Fun.com and HalloweenCostumes.com have officially announced the results of their 2026 Halloween poll, offering insight into what is on Halloween fans’ minds.
Online Search and Digital Discovery
Search Engines Lead:
Where consumers start their Halloween journey has shifted dramatically over the years. Online search engines like Google and Bing are now the #1 starting point for Halloween, up from 20% in 2024 to 33% in 2025 and reaching a record 43% in 2026.
Socials & Word of Mouth:
While social platforms like TikTok (15%) and Instagram (8%) remain popular for trendspotting, shoppers are increasingly turning to direct search and word-of-mouth recommendations (18%) to kick off their planning.
AI’s Steady Role:
37% of respondents use generative AI tools for decor ideas, costume concepts, or full event planning.
Early Season Prep & High-Impact Decor
Spooky Season Arrives Early: A massive 84% of respondents now begin their Halloween prep by early October, with 16% starting as early as July or August.
Decor & Candy:
Jack-o’-Lanterns (32%) and animatronics decor purchases, while 75% plan to spend the same or more on candy.
Costumes and Consumer Priorities
Comfort Takes #1:
Comfort and Fit are the top priority for costume buyers in 2026 at 30% (up from 20% in 2024), while Quality dropped to second place at 26%.
High Spend:
Costumes rank as the #1 highest-spend category overall, followed closely by Inside Home Decor
Pop Culture Leads:
Recent movie and TV releases remain the top source of costume inspiration (39%).
Year-Round Utility:
48% of respondents wear costumes for cosplay, festivals, and parties throughout the year.
Progress in Costume Inclusivity
Positive Progress:
63% of consumers feel there are enough inclusive options (plus-size, adaptive, maternity) on the market. This is nearly double the 33% in 2022 and an improvement from 49% in 2023.
As Halloween continues to grow beyond a single night, these trends show just how much the way we celebrate is changing. From planning earlier to finding inspiration online and embracing more comfortable, inclusive costumes, consumers are making Halloween their own. For killer costumes, awesome animatronics, and more, visit Fun.com and HalloweenCostumes.com.
Stay up to date on Halloween announcements, costumes, movies, and more with HorrorFuel.com. And be sure to check out our unboxing of HalloweenCostumes.com’s 33-foot-tall StayPuft Marshmallow Man inflatable!
