Halloween Alternatives

The History of Halloween
It may come as a surprise, but Halloween’s history has Christian roots. From a Christian perspective, Halloween is the first chapter in the story.

Halloween falls on the evening before All Hallows Day (All Saints Day) and historically believers used the night for prayer and reflection before the major feast of All Saints' Day on November 1st.

The word hallow comes from the Old English word hālig, meaning holy or saint, and in the Christian calendar, October 31st was traditionally a sacred evening vigil - and "e'en," is truncated for 'evening.

The modern celebration of Hallowe'en is a complicated mix of evolved (and evolving) traditions and influences, mainly from the American, western and influences of consumerism, but it leaves the question: how should the church approach it?

It may be helpful to have a reminder of what All Saints and All Souls Days are, to provide some framing for these few days:

All Saints Day
All Saints' Day (1 November, also known as All Hallows Day) is a day marked in the church calendar to honour all the saints who didn't have a festival day of their own. It celebrates major historical figures, martyrs, and well-known saints of the wider church who have died, and have had a lasting impact in the life of the church.

All Souls Day
In contrast to All Saints' Day, All Souls' Day (2 November) honours the "ordinary saints"—family members, friends, and local church members who lived quietly faithful lives. Different from a day of mourning, our remembrance calls to mind the hope of the resurrection and gives thanks for their faithful testimony.

While not all churches have services for All Saints and All Souls, the practice of remembering and giving thanks for saints and special people in our own lives, perhaps over a simple family meal or lighting a candle together. (This practice may also sound similar to the māori practice of marking Matariki.)

Church Engagement with Halloween
As we celebrate All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, may we enjoy the traditions of our families, and an opportunity to enter into a wider community celebration.

May we also celebrate with great joy the saints who surround us and accompany us in this life, and give thanks for those who have gone before us.

We choose to celebrate the joy, the light, and Jesus as light of the world, bringing the "God colours into the world." We acknowledge that the world has darkness (and things that scare us!) but we also know the story doesn't end in the darkness - we know the Light of the World.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it" - John 1:5

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16

Light Parties

If you want to create a safe and friendly space for your community to gather on Halloween, you could consider hosting a Light Party. Here are some ideas for games, activities and fun

Our new Strandz Light Party ideas resource (2026)
The Best of SU Light Parties – packed with fantastic ideas for 5–11 yrs.
The Best of SU Light Parties for Young People – packed with brilliant ideas for 11–18 yrs.
26 Tried and tested Light Party Crafts & Activities (Sunhats and Wellie boots)

Light Party activities
There are a range of activities you could choose from, to suit your location and community. Consider having a 'ticket' to punch/stamp at each station, to help families navigate their way through a range of activities.