Halloween is creeping closer with every passing day. You may be wondering when to start decorating for Halloween, or you might have already begun (it’s September, when else would you) decorating your house, office, or yard for the spooky season. Some enthusiastic Halloween lovers tend to begin their preparations in August. Opinions may differ depending on individual preferences on when it is too early to decorate your home for Halloween or when it is the right time. We are here to find out exactly when it is acceptable to put up your Halloween décor.
As soon as the temperature drops and leaves begin to turn their shade, those who wait all year for Halloween put up decorations and bask in the glory of all things spooky. However, not everyone does it at the same time.
According to a 2024 survey by Better Homes & Gardens, 47 percent of Americans prefer to decorate their homes for Halloween between October 1 and October 15. There is a minority of Halloween enthusiasts (5 percent) who decorate homes for the season before Labor Day, whereas 16 percent of people do it between Labor Day and September 30. The survey also discovered that 21 percent of the participants prefer to decorate for Halloween between October 16 and October 30, whereas 3 percent of lazy bums do it on Halloween itself.
We think there is no right time to decorate for the holiday, but a majority of people wait for October 1 to start decorating. That said, you can be too late to decorate an elaborate setup. Anyway, let’s break it down.
How Early is too Early for Halloween Décor?
Given the Summerween fever, it seems people are decorating their homes earlier and earlier for Halloween every year. But if you begin before September 1, you may be a little early. Many people, including experts, believe you should hold off on decoration until Labor Day as a benchmark for when you should wait.
Elissa Hall, lead interior designer at Awning.com, says, “Jumping into festive decor prematurely can overshadow the natural transition from summer to fall. I once consulted for a client who began decorating in mid-August; by October, the novelty had worn off, and the decorations felt stale. It’s important to let anticipation build gradually to fully appreciate the season’s charm.”
When is it too Late to Decorate for Halloween?
Getting your Halloween decorations out too late will leave you feeling rushed, and you won’t have enough time to enjoy the décor fully. If you begin decorating after October 20, it might feel rushed. However, last-minute touches can bring a significant amount of joy to your space. While it may be too late to have elaborate displays, it is never too late if it brings you joy.
Last-minute decorations are perfect for those who like to adorn for trick-or-treaters or something specific, like a Halloween party or event. Some homeowners even simply display more autumnal décor starting in September and continuing through Thanksgiving.
You can either begin small in September or wait for cool weather, usually during the first two weeks of October. If you are still unsure what to do, look to your neighbors. If they have not started decorating yet, you may want to wait till they come around to it. Or you can begin with subtle décor like chrysanthemum planters or a wreath of dried foliage.
