Is Halloween a national holiday? No, it is not! Even though Halloween is fun and exciting, it’s not an official holiday where schools or offices close. That’s why you might still have school or your parents might need to go to work on October 31, even if you have big plans for the evening!

Why Isn't Halloween a National Holiday?
There are a few reasons why Halloween isn't treated like holidays such as Thanksgiving or Independence Day.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "VidAngel is exactly what I needed! Filtering out the stuff I don't want to see makes family movie night so much better."
With VidAngel, you get:
✅ Control over your viewing: Filter out language, nudity, violence, and more!
✅ Family-friendly entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies and shows worry-free.
✅ Peace of mind: Create a viewing experience that aligns with your values.
✅ Watch what you want: VidAngel works with popular streaming services.
✅ Affordable for everyone: Plans start at just $9.99/month.
✅ Try it FREE for TWO WEEKS! What have you got to lose?
Join today! What are you waiting for?
- Not a Historic Event
Most national holidays celebrate important events or people, like Independence Day or Memorial Day. Halloween is more about having fun, dressing up, and going trick-or-treating. It doesn’t honor a special moment in history. - Some People Don’t Celebrate It
Halloween started long ago with old traditions from places like Ireland, where people believed spirits could visit on that night. Because of these spooky origins, some people don’t like to celebrate it today. They think it focuses too much on things like ghosts and witches, which don’t fit with their beliefs. - No Official Recognition
The U.S. government usually keeps holidays neutral, meaning they avoid holidays with strong connections to one culture or religion. Since Halloween has roots in ancient spiritual festivals, it’s not treated the same way as other official holidays.
How Popular is Halloween?
Even though it’s not a national holiday, Halloween is super popular! Every year, millions of kids and adults celebrate by:
- Dressing up in costumes
- Carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns
- Going trick-or-treating for candy
- Visiting haunted houses or spooky attractions
Halloween is also a big deal for stores. People spend a lot of money—around $10 billion each year—on costumes, decorations, candy, and party supplies. Some towns even have special events, like parades or pumpkin festivals, that bring communities together.
Will Halloween Ever Become a National Holiday?
It’s unlikely that Halloween will become a national holiday anytime soon. If it did, it would mean giving workers and students the day off, which could be expensive for businesses. Plus, since not everyone celebrates Halloween, some people might think it’s unfair to make it official. But even without holiday status, Halloween stays a fun and exciting tradition!
Conclusion
So, is Halloween a national holiday? No, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most loved holidays in the U.S.! Whether you’re dressing up as your favorite character, decorating your house with spooky decorations, or collecting candy door to door, Halloween is all about having a good time. And the best part? You don’t need it to be a national holiday to enjoy it!
You might also like What is the origin of Halloween? and Brookies: Halloween Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe.

Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!