15 Ways to Have a Cosy Halloween in the UK
Halloween doesn’t always have to be jump scares and noisy parties. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy spooky season is to curl up with a blanket, light a candle, and soak up the eerie vibes from the comfort of home.
Whether you’re celebrating solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, here’s how to turn 31st October into the cosiest, spookiest night in — without spending a fortune.
1. 🎥 Host a Haunted Movie Marathon
Nothing says “cosy” like a scary film and a big bowl of popcorn. Dim the lights, grab your fluffiest blanket, and hit play on these classics:
- Hocus Pocus
- Coraline
- The Others
- Sleepy Hollow
- The Haunting of Hill House (Netflix series)
🛒 Cosy tip:
Halloween-Themed Throw Blanket – Amazon UK
Reusable Halloween Popcorn Buckets – Amazon UK
2. 🕯️ Light Spooky-Scented Candles
Set the atmosphere with warm, moody lighting and autumnal scents like pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, or smoky bonfire.
🛒 Top picks:
Yankee Candle – Witches’ Brew
Spiced Pumpkin Soy Candle
3. 📖 Read a Chilling Ghost Story
Get comfy and dive into some spooky literature. Try:
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
- Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
🛒 Bonus ambience:
Clip-On Reading Light
4. 🧣 Decorate for Autumn, Not Just Halloween
Pumpkins, fairy lights, and dried leaves go a long way in making your home feel like a seasonal haven. Stick to warm oranges, browns, and golds to get that true autumn glow.
🛒 Budget-friendly autumn decor:
Autumn Garland with LED Lights – Amazon UK
5. 🎃 Carve Pumpkins (With Mulled Wine On the Side)
Get crafty with a pumpkin (or even a butternut squash!). Light it up with a tealight and sip on hot mulled wine while you carve. Pure cosy vibes.
🛒 Essentials:
Pumpkin Carving Kit – Amazon UK
Mulled Wine Spices – Amazon UK
6. 🧦 Put on Your Cosy Halloween Pyjamas
Yes, this is the ultimate mood-setter. Get yourself into some themed loungewear and fully embrace spooky slumber party energy.
🛒 Adorably spooky options:
Pumpkin Print Pyjamas – Amazon UK
7. 🍲 Make a Big Autumnal Feast
Think warm, hearty foods:
- Butternut squash soup
- Pumpkin mac & cheese
- Toffee apples
- Apple crumble
🛒 Serve in style:
Halloween-Themed Ceramic Bowls – Amazon UK
8. 👻 Play a Halloween-Themed Board Game
Skip the screens and gather for an eerie game night. Great choices include:
- Betrayal at House on the Hill
- Mysterium
- Cluedo: Haunted Mansion Edition
🛒 Game night pick:
Betrayal at House on the Hill – Amazon UK
9. 📺 Stream a Virtual Haunted House Tour
Too scared to visit one IRL? Watch one from your sofa! YouTube and streaming services are packed with creepy virtual ghost hunts and historical haunted tours.
🔗 Try searching YouTube for:
“UK Haunted House Tour” or “Ghost Hunt Live Stream”
10. 🎨 Make Halloween Crafts
A fun and budget-friendly activity for all ages! Try:
- Painted stones with spooky faces
- Bat or ghost garlands
- DIY potion bottles using old jars and food colouring
🛒 Craft kit idea:
Halloween Craft Set for Kids & Adults – Amazon UK
11. 📸 Have a Cosy Costume Photoshoot
Dress up, even if you’re staying in! Light a few candles, throw on a cape or witch hat, and have a DIY spooky photoshoot — perfect for Instagram.
🛒 Props & lights:
Mini Ring Light for Cosy Photos – Amazon UK
12. 🧙 Listen to Spooky Podcasts or Audiobooks
Need background chills while you relax? Try these:
- Lore (podcast)
- The Magnus Archives (podcast)
- The Turn of the Screw (audiobook)
🎧 Perfect for solo vibes or while cooking that pumpkin soup.
13. ☕ Brew a Witchy Drink
Whip up some Halloween-inspired drinks like:
- Spiced chai
- Pumpkin hot chocolate
- Apple cider punch
🛒 Cauldron mugs for extra flair:
Witch’s Brew Ceramic Mug – Amazon UK
14. 🕷️ Tell Ghost Stories by Candlelight
Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or reading off your phone, nothing beats the classic tradition of a ghost story in the dark. Add flashlights under the chin for dramatic effect.
🛒 Atmospheric lighting:
Flameless Flickering LED Candles – Amazon UK
15. 🎁 Make Halloween Treat Bags (For Yourself!)
Treat yo’self! Pack little paper bags with sweets, a face mask, candles, or even Halloween socks and open them on Halloween night.
🛒 Fillers to consider:
👻 Final Thoughts
A cosy Halloween can be just as festive — and maybe even more fun — than a big night out. With the right mix of ambience, snacks, scares, and snuggles, you’ll have a hauntingly heart-warming night in.
💬 What’s Your Cosy Halloween Plan?
Let us know how you’re spending the spooky season in the comments, or tag us on social media with your setup!
