Halloween continues to grow in popularity and economic significance. It’s a time for creative costumes, spooky decorations, and mountains of candy. But have you ever wondered about the numbers behind the festivities? From the amount spent on costumes to the sheer volume of pumpkins grown, the statistics that power this spooky season are truly fascinating.
Halloween Spending Hits Record Highs
It’s no secret that Americans go all out for Halloween, and the numbers prove it. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the total spending for Halloween 2025 is projected to reach a staggering $13.1 billion. Where does all that money go? Let’s break down the spending categories:
Costumes: The largest portion of Halloween spending goes toward costumes, with consumers spending an estimated $4.1 billion in 2023.
Decorations: Getting our homes and yards ready for the season is a top priority, with spending on decorations hitting $3.9 billion.
Candy: It wouldn’t be Halloween without candy. Americans spent approximately $3.6 billion on sweet treats for trick-or-treaters (and themselves).
Greeting Cards: A smaller but still significant category, greeting cards accounted for around $600 million in spending.
Our Favorite Halloween Activities
How do Americans choose to celebrate? Trick-or-treating remains a timeless tradition, but there are many other popular ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
According to NRF data, the most popular Halloween activities include:
Handing out candy (68%)
Decorating home or yard (53%)
Dressing in costume (50%)
Carving a pumpkin (44%)
Throwing or attending a Halloween party (28%)
These activities highlight the social and creative nature of the holiday, bringing communities and families together for a night of fun.
The Great Pumpkin Patch
What’s Halloween without a grinning jack-o’-lantern on the front porch? Pumpkin carving is a cherished tradition, and the agriculture industry works hard to meet the demand.
The United States produces a massive amount of pumpkins each year. In fact, over 2 billion pounds of pumpkins are grown annually across the country. The top pumpkin-producing states are:
Illinois: Leading the nation, Illinois harvests more pumpkins than any other state, often accounting for over 25% of the total U.S. production.
California: A major contributor to the pumpkin supply.
Ohio: Known for its large pumpkin festivals and significant harvests.
Pennsylvania: A key player in the pumpkin market.
Indiana: Another Midwestern state with substantial pumpkin production.
The Sweetest Part: Halloween Candy
For many, Halloween is all about the candy. After a night of trick-or-treating, kids (and adults) love to sort through their haul. But which candies are the most popular?
While tastes vary by region, some treats consistently top the charts. According to sales data and consumer surveys from sources like CandyStore.com, the most popular Halloween candies in the United States include:
Reese’s Cups: The perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes this candy a perennial favorite.
M&M’s: These colorful, chocolatey buttons are a classic choice.
Hot Tamales: For those who like a little spice with their sweet, these chewy cinnamon candies are a top pick.
Other popular choices include Skittles, Starburst, and candy corn—a notoriously divisive but undeniably iconic Halloween treat.
What’s Next For Halloween?
Halloween continues to grow in popularity and economic significance. The data shows a clear trend toward increased spending and participation, solidifying the holiday’s place as a major cultural event. Whether it’s through elaborate costumes, festive decorations, or a simple bag of candy, Americans are finding more ways than ever to celebrate the spooky season.
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