"Each October 31, I hand out 500 pieces of Halloween candy. Two hours of constant trick-or-treaters can be a little overwhelming, but my neighborhood has embraced the celebration by going all-in on outdoor Halloween decor to make the night even more fun for the kids. Some homes have classic Jack-o’-Lanterns and pumpkin lights, while others lean into the Halloween inflatables. Not to mention the viral Home Depot giant skeleton looms over many yards and sidewalks (this year, Home Depot released a 7-foot-tall skeleton dog to join him!).
If you, too, are delighted by creative outdoor Halloween decorations—whether you want to be inspired to attempt a spooky scene yourself or just appreciate the effort some people put into decorating, keep scrolling. We’ve gathered some of the most fun Halloween outdoor decor inspiration from homes around the country with decorations that are more spooky than scary for the littlest of trick-or-treaters. Plus, we included links to shop if you want to recreate the look yourself.
Trending: Giant Skeletons and Pumpkin Ghouls
Giant skeletons took over neighborhoods in 2020 with the release of the Home Depot 12-foot giant skeleton. We needed a little extra joy back then, but the trend of oversized Halloween (and other holiday) decor has continued with the OG skeleton, affectionately known on social media as “Skelly,” selling out early each year. Target’s “Lewis” joined the ranks of viral outdoor Halloween decor in 2023, sparking more than 34M views on TikTok and selling out within a week following its social debut. “We loved seeing how much joy Lewis brought to families last Halloween,” said Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer Jill Sando in a press release. “So we’re thrilled to announce that not only is he returning, but he’s bringing new friends.”
Who will join Skelly and Lewis as the most popular outdoor Halloween decoration this year? Could it be Skelly’s new 7-foot-tall dog? Or the new giant skeletons emerging from the ground, with Costco’s 62-inch version already making the rounds on social media (a smaller 48-inch skeleton is available from Tractor Supply Co.)? Target’s “Lewis” and new spooky friends and Home Depot’s giant skeleton were just released for 2024—shop below before they sell out!
Funny Skeleton Displays
My personal favorite Halloween outdoor decor trend over the last few years has been using pose-able skeletons! Decorating with skeletons can unleash creativity, as shown in these examples with skeletons doing unexpected everyday tasks like watering plants and taking a “hot” yoga class.
Shop Outdoor Skeleton Decor
Classic Halloween Front Porches
Add Halloween details to your fall front porch to welcome treat-or-treaters this year. Pose skeletons, spiders, or crows among fall essentials like pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks for a classic look.
Shop Halloween Front Porch Decor
Giant Spiders
Massive black spiders can create subtle spooky vibes on your home’s exterior. Mix up the sizes of the spiders or choose one statement spider with a web to complete the creepy-crawly look.
Shop Giant Spider Decor
Witch-Inspired Displays
For homes with covered porches, floating witch hats compete with decal bats for the best minimalist Halloween decor—thanks to social media. And when it comes to outdoor Halloween decor, we can’t help but love the eerie look they create.
Shop Witch Decor
Outdoor Halloween Inflatables
While holiday inflatables might be polarizing, the options for creative and unique Halloween inflatables have exploded in recent years. You can find your favorite creepy characters from nostalgic Halloween movies, your kid’s favorite character at the moment, and even Disney villains. Here are some of our favorites.
Shop Cute Halloween Inflatables
this oversized inflatable from the original Ghostbusters also comes in a 25′ tall version
Cute (Not Creepy) Halloween Scenes
For the littlest ones this Halloween, choosing an outdoor Halloween display that’s cute and not creepy is probably best—like this DIY Halloween scene from It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Scatter pumpkins and choose your favorite Peanuts character(s) to feature. Or just choose classic Halloween characters like Jack-o’-Lanterns, black cats, and friendly ghosts.
Shop Cute Outdoor Halloween Decor
pumpkins, ghosts, and black cats available
Kids’ Halloween Playhouses
Because Halloween is really about the kids, consider outfitting their favorite play space with some not-too-scary decor like bats, pumpkins, Halloween-themed doormats, and more.
Shop Playhouse Halloween Decor
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
A Halloween enthusiast and mom of two, Kathy is passionately committed to sharing the honest, helpful—and often humorous—stories of motherhood, as she navigates her own everyday adventures of work, marriage, and parenting. She honed her creative and strategic skills at advertising agencies in Detroit and Chicago, before pivoting from marketing to editorial. Now instead of telling brand stories, she’s sharing her own, with articles published across popular parenting sites—including hundreds of stories on The Everymom.