How Much are we Spending on Halloween?
By Ava McKay
Jack O’Lantern at Night - Getty Images
Spending on Halloween in the UK continues to grow each year, on things such as costumes, house decoration, sweets and hosting parties. More than 50 % of Brits shop for Halloween related items, according to YouGov statistics with 22% beginning their shopping in early October. Just under 30%, begin as early as July or August for a rising holiday called “Summerween”.
It’s assumed that the UK is predicted to spend £1.16 bn purely on Halloween related purchases for this year’s celebrations. Finder (Savings Company) shows previous years budgets have never reached this height.
In 2022 Brits previously spent £687m, while in 2001, it was a mere £12m. This showcases a large rise in just three years highlighting the younger generation’s interest in this holiday.
Finder shows that the rise in budget could be traced back to the differing generations. Millennials and Gen Z, ranging between ages 16–44, are the most active spenders around Halloween items in comparison to Gen X or baby boomers.
Finder also states that only 13% of baby boomers and 17% of the silent generation take part in getting a Halloween themed purchase for the season, with YouGov stating that 16% speak of children or grandchildren dressing up.
Gen Z are listed as the most likely to spend, with an overwhelming 81% planning on doing so. PWC (Consumer Market) states that Gen Z begin planning and buying for their costumes in early September to properly prepare for the holiday. While millennials are second in most spending with 75% but begin their own shopping in September as well.
Millennials average a £36 per person spending over the Halloween season, while Gen Z are not far behind with a £32 per person. Another generation that sits on the middle ground for Halloween festivities with 51% of Gen X panning to spend £15 per person.
PWC conducted a poll on how people were planning on spending their Halloween with 86% stating they were doing something celebratory. An increase from last year’s 78% but Gen Z has had a separate rise with 93% stating of doing something celebratory in 2026.
However, out of all the money spent in the UK, Mintel (Marketing) shows that only 40% of the £1.16 bn goes towards the nearly 100-year-old tradition of trick or treating. Even though a large majority of Brits, 80%, celebrate Halloween by handing out treats to those who dress up.
In Scottish cities, a vast difference is seen in spending when it comes to sweets. As Statista states that Glasgow’s spending sits at an £4.60 average. Meanwhile Edinburgh has a £11 increase averaging a spending of £16 on Halloween sweets.
YouGov also informs that just over half of Brits take budget into consideration when beginning the purchases for the holiday. Allowing it to influence their costume shopping alongside treats.
In contrast, YouGov shows that only 16% of Brits plan on dressing up for this holiday. Within this percent, 42% plan on buying a new costume with under 20% opting for second hand buying. This may be due to PWC showcasing that under half of Gen Z plan on tricker treating.
More than 50% of Millennials admit to spending their holiday tricker treating. Similarly to the 85% of Halloween spenders in the UK being parents to children under five, who will want to go out tricker treating the most.
Besides these statistics, RAJA UK shows that the average family of three in the UK spend £122.55 on costumes alone. With most people choosing to purchase from supermarkets over fancy dress shops in attempt to better budget their money.
Alongside the purchase of sweets; Halloween Parties are another reason for the UK Halloween spending. As The Daily Telegraph states that in the wealthiest neighbourhoods in London, they spend up to 40,000 on parties. This is the most extreme of some, but it highlights the popularity growth that Halloween has.