Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes. It’s also the perfect time to test your friends, coworkers, or family members with some good old-fashioned trivia.
Trivia adds a playful, competitive element to any gathering, and it’s one of the easiest ways to keep guests entertained without needing fancy props or expensive setups.
You can turn trivia into a party game, a classroom activity, or even a cozy night-in challenge.I’ve always found that trivia works best when it mixes fun facts, surprising history, and a few curveball questions that make people laugh.
When the questions are varied, everyone gets a chance to shine, whether they’re a horror movie buff or just someone who really knows their candy.
How to Use This Trivia List
Before you scroll down to the questions, here’s a tip: trivia works best when you organize it into rounds. For example, start with easier questions to build confidence, then increase the difficulty.
You can even throw in bonus rounds like “Name That Movie” or “Finish the Halloween Rhyme.” This list covers everything from history and traditions to pop culture and spooky legends.
Easy & Fun Halloween Trivia Questions
1. What date is Halloween celebrated each year?
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st. This tradition comes from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter.
2. Which vegetable was originally used to carve Jack-o’-lanterns before pumpkins became popular?
Originally, people in Ireland carved turnips into lanterns. Pumpkins became popular later in America because they were larger and easier to carve.
3. What does the word “Halloween” mean?
Halloween is short for All Hallows’ Evening, the night before All Saints’ Day. Over time, “All Hallows’ Eve” turned into “Halloween.”
4. In which country did Halloween originate?
Halloween traces its roots back to Ireland, where the Celts celebrated Samhain with bonfires and costumes to ward off spirits.
5. What is the most popular Halloween candy in the United States?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups often top the list, thanks to their perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter.
6. What colors are traditionally associated with Halloween?
The classic Halloween colors are orange and black. Orange represents harvest and autumn, while black symbolizes darkness and mystery.
7. What spooky creature is said to transform during a full moon?
A werewolf is the legendary creature believed to transform from human to wolf under the full moon.
8. What phobia means you have an intense fear of Halloween?
It’s called Samhainophobia, named after the Celtic festival Samhain.
9. Which famous magician died on Halloween in 1926?
Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist, passed away on October 31, 1926.
10. What animal is considered a symbol of bad luck on Halloween?
A black cat is often linked with bad luck, although some cultures see them as good luck charms.
Halloween History & Traditions
11. What did people use to dress up as during the original Halloween celebrations?
People wore animal skins and heads to scare away evil spirits during the Samhain festival.
12. Which plant is said to protect against vampires?
Garlic is the go-to vampire repellent in folklore, believed to ward off these blood-sucking creatures.
13. What is the name of the Celtic harvest festival that inspired Halloween?
It’s called Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), marking the transition from summer to winter.
14. What popular Halloween activity involves going door to door asking for candy?
That’s trick-or-treating, a tradition that blends European customs with American candy culture.
15. What was the original purpose of wearing masks on Halloween?
Masks were worn to confuse wandering spirits so they wouldn’t recognize and haunt the living.
16. In medieval times, what was “souling”?
Souling was when poor people would go door to door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food, often “soul cakes.”
17. What fruit is often bobbed for at Halloween parties?
People traditionally bob for apples, a game with roots in ancient Roman harvest festivals.
18. What does a pumpkin symbolize on Halloween?
Pumpkins, especially carved ones, are thought to ward off evil spirits and represent the harvest season.
19. Which American city hosts the largest Halloween parade?
New York City is famous for its massive Village Halloween Parade, attracting thousands of participants.
20. What kind of spirit is believed to haunt children on Halloween night in Irish folklore?
The Pooka, a mischievous spirit, is said to roam the countryside playing tricks.
Halloween in Pop Culture
21. Which 1978 horror movie introduced the character Michael Myers?
That would be Halloween, a slasher film directed by John Carpenter. It became a cult classic and sparked multiple sequels over the decades.
