Our First Halloween in the USA
This week is Thanksgiving, but I wanted to talk about our first Halloween in the USA because I had not yet taken the time to tell the story. Halloween is a real institution in America. Most Americans have kept a childlike enthusiasm for it, and they throw themselves into the celebration with incredible energy.
Halloween starts weeks before October 31 with house decorations, candy shopping, costumes, events, and all kinds of themed products. It is one of those holidays that you do not just âobserveâ in the United States; you really feel it everywhere.
The beginning of the season in stores
As early as September, Halloween takes over store aisles. Costumes, makeup, decorations, themed food, drinks, candies, party accessories, and even outfits for pets appear everywhere. This retail build-up is part of the atmosphere and already tells you how important the holiday is.
Trick or treat
The famous trick or treat tradition is central to the holiday. Children move from house to house to collect candy, and neighborhoods come alive. For families, it is a major moment of the year and a true social event.
Decorating the house
One of the most striking parts of Halloween in the United States is the level of decoration on private homes. Pumpkins, skeletons, lights, fake cobwebs, ghosts, cemetery scenes, humorous signs, and fully staged yards turn neighborhoods into open-air sets.
Haunted houses, haunted woods, and spooky attractions
Beyond private decorations, there are also haunted houses, haunted trails, and all kinds of scary attractions organized for the season. Some are family-friendly, while others are designed to be much more intense.
Pumpkin patches
Pumpkin patches are another very American seasonal ritual. They are both photogenic and festive, and they help make October feel special. They are particularly popular with families and children.
Halloween weekend
The weekend around Halloween often includes parties, local events, school activities, costume contests, and special outings. By that point, the whole country seems to be in costume mode.
Halloween on October 31
On the evening of October 31, the atmosphere reaches its peak. Houses are decorated, children are excited, candy flows everywhere, and neighborhoods are full of life. For expatriates, it is also a very nice way to feel connected to local culture and to experience an important American tradition from the inside.
Final thoughts
Our first Halloween in the United States left a strong impression on us. It is festive, playful, visual, family-oriented, and much bigger than what many Europeans imagine. In short: Halloween really is a big deal in America.
Why Halloween says so much about American culture
Halloween is interesting not only because it is fun, but because it reveals something about the American taste for decoration, neighborhood life, and seasonal rituals. It is a collective celebration that mixes commerce, creativity, family traditions, and community spirit.
Our impression after this first Halloween
We quickly understood that Halloween occupies a major place for both children and adults in the United States. It is colorful, enthusiastic, visual, and deeply rooted in everyday life. For expatriates, it is one of those first big celebrations that really makes you feel part of local culture.
