Halloween doesn’t have to mean wild parties or trick or treating. If you’re like me, you’d rather spend the evening curled up in your cosiest jumper with a hot drink (pumpkin spice, please) and a candle flickering in the background.
Here are some of my favourite ways to celebrate Halloween the cozy way, whether you’re spending it solo, with your partner, or with a few close friends.
Halloween is my birthday, so I feel like I have an extra excuse to celebrate, but in reality, I just love the autumnal spooky vibes.
Disclaimer: this post features a gifted cake from Bakerdays, but it is not sponsored & all opinions are my own.
1. Watch a spooky-but-comforting film
You can’t go wrong with Hocus Pocus or anything Tim Burton (Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow…take your pick!).
Light a candle, make popcorn, and settle in for a nostalgic movie night.
2. Binge a Halloween series
I’ve been saving the latest season of Wednesday on Netflix for Halloween week!
If you’ve already seen it, try The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina or What We Do in the Shadows.
3. Read a gothic classic
Darker days are the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book.
Here are some of my favourite timeless picks: Frankenstein, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Dracula.
If you prefer something modern but still on-theme, try The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or The Pumpkin Spice Cafe.
4. Bake or buy some spooky treats
Get creative in the kitchen with ghost-shaped biscuits or pumpkin cupcakes. I recently made some chai cupcakes and they were perfect with a cup of tea!
If you’d rather skip the baking, order a themed cake from Bakerdays, they do delicious treats delivered straight to your door.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying their Red Velvet Halloween bento cake (and trying to save some for my birthday tomorrow!)
5. Check out Halloween events in your favourite games
Many games celebrate Halloween with limited-time events.
I’ve been playing the Disney Dreamlight Valley and Fallout 76 Halloween events lately, and it’s been such a cute way to get into the spirit.
6. Create a cozy Halloween atmosphere at home
You don’t need to go all-out decorating.
A few mini pumpkins, fairy lights, and an autumn-scented candle is enough to make your space feel magical.
Bonus points for putting on a rain playlist or the Practical Magic soundtrack in the background.
7. Cook a comforting autumn meal
Think pumpkin soup or mushroom risotto.
Pair it with some mulled cider.
My partner recently made the tastiest soup with carrots, sweet potato and a ghost pumpkin (pictured above)! It was delicious.
8. Do something witchy
If you enjoy a touch of mysticism, do a tarot reading, pull an oracle card for the season, or just take a mindful bath with salts, candles, and atmospheric music.
It’s a lovely way to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Need some ideas? Check out my post on my current favourite autumn wellness rituals.
9. Curate your own Halloween playlist
Set the mood with some witchy tunes: Fleetwood Mac, Florence + The Machine, or the soundtrack to your favourite seasonal film.
Play it while you read, bake, or game for full cozy immersion!
10. Go for a twilight walk
Bundle up and take a gentle evening walk around your neighbourhood. The crisp air and crunchy leaves are so refreshing.
The images above are from a wander around Bloomsbury after dinner with friends. I also enjoy walking around green spaces like Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park during this season!
Happy Halloween, I hope you have the coziest week.
All the best,