22. In “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” what is the name of the Pumpkin King?
The Pumpkin King is Jack Skellington, a lovable skeleton who gets bored with Halloween and tries to take over Christmas.
23. Which ghost-hunting comedy from 1984 features the line “Who you gonna call?”
That’s from Ghostbusters, a film that mixes paranormal adventure with humor.
24. What is the name of the Addams Family’s butler?
The tall, gloomy butler is called Lurch, known for his slow movements and deep voice.
25. In which movie would you hear the chant “Double, double, toil and trouble”?
This chant is from Macbeth by William Shakespeare, but it’s often quoted in witch-themed Halloween media.
26. Who played Edward Scissorhands in the 1990 film?
Johnny Depp brought the gentle, scissor-handed character to life in Tim Burton’s fantasy romance.
27. What horror movie is about a possessed doll named Chucky?
That’s Child’s Play, first released in 1988, which started a long-running horror franchise.
28. Which family-friendly 1993 movie features three witch sisters resurrected in Salem?
Hocus Pocus is a beloved Halloween comedy where the Sanderson Sisters cause chaos in modern-day Salem.
29. Who is the main villain in the “Scream” franchise?
Ghostface, a masked killer, is the central villain although different people take on the mask in each film.
30. What 2002 movie features a videotape that kills anyone who watches it?
The Ring is the chilling story of a cursed videotape that claims victims within seven days.
Spooky Legends & Myths
31. What is a group of witches called?
A group of witches is traditionally called a coven, a term rooted in medieval witchcraft folklore.
32. In vampire lore, how can you kill a vampire?
Common methods include driving a wooden stake through the heart, exposing them to sunlight, or using holy water.
33. Which creature from Mexican folklore is said to attack livestock?
The Chupacabra is a mythical creature believed to drain the blood of goats and other animals.
34. What is the name of the ghost ship that is said to sail forever without making port?
That would be the Flying Dutchman, a legend from 17th-century maritime folklore.
35. In which country did the legend of the Headless Horseman originate?
The original Headless Horseman legend comes from Germany, but Washington Irving popularized it in American literature.
36. What is said to happen if you look into a mirror at midnight on Halloween and say “Bloody Mary” three times?
Folklore warns that Bloody Mary will appear in the mirror, sometimes as a spirit and other times as a vengeful ghost.
37. Which monster is pieced together from parts of different corpses?
That’s Frankenstein’s monster, created by Mary Shelley’s fictional scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein.
38. What is a banshee known for?
A banshee is an Irish spirit whose wailing is said to foretell death in the family.
39. Which ancient civilization believed cats had special protective powers, especially black cats?
The ancient Egyptians revered cats as sacred animals linked to the goddess Bastet.
40. What is the werewolf’s greatest weakness in most legends?
A silver bullet is often said to be the only weapon capable of killing a werewolf.
Halloween Around the World
41. In Mexico, what holiday coincides with Halloween and celebrates the dead?
That’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a colorful celebration honoring loved ones who have passed away.
42. In which country is it tradition to eat “barmbrack” on Halloween?
In Ireland, barmbrack is a fruitcake with hidden charms baked inside, each predicting the finder’s future.
43. Which country celebrates “Kawasaki Halloween Parade,” one of Asia’s largest Halloween events?
Japan hosts the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, featuring thousands of costumed participants.
44. In which country do people carve lanterns out of beets instead of pumpkins?
In Scotland, turnips or beets are often used for lantern carving in older traditions.
45. What is the name of the Halloween festival celebrated in Hong Kong that honors the dead?
It’s called the Hungry Ghost Festival, where offerings are made to wandering spirits.
46. In which country is it common to play pranks during Halloween, known as “Mischief Night”?
England and some parts of the U.S. have Mischief Night, where playful pranks are part of the celebration.
47. Which European country celebrates “All Saints’ Day” instead of Halloween?
Spain observes All Saints’ Day on November 1st, focusing on honoring deceased loved ones.
