Every year, Halloween is celebrated by both children and adults. The goal? Having fun and scaring others with increasingly realistic costumes, devilish surprises, sweets and treats of all shapes and sizes, and above all, original animations! Whether you are organising a Halloween party with family, at work or with friends, it is important to find new ideas that are different from previous years and suitable for all ages.
Thanks to our expertise in supporting events, we have a unique perspective on trends and can suggest animation ideas suitable for all ages, making your Halloween night or event a success.
Summary
1. About the history of Halloween
Before we get into the animation ideas, it is good to briefly outline the background of this celebration.
The origins of Halloween go back to an ancient Celtic tradition called Samhain, which was celebrated more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the UK and part of France. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a period often associated with death and darkness. The night of 31 October was considered a transitional period when the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to ‘return to earth’ according to tradition and custom. This pagan festival was accompanied by rituals to honour and appease the spirits of the departed.
The Celts lit large fires and dressed up as terrifying creatures to ward off evil spirits. As for pumpkins, they were used as lanterns to show wandering souls the way.
Today, Halloween is an international festival celebrated in many countries. It mainly revolves around celebrating the autumn holidays, with numerous festivities such as costume parades, theme nights, spooky activities, horror movie nights and visits to haunted houses.
2. Organise a terrifying escape game
Escape games, or real-life escape games, are an original animated idea guaranteed to please thrill-seekers.
For Halloween, you can adapt this concept by adding a spooky touch. Create a series of riddles and challenges with a Halloween theme and invite participants to solve mysteries to escape from a fictional haunted location (your house, garden, basement…) within a set time (usually 1 hour).
Here are our tips for organising your own Halloween escape game:
- Choose a Halloween-proof scenario: Whether it’s a haunted house, a secret laboratory or the resurrection of an evil wizard, make sure your story is compelling and fits the theme.
- Make use of what you already have: There is no need to buy expensive decorations. Old books, candles and sheets smeared with “blood” (paint or ketchup) can already create a sinister atmosphere. Lighting is also crucial: red or green lamps can add an extra creepy effect.
- Devise puzzles and riddles: At the heart of any escape game are the challenges. Use riddles related to Halloween, such as a puzzle where players have to decipher a spell or find an ingredient for a magic potion.
- Provide a scary sound environment: Footsteps, whispers, creaking doors… A Halloween soundtrack can make the experience even more intense.
- Work with professionals: If possible, enlist actors or theatre enthusiasts to play roles during the game. The presence of a “real” ghost or monster makes the experience even more realistic.
💡 Tip: With Weezevent’s event management solutions, you can easily offer online registrations, set time slots and limit the number of participants per session. Thanks to our CRM tool, you can send participants hints or reminders in advance to get them in the right mood beforehand!
3. Organise a costume party
Have a Halloween party where both adults and children should come dressed as creepy characters, ghosts and monsters.
From werewolves and vampires to witches and zombies, the possibilities are endless. Encourage creativity by awarding prizes for the most original, frightening or funny costumes (e.g. in the form of sweets and treats). Don’t forget to mention in the invitation that guests and their children should come dressed up!
According to Weezevent statistics, costume parties are among the most popular events during the Halloween season, with a significant increase in ticket sales for this type of event.
4. Organise a pumpkin decorating contest
Decorating pumpkins is a classic Halloween tradition.To make this activity even more competitive and fun, organise a pumpkin decoration contest.
Provide each participant with a pumpkin and a set of decorating materials such as paint, crayons, glitter and other craft supplies. This way, children can let their creativity run wild and have fun with an original and fun entertainment. Then judge the most beautiful pumpkins and reward the winners with sweets and treats.
5. Organise a horror movie marathon
A horror movie marathon is an iconic entertainment during this terrifying holiday. To organise a successful Halloween movie marathon, here are some tips:
- Choose the right films: Combine timeless classics like Psycho or The Shining with more modern horror films or lesser-known independent productions. This will keep the selection fresh and interesting.
- Decide on a theme: Make your marathon more engaging by choosing a theme, such as ‘the best horror films of the 1980s’ or ‘the scariest slashers of today.’
- Prepare themed snacks: Make creepy treats like raspberry-sauce ‘blood-stained’ popcorn, biscuits shaped like ghosts or monsters, and colourful drinks. Let your creativity run wild!
💡 Tip: With Weezevent’s online ticketing solution, you can easily manage registrations for your event and offer different ticket packages, such as premium tickets including goodies or reserved seats. Send reminders or a film list to participants in advance to get them excited in advance!
6. Organise a spooky make-up workshop
Transform your guests into terrifying creatures with a make-up workshop.
Get inspired by online examples to create scary and themed Halloween looks to match your guests’ costumes. All you need is paint, make-up and a little talent to achieve convincing and spooky results!
7. Hold a horror story workshop
Immerse your guests in the dark world of Halloween stories with a horror story workshop.
For centuries, stories and legends have been passed down through oral traditions. During Halloween, storytelling takes on a special dimension. In a mysterious, candle-lit atmosphere, participants listen spellbound to mythical tales and urban legends.
The workshop is open to both amateur and professional storytellers. Everyone is encouraged to share their favourite horror stories, whether personal, drawn from local legends or inspired by old folk tales. The goal? To draw the audience in and create an enchanting, chilling atmosphere.
8. Organise a Halloween cooking competition
Hold a cooking competition where participants have to prepare original and terrifying Halloween dishes.
From witch-shaped pumpkin soup to ghost biscuits and pumpkin-based dishes, the possibilities are endless! Participants can taste each other’s creations and vote for the best, tastiest or most terrifying dishes.
9. Organise a macabre dance competition
Get your guests into a spooky mood with a macabre dance competition. This is the perfect opportunity to unleash energy, express creativity and, of course, have fun with sinister dance moves. Here’s how to make this entertainment unforgettable:
- Choose a suitable venue: Provide enough space for both the dancers and the audience. Use dimmed lights, smoke machines and scary decorations to complete the atmosphere.
- Put together a Halloween playlist: Add classics such as Thriller by Michael Jackson, as well as scary soundtracks or modern songs in a Halloween twist.
- Reward the winners: Give fun prizes, such as vouchers, themed goodies or tickets for a future event.
- Add a short dance lesson: For those who are a little less confident in their dancing skills, offer a short workshop by a professional dance instructor. Take inspiration from well-known choreography, such as the viral dance from the series Wednesday!
Planning a Halloween event is not always easy, but with these ideas and Weezevent’s expertise, you will ensure that your event is a guaranteed success. Discover all of Weezevent’s online solutions: ticketing system, access control and CRM tools!
