When is Halloween?

Why do we observe it?

Halloween combines older seasonal customs with later American community traditions.

Traditions and celebrations

Costumes, trick-or-treating and decorated homes are widespread.

Planning tips

Check neighborhood trick-or-treat times and use well-lit routes and visible costumes.

Is it a federal holiday?

No. It is a widely observed occasion, but it is not a U.S. federal holiday. School and business schedules depend on local policies.

Is it a bank holiday? What’s open and closed

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.

The history behind the day

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 marked across the country

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.

One thing you might not know

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.