48. What is the name of the Japanese ghost that appears as a woman with long black hair covering her face?
That’s Onryō, a vengeful spirit popular in Japanese ghost stories.
49. Which country has a tradition called “Hop-tu-Naa,” considered their own version of Halloween?
The Isle of Man celebrates Hop-tu-Naa, a festival older than modern Halloween.
50. In which country is it tradition to light candles on graves during Halloween night?
In Poland, families visit cemeteries and light candles to honor the dead.
Modern Halloween Trends
51. Which U.S. city is often called the Halloween Capital of the World?
That title belongs to Anoka, Minnesota, which started hosting Halloween parades in the 1920s to discourage Halloween pranks.
52. What popular streaming series features a small-town Halloween celebration in Hawkins, Indiana?
That’s Stranger Things, known for mixing supernatural events with 80s nostalgia and Halloween episodes.
53. What kind of costumes have become increasingly popular in recent years scary, cute, or pop culture-based?
Pop culture-based costumes have surged, with characters from movies, TV shows, and memes leading the way.
54. Which popular video game features a special Halloween event called “Fortnitemares”?
Fortnite celebrates Halloween with limited-time skins, spooky maps, and themed challenges.
55. In the United States, what percentage of people typically celebrate Halloween in some way?
Roughly 70% of Americans join in, whether through costumes, parties, or handing out candy.
56. What is one of the fastest-growing Halloween activities for adults?
Themed escape rooms have become a hit, blending puzzles and horror for an immersive experience.
57. Which social media platform sees a huge spike in Halloween makeup tutorials every October?
Instagram is especially popular for Halloween makeup content, with bold looks trending every year.
58. What type of pet costumes have become best-sellers during Halloween?
Funny animal costumes like pumpkin suits and hot dog outfits are huge hits among pet owners.
59. What’s the trend of “trunk-or-treating”?
It’s when people decorate their car trunks and hand out candy in parking lots a safer, community-based alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.
60. Which holiday has started to blend with Halloween in retail stores, with decorations appearing side by side?
Christmas often overlaps in displays, causing the “Halloween-Christmas mash-up” some shoppers love and others dislike.
Halloween Candy Facts
61. What is the top-selling Halloween candy in the U.S.?
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups consistently take the top spot due to their iconic flavor combination.
62. Which candy was originally marketed as “Chicken Feed”?
That’s Candy Corn, named for its shape and color, which resemble corn kernels.
63. How many pounds of candy corn are produced each year?
About 35 million pounds of candy corn are made annually enough to circle the Earth multiple times if laid end to end.
64. What candy slogan says, “Taste the Rainbow”?
That belongs to Skittles, a fruity candy popular for trick-or-treating.
65. Which chocolate bar was named after a family horse?
The Snickers bar was named after the Mars family’s beloved horse.
66. In what decade did trick-or-treating become a widely recognized custom in the U.S.?
The 1940s and 50s saw trick-or-treating boom, thanks to post-war suburban neighborhoods.
67. What is the most popular lollipop given out on Halloween?
Tootsie Pops remain a classic choice, combining a hard candy shell with a chocolatey center.
68. Which candy is shaped like tiny pumpkins?
Mellowcreme Pumpkins are made of the same sugary material as candy corn but in pumpkin form.
69. Which brand produces the Halloween-themed “Reese’s Pumpkins”?
Hershey’s makes these seasonal treats, which many say taste better because of the peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio.
70. Which candy bar famously breaks with a “snap”?
That’s Kit Kat, known for its crispy wafer layers.
Tricky Halloween Questions for Experts
71. What was the original name for Dracula in Bram Stoker’s notes?
Stoker first called him Count Wampyr before changing it to Dracula.
72. Which U.S. state was the last to recognize Halloween as an official holiday?
Alabama didn’t officially recognize Halloween until 2014.
73. In what year did the first recorded Halloween costume party take place in the United States?
It’s believed to have been in the late 1800s, around the time Irish immigrants brought the tradition over.
