Is Halloween Out of Control?

Explore both sides of the issue, then cast your vote.

October 2026

Spooky celebrations have always been a part of Halloween. After all, the holiday’s roots lie in traditional festivals to ward off ghosts. But in recent years, Halloween costumes and decorations have become more extreme—and more expensive—than ever. Home Depot now begins selling decorations in April. This includes Skelly, its uber-popular 12-foot-tall skeleton, which costs nearly $300. And it’s not uncommon to see animatronic zombies, ghastly ghouls, and other frightening scenes in people’s yards. Posting on social media pushes people to make their festivities bigger and scarier than ever. Some think this is a fun next step. Others think Halloween has gotten too pricey and leans too far into fright, especially for a holiday beloved by young kids. Where do you stand?

Yes

Courtesy of family

The main reason that Halloween is out of control is the pressure to spend money. Halloween is meant to be enjoyed by kids trick-or-treating for candy, but instead people are focused on going all-out to see who has the most festive lawn decorations or the scariest costume.

When my friends and I head out on Halloween night, we see houses with spiderwebs covering the windows and tombstones, animatronics, and giant skeletons in yards, all of which can cost hundreds of dollars. I’ve also noticed that when it comes to Halloween costume competitions, people who’ve spent the most money on their costumes feel like they should win. It makes those who can’t afford to keep up feel left out. Going overkill on decorations ruins the vibes of Halloween and makes it less enjoyable. The best houses and costumes are the ones that are the most simple and creative, rather than the most expensive.

–Walter Johng, 9th-grader from New Jersey

No

Courtesy of family

Halloween has always been about dressing up, decorating your house, and joining with neighbors to have the most exciting block—and the best candy, of course. The 12-foot-tall skeletons and animatronic zombies in front of some houses help the excitement build, even before the 31st.

Every Halloween, I attend a neighborhood potluck, and each year there is a new decoration that attracts people to stop by and join in. Kids run around dressed as their favorite characters, and parents socialize and hand out candy. Halloween is one of the few times our whole community comes together, united by the decor, costumes, and treats. And while the holiday may be more expensive and commercialized than it used to be, the elaborate and dramatic decorations and costumes enhance it and build an immersive experience that people of all ages can enjoy.