regular trading day) |
| Federal & most state government offices | Open |
| Public schools | Open Open (many hold in-class parties or costume days) |
Halloween is not a federal holiday, so banks, the post office, the stock market and government offices all operate on their normal schedule. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind Halloween
Halloween’s roots trace to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of harvest season and the point when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to thin. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the tradition to America in the 19th century, where it blended with harvest festivals and All Hallows’ Eve, the Christian observance before All Saints’ Day.
Trick-or-treating as it’s known today became widespread in the U.S. after World War II, once sugar rationing ended and suburban neighborhoods made door-to-door candy collection practical for families.
How it’s celebrated
Modern Halloween centers on costumes, trick-or-treating, jack-o’-lanterns, and haunted attractions. It has grown into one of the largest retail spending occasions of the year in the U.S., behind only the winter holiday season, according to National Retail Federation surveys.
Jack-o’-lanterns were originally carved from turnips and potatoes in Ireland and Scotland; pumpkins became the standard only after the tradition reached America, where pumpkins were larger, softer and more plentiful.
Plan for local hours and neighborhood rules
Halloween does not create a nationwide closure, but communities often set their own trick-or-treat windows, street restrictions and event dates. A weekday Halloween may bring afternoon school events and evening traffic; a weekend date can spread activities across several days.
Check the city, neighborhood association or event organizer rather than relying on last year’s schedule. Families should also review visibility, allergy and supervision needs before heading out.
Halloween planning checklist
- Before the date: Confirm the local trick-or-treat date and hours.
- Check locally: Choose visible costumes that do not block vision or movement.
- For travel: Review food allergies and inspect treats before eating.
- Final check: Plan a well-lit route and a clear meeting point.
Frequently asked questions
Is Halloween always October 31?
Yes. Community events may be scheduled on another nearby date.
Is Halloween a federal holiday?
No. Federal offices and nationwide services normally follow their regular schedule.
Are schools closed?
Not specifically for Halloween, although local calendars and weekends can affect attendance.
Do banks and USPS close?
No nationwide Halloween closure is scheduled.
When is Halloween in 2027?
It falls on Sunday, October 31, 2027.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.