A Look Back at How Halloween Has Been Celebrated Through the Years

A Look Back at How Halloween Has Been Celebrated Through the Years

See how spooky season has changed over the past century.

By Alexandra ChurchillPublished: Oct 27, 2026

Old souls, prepare to take a stroll down memory lane! This archive of vintage Halloween decorations, costumes, and party supplies might be just enough to make you rethink your Halloween party theme. Since the 1900s, folks have been gathering in secrecy and excitement for all of the mystery that happens on October 31. And a lot of the pictured gatherings here evoke that sense of nostalgia and charm, capturing the spirit of a bygone era.

Ahead, you'll rediscover a history of Halloween that’s long been forgotten, as well as beloved traditions that have stood the test of time. Whether it’s classic pumpkins, creepy black cats, or spine-chilling skeletons, all kinds of retro-inspired Halloween decorations are shown in these photos. Since most of these decorative items were homemade, their imperfections give them an even spookier look! While Halloween is a holiday of games and tricks, it wouldn't be complete without the kids who give the tradition their all. So, plenty of these images show grinning young'uns reveling in the old-timey fun!

Without further ado, scroll through these Halloween memories through the years.

Take a trip down memory lane:

• The Most Iconic Halloween Movies of All Time
• Do You Remember These Halloween Treats from Childhood?
• A Look Back at Ree Drummond’s Favorite Family Halloween Memories

1

1900s

In the early 20th century, people were fascinated with Halloween. Just take a closer look at this table: the centerpiece is made of foliage and Halloween flowers like white spider mums (fitting!), a witchy statue, and bowls of fruit carved like teeny-tiny jack-o'-lanterns.

2

1910s

Even today, many school teachers enjoy participating in the Halloween fun. This photo from a rural school house provides ample table decoration inspiration: A jack-'o-lantern with a handmade mobile of cut-out witches! They even went so far as to craft bonfires made of dry grass!

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1920s

By the 1920s, the Dennison Manufacturing Company and Beistle Company began selling paper décor like party favors, invitations, printed napkins, and pop-up cut-outs. They exploded in popularity!

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1925

We spy a jack-o'-lantern! The original caption of this 1925 photograph explains that the subject was in the process of "making ready for the Halloween party which she is to give next week." While the photograph is from the roaring twenties in America, jack-o'-lanterns originated from an Irish folktale about "Stingy Jack."

5

1925

Who wouldn't want a toy cat on a chain? There's so much to love about this woman's 20s witchy look, from her "modern" sequined jumpsuit to the silky black heels!

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1926

Trusting a 6-year-old with a carving knife is an interesting choice, but he's doing a darn good job at the classic carved pumpkin. Kids were generally given a little more responsibility in the 20th century than they are today—for better and for worse! When people immigrated to America, they realized these gourds make perfect lanterns.

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1930s

Turns out people have always tried to outdo their neighbor's Halloween decorations! Here, a group of young women in swimsuits hoist a larger-than-life papier-mâché pumpkin overhead. The photo is taken on Venice Beach in Los Angeles, where giant papier-mâché masks were also donned during their Mardi Gras festival in August.

8

1930s

Crepe paper in iconic Halloween colors—orange and black—was a popular material for all kinds of décor. This young lady is donning a fun rooster hat made from... you guessed it: crepe paper!

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1935

Err, nice to meet you?! In this photo circa 1935, a woman in costume shakes hands with a life-sized skeleton. The grinning jack-o'-lantern at her feet is made of paper.

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1940s

We've got to admit: Apple bobbing looks like so much fun. The woman pictured here was the winner of this particular dunking contest. "That was because she wasn't afraid to get the top of her little nose wet," reads the photo's original caption.

11

1940s

A pair of young women visit a novelty shop and examine a paper skeleton in this festive photo. The scene is full of so many other great details, too—just look at that shelf of vintage candies in the back.

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1940s

Actress Elizabeth Allan poses with a jack-o'-lantern in this photo from the 1940s.

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1945

Here's a photo Walter would appreciate: A black puppy is pictured wearing a Halloween cat and holding a plastic candy bucket in his mouth.

14

1951

This photo might be from the early 1950s, but we're pretty sure this masterpiece would even win awards in modern-day jack-o'-lantern competitions. That corn "cigar" is too cute.

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1955

Here's all the proof we need that witch hats and black cats will never go out of style. Actress and dancer Ann Miller sits surrounded by those and other Halloween decorations in this sophisticated scene.

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1958

Did you know? The man posing in this photo with a pumpkin-themed display is none other than famed director Alfred Hitchcock.

17

1959

Look at these pumpkin faces! 😱 Some are painted, some are carved, and others still are given extra frightening features like pointed teeth and devilish horns.

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1960s

No knives needed! A pair of brothers shows off their no-carve pumpkin artistry with this whimsical painted creation.

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1960s

This 1960s photo is a great reminder of another timeless Halloween motif: fall leaves! Autumn plays an enormous role in making this nostalgic holiday feel so special.

20

1967

In this library photo, a woman and two children take a look at a skeleton decoration together. The bat, witch, and pumpkin decorations on the fireplace behind them are reminiscent of so many Halloween gatherings today.

Alexandra Churchill

Alexandra Churchill is the Deputy Editor at The Pioneer Woman, overseeing the site's strategy in topics of food and cooking, home and life, beauty and style, crafts, and holidays.

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