74. What unusual Halloween tradition took place in early 20th-century Des Moines, Iowa?
Children had to perform a trick or tell a joke before getting a treat, a custom still practiced in some areas.
75. Which famous author wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”?
Washington Irving penned this classic ghost story, published in 1820.
76. In witchcraft, what is the term for a cat that serves as a magical companion?
That’s called a familiar, believed to aid witches in their magical work.
77. In which country is Halloween known as “All Hallows’ Eve” and “All Saints’ Eve” interchangeably?
Many Christian-majority countries use these terms, but they are especially common in the UK.
78. Which horror franchise holds the record for most movies in its series?
Friday the 13th holds a spot among the longest, with over a dozen films and spin-offs.
79. What was the name of the first full-length werewolf movie?
Werewolf of London (1935) was the first major werewolf feature film.
80. Which famous actress starred as Laurie Strode in multiple “Halloween” movies?
Jamie Lee Curtis became known as the “Scream Queen” for her iconic role in the Halloween franchise.
Classic Horror Literature
81. Who wrote the novel “Frankenstein”?
That was Mary Shelley, who penned the story in 1818 when she was just 18 years old.
82. Which gothic novel features the vampire Count Dracula?
Dracula was written by Bram Stoker and published in 1897, setting the tone for modern vampire tales.
83. What is the setting of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven”?
It takes place in a man’s study at midnight, with a mysterious raven as the visitor.
84. Which author is famous for “The Tell-Tale Heart” and other dark short stories?
Edgar Allan Poe is known for his macabre and suspenseful works.
85. What is the name of the hotel in Stephen King’s “The Shining”?
The story takes place in the eerie Overlook Hotel, haunted by sinister forces.
86. Who wrote the short story “The Lottery,” often studied in schools for its chilling ending?
That’s Shirley Jackson, a master of unsettling fiction.
87. In “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” what is the main theme explored?
It examines the dual nature of humanity the struggle between good and evil within one person.
88. What is the name of the cursed town in Stephen King’s “It”?
The fictional town is called Derry, Maine, where a terrifying clown-like entity preys on children.
89. Which gothic novel is set on the mysterious Yorkshire moors?
That would be Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë not strictly horror, but dark and haunting enough to fit the mood.
90. In “Interview with the Vampire,” who plays the role of Louis in the 1994 film adaptation?
Brad Pitt portrayed Louis, alongside Tom Cruise as Lestat.
Historical Halloween Facts
91. In the early 1900s, what was Halloween more associated with than scares?
It was often about romance and matchmaking games, especially for young women.
92. Which U.S. president once decorated the White House for Halloween?
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to host a Halloween event at the White House in 1958.
93. What was a common Halloween prank in the early 20th century?
Moving outhouses or tipping over wagons was a mischievous favorite before candy took center stage.
94. Which ancient Roman festival influenced Halloween traditions?
The festival of Feralia, honoring the dead, and Pomona, the goddess of fruit, both influenced Halloween customs.
95. In which decade did Halloween greeting cards become popular in the United States?
They gained popularity in the 1920s, often featuring whimsical and spooky illustrations.
96. When was the first Halloween parade in New York City held?
The Village Halloween Parade began in 1974 and quickly grew into a massive event.
97. During which U.S. war were Halloween celebrations encouraged to boost morale?
During World War II, despite sugar rationing, communities held events to keep spirits high.
98. In what year did candy companies start marketing Halloween-specific packaging?
It became common in the 1950s, making treats more festive and appealing.
99. What was the main reason early settlers in America didn’t celebrate Halloween widely?
Religious beliefs, especially in Puritan communities, discouraged pagan-related holidays.
100. What was used for lighting carved turnip lanterns before candles became common?
Originally, hot embers were placed inside to create the glow.
Eerie and Unusual Facts
101. What is the world record for the largest pumpkin ever grown?
The record is over 2,700 pounds, set by a grower in Italy in 2021.
