7 Fun and Affordable Ways to Celebrate Halloween as an Adult with Your Friends

Halloween isn’t just for kids — it’s for every adult who still loves a little magic, mischief, and reason to dress up. Sure, the trick-or-treating days might be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to be.

If you’re anything like me, you adore holidays — they break up the year, give us an excuse to gather with friends, and remind us that joy doesn’t need to cost a fortune. So instead of expensive parties or crowded bars, why not create a cozy Halloween celebration right at home?

Here are 7 creative and affordable ways to celebrate Halloween with your girlfriends — turning a regular night into a laughter-filled memory that feels like the best parts of growing up… but with wine.

1. Host a “Ghouls’ Night In”

Forget girls’ night — it’s time for a ghouls’ night! Pick a theme (like Witches & Wine, Vintage Vampires, or Haunted Glam) and get everyone to dress up with a fun twist.

Play spooky background music, light candles, and make a DIY cocktail station with drinks like Bloody Bellinis or Pumpkin Spice Margaritas. Add a few Halloween snacks — popcorn with candy corn, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or even ghost-shaped pizzas.

It’s festive, feminine, and totally Instagram-worthy — and best of all, you don’t have to spend much to make it feel special.

2. DIY Costume Challenge

Who says adults can’t dress up? Instead of buying expensive costumes, make it fun by setting a budget — say, $20 max — and challenge everyone to create something creative with what they already own.

You’ll be surprised how inventive people can get when they dig through their wardrobes! You can even turn it into a game: everyone votes for “Most Creative,” “Funniest,” or “Most Likely to Scare the Neighbors.”

It’s all about the laughter, not perfection.

3. Halloween Movie Marathon

Pick a lineup of classic Halloween films depending on your mood —

• For laughs: Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, or The Addams Family

• For romance: Practical Magic or Twilight (don’t judge — nostalgia counts!)

• For scares: Scream, The Conjuring, or Get Out

  
  

Dim the lights, throw on cozy blankets, pop some popcorn, and you’ve got the perfect movie night. Bonus points if everyone wears PJs or themed onesies!

4. Pumpkin Carving & Sip Night

Carving pumpkins isn’t just a kids’ craft — it’s a therapeutic, hilarious, and surprisingly artistic way to spend an evening.

Grab a few pumpkins, pour some wine, and get creative. You can make it a competition (like “Prettiest Pumpkin” or “Most Likely to Haunt You”), or keep it low-key while chatting about life.

If you’re not into carving, painting pumpkins or using glitter and stickers is a great mess-free alternative.

5. Tarot, Crystals, and Witchy Vibes

Lean into the mystical side of Halloween and create a spiritual self-care night.Set up candles, crystals, incense, and dim lighting. Try a group tarot card reading or oracle deck pull, focusing on fun questions like “What energy should I call in before the new year?”

It’s a mix of bonding, reflection, and feminine energy — perfect for friends who love mindfulness and a touch of mystery.

6. DIY Halloween Photoshoot

If you didn’t take photos, did it even happen?

Set up a mini photo booth with Halloween props — witch hats, spooky backdrops, and fairy lights. Use your phone timer or a tripod, and capture the chaos. You can even make it a social media challenge: best photo wins a prize (or bragging rights).

The best part? Looking back at the photos and remembering how much fun you had without even leaving the house.

7. Create a “Memory Jar” Ritual

Amid the laughter, cocktails, and costumes — take a quiet moment to reflect. Have everyone write down something they want to release before the year ends and something they want to call in.

Put the notes in a decorated jar and keep it sealed until New Year’s Eve. It’s a beautiful reminder that Halloween isn’t just about ghosts — it’s about letting go of what’s haunting you.

It’s heartfelt, symbolic, and the perfect way to blend fun with meaning.

Closing: The Magic of Adult Halloween

Halloween as an adult doesn’t have to mean wild nights out or expensive parties. It’s about reconnecting with the childlike joy that lives inside you — the part that still loves dress-ups, laughter, and imagination.

So, gather your girls, pour the wine, and create memories that make your heart full. Because the real magic of Halloween isn’t about fear — it’s about fun, friendship, and finding light in the dark.

Love Aryln xoxo