HOLLYWOOD—It seems that right after Labor Day, people began decorating for the fall and Halloween. Halloween 2025 falls on a Friday, October 31, which is a desirable day of the week for celebrations, and this won’t happen again until 2031. The long weekend allows for extended festivities, such as bigger parties, parades and events like Halloween Horror Nights. It gives more time for trick-or-treating and events without the need to go to work or school the next day. So, what kind of costumes are we expecting to see at parties? I believe more movie-inspired costumes and a move towards “spooky yet cozy,” decor, with a focus on natural materials like wood, ceramics and wool. The holiday will likely see a fusion of global traditions with modern pop culture, incorporating elements from various cultures into the celebrations.
This year the 2025 outdoor Halloween decor trends are giant Skeltons and large outdoor Halloween decorations. The trend on Instagram is showing the $149 pottery barn Skelton; there are dupes out there for a little less. The Ghost Malone is back. The skeleton is lighted and sitting on a rocking chair is so adorable. With so many outdoor Halloween decor trends, you can always go with giant spiders and webs, witch-inspired decor ideas are always in, along with outdoor inflatables. The only concern is with the wind they tend to deflate. Some we are expecting a lot of pop culture costumes, including Barbie, Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Disney villains and viral TikTok stars, alongside classics like Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe. The general trend is to either dress as a famous movie or TV character or to go all out with creative makeup and elaborate costumes as in the tradition Heidi Klum.
With the massive success of the Barbie movie, expect to see many celebrities dressed as the iconic characters. The Eras tour continues to be a major cultural phenomenon, making it a great source for costume inspiration. Villains like Ursula, Cruella de Vil or the characters from the Moana live-action film are likely to be popular. Recreating famous looks from iconic figures in music and movies like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” are always a hit. Heidi Klum is famous for both her annual Halloween party and the incredible costumes she wears to them. Last year, she dressed as E.T., the extraterrestrial from Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic film. For this year’s Halloween, Los Angeles will host the free West Hollywood Carnaval on October 31, along with events like the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride and the separate ticketed Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure for trick-or-treating and themed entertainment. The Halloween season also includes the HorrorCon Los Angeles convention in September and a Halloween bar crawl. HorrorCon will take place in late September. A ticketed event on November 1, 2025, offering access to multiple bars and nightclubs with music and Halloween-themed fun is sure to entertain. The Disneyland Resort will also have its usual Halloween and fall celebrations beginning in late August and running through October 31.
The city of Angels is the perfect playground for every boo-seeker. So get ready to scream, laugh and have the time if your life. Knott’s Scary Farm is always a great place to go. The theme park is the holy grail beginning on September 18 through November 1, 2025. With over 10 terrifying haunted mazes, spooky surprises around every corner, themed food and drink specials, photo ops with your favorite monsters.
Magic of the Jack-o Lanterns is always entertaining. Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins creating a magical autumn experience. You walk through enchanting displays of carved pumpkins, each telling a story through intricate designs and dazzling light technology. Various venues throughout LA host incredible Halloween parties, with costume contests that could bring you cash prizes. Rooftop bars in West Hollywood is always a good time.
If you are traveling to the East coast for Halloween, NYC will host its 52nd annual Village Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31, 2025. It’s a staple for Halloween in NYC. A two-week festival of Halloween and harvest-themed activities, including car-free events and Did de Muertos celebrations, running from October 17-31. A family-friendly event on October 25 with pumpkin decorating, creative workshops, and the second-largest dog costume in New York. The Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow, the zoo is transformed into an immersive jack-o-lantern trail featuring over 5,000 illuminated animal-themed pumpkins and special effects running through October 31. Halloween should be fun and most of all safe.
Rose’s Scoop: It was sad losing Robert Redford, such an icon and beloved actor at 89, on September 16, 2025. Condolences to the family.
