Just as with every holiday we celebrate, Halloween has many surprising facts that many people do not know. We have listed Halloween trivia questions and answers to use at a party or to test your knowledge of Halloween. We have also included interesting facts, many of which are new to most people. Additionally, we have made suggestions on the best way to use our Halloween trivia questions and answers. If you’re planning a Halloween party and need to coordinate RSVPs or organize a signup sheet, check out quicksignup.com for an easy way to manage your guest list and party volunteers.
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Halloween Trivia Questions and Answers
Halloween is one of the most popular holidays of the year. But even if you have been celebrating it since you were a kid, how much do you really know about All Hallows’ Eve? Test your knowledge with these fun trivia questions.
Halloween Trivia Set #1
- In which country did Halloween originate?
- Which Catholic Church holiday is Halloween linked to?
- What was the name of Dracula’s sidekick?
- From which words did “bonfire” originate?
- What does the name Dracula mean?
- What was Dracula’s real name?
- Who was the first actor to play the Wolf Man?
- Which phobia means you have an intense fear of Halloween?
- Out of which vegetable were Jack-o’-lanterns originally made?
- Every Halloween, Charlie Brown helps his friend Linus wait for what character to appear?
Halloween Trivia Set #2
- According to superstition, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, what will you see?
- From which region in the world do pumpkins originate?
- Who wrote the novel Frankenstein?
- Transylvania is a region in which country?
- Halloween has its origins in which ancient Celtic festival?
- Which actor played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
- Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
- What is the significance of seeing a spider on Halloween?
- Which country celebrates the Day of the Dead starting at midnight on Oct. 31?
- According to superstition, a person born on Halloween has what particular ability?
Halloween Trivia Set #3
- Who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas?
- Which vampire said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m going to give you the choice I never had.”?
- How many people were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials?
- Who is said to haunt the White House Rose Garden?
- Pumpkins can be orange, white, green, or what other color?
- In The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, how many people are killed with a chainsaw?
- What’s the body count for the film Halloween?
- Which year was the movie Freaks made?
- In the original Alien, how many alien eggs were made for the egg chamber inside the downed spacecraft?
- How many Oscars was Psycho nominated for?
Halloween Trivia Set #4
- Complete this lyric from the hit Halloween song “Monster Mash”: “I was working in the lab, late one night…”
- Who wrote the classic novel Dracula?
- What’s the color order of a piece of candy corn, from the base to the point?
- What do people in New England call the night before Halloween?
- In 2004, the city of Hollywood banned the use of what party item on Halloween?
- Halloween was first celebrated by which ancient priests?
- Which Ghostbusters actor also co-wrote the screenplay for the movie?
- Many people in Mexico celebrate Halloween by eating what ghoulish candy treat?
- When do vampires sleