The Bible does not have a direct command about Halloween itself, since the holiday as we know it is a later Western customs mix of centuries of traditions. However, Scripture does speak to the themes that often accompany Halloween—worship of God versus darkness, discernment about spiritual influences, and how believers should conduct themselves around practices that may be associated with witchcraft, fear, or evil. Key biblical themes to consider

• Discernment and testing spirits
  • Believers are urged to test everything and hold fast to what is good, avoiding practices that may be evil or deceptive. This invites personal reflection on what Halloween activities you participate in and why. [1 Thessalonians 5:21-22]

* Not every idea or influence claiming to be harmless is necessarily neutral; testing spirits helps distinguish true from counterfeit spiritual influences. [1 John 4:1]

• Avoidance of unfruitful works of darkness
  • Scripture calls Christians to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness and to expose them. This can guide choices about events, costumes, or media that align with practices condemned in Scripture. [Ephesians 5:11]

• Glorifying God in all we do
  • Whatever believers do, they are to do it for the glory of God, including how they steward time and activities on days like Halloween. This invites a personal calculus: do Halloween-related activities reflect truth, nobility, and purity? [1 Corinthians 10:31]

• Abstaining from all appearance of evil
  • Some Christians apply the principle to avoid participating in activities that might appear to endorse or celebrate darkness or occult practices. This leads to caution about costumes or decorations that imitate or celebrate fear, horror, or occult themes. [1 Thessalonians 5:22]

• Practical considerations and conscience
  • The Bible doesn’t prescribe Halloween, so many Christians approach it as a matter of conscience and community norms. Some celebrate in kid-friendly, non-p occult, or church-centered ways as an alternative, while others choose to abstain. The core is to act with wisdom, love for neighbors, and fidelity to Christ. [Several verses on wisdom, love, and living for Christ]

How different Christian traditions tend to approach

• Some traditions view Halloween with caution, emphasizing the pagan or occult roots and choosing not to participate in traditional Halloween activities. They may encourage alternative church or family activities that focus on light, community, and biblical themes. [General principle: abstain from evil, test traditions]

• Others see opportunities to engage with neighbors in safe, wholesome, family-friendly ways, using the day as a chance to share truth, provide light in darkness, and redirect Halloween’s themes toward goodness. [General principle: do all to the glory of God]

Practical guidance for individuals and families

• Assess intentions: Why participate? Is it to entertain, to connect with neighbors, or to imitate themes that align with biblical values?
• Choose environments and activities carefully: Opt for events that are age-appropriate, non-violent, and free from occult or violent imagery.
• Prioritize discernment: If doubt arises about a costume, activity, or venue, lean toward restraint or avoidance.
• Emphasize positive alternatives: Host a church trunk-or-treat, a light-themed gathering, or a family devotional around themes of truth and hope.

Bottom line

• The Bible does not authorize or condemn Halloween as a whole, but it provides clear principles—test everything, avoid unfruitful works of darkness, seek God’s glory in all activities, and abstain from appearances of evil. Using these principles, believers can determine how to engage with Halloween in a way that aligns with Scripture, community context, and personal conscience. [1 Thessalonians 5:21-22] [1 John 4:1] [Ephesians 5:11] [1 Corinthians 10:31] [1 Thessalonians 5:22]