102. Which horror movie was filmed in just 21 days on a very small budget but became a huge success?
The original Halloween (1978) was shot quickly with limited funds and became a classic.
103. What is the term for the fear of clowns?
That’s coulrophobia, a surprisingly common fear.
104. Which horror movie is rumored to have been cursed due to strange events during filming?
Poltergeist is infamous for its alleged curse, tied to multiple cast member deaths.
105. What’s the most expensive Halloween costume ever sold?
A replica of Iron Man’s suit fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
106. What is the name of the ghost in the 1995 movie “Casper”?
The friendly ghost is simply named Casper, a character dating back to 1939.
107. Which American state is home to the famous Salem Witch Trials of 1692?
That’s Massachusetts, specifically the town of Salem.
108. In what year did the Jack-o’-lantern first appear in American print media?
It appeared in the mid-1800s, introduced by Irish immigrants.
109. What is the name for a ghost that is attached to a specific location or object?
That’s called a haunting spirit, often described as “residual” in paranormal terms.
110. Which Halloween-themed song was released by Bobby “Boris” Pickett in 1962?
Monster Mash became an instant seasonal hit and still plays every October.
Final Tricky Halloween Questions
111. Which horror movie’s main villain only appears on screen for about 16 minutes, yet became iconic?
That’s Jaws (1975) the shark had limited screen time due to mechanical issues, which actually made it scarier.
112. What is the term for a spirit that moves objects or makes noises?
A poltergeist is known for causing physical disturbances like knocking or throwing items.
113. Which U.S. state produces the most pumpkins?
Illinois leads pumpkin production, thanks to its ideal growing conditions and large farms.
114. What famous magician was known for debunking fraudulent mediums before his death on Halloween?
Harry Houdini exposed fake spiritualists, which made him both admired and disliked in the séance community.
115. What does seeing a spider on Halloween symbolize in folklore?
It’s believed to be the spirit of a loved one watching over you, not bad luck.
116. What candy was given to soldiers in World War II because it didn’t melt easily?
M&M’s were designed to withstand heat, making them a perfect treat for soldiers.
117. Which plant, often associated with Halloween, is poisonous if eaten?
The deadly nightshade, also called belladonna, has a long history in witchcraft and folklore.
118. What is the traditional name for a carved pumpkin with a face?
That’s a Jack-o’-lantern, named after the Irish legend of Stingy Jack.
119. Which horror movie franchise features a killer named Freddy Krueger?
A Nightmare on Elm Street centers on Freddy, a villain who attacks victims in their dreams.
120. In what year did the U.S. officially start observing Daylight Saving Time on Halloween weekend?
In 2007, the Energy Policy Act shifted the time change to the first Sunday in November, extending trick-or-treat hours.
Conclusion
Halloween trivia is more than just a game it’s a way to keep the spirit of October 31st alive and buzzing with excitement.
Whether you’re hosting a massive costume party, a cozy family gathering, or a work event, these 120 trivia questions offer something for everyone.
Some will stump even the most devoted Halloween fan, while others will spark fond memories and plenty of laughs.
When you bring trivia into the mix, you turn any Halloween celebration into an interactive experience.
People aren’t just passively sitting around; they’re engaging, competing, and sharing little nuggets of knowledge they might have picked up from a scary movie, a childhood tradition, or even an old ghost story.
And honestly, isn’t that what Halloween is all about bringing people together in a swirl of fun, fright, and fascination?
FAQs
Mix easy, medium, and hard questions, add bonus rounds, and give small themed prizes for correct answers.
Absolutely. Many are educational, touching on history, geography, and literature, so they work perfectly for schools.
Break guests into small teams, use a microphone or printed sheets, and keep rounds short to maintain energy.
Appoint a moderator to handle scoring and prevent people from looking up answers on their phones.
Yes, but you can choose which rounds work best depending on your audience skip horror-heavy ones for younger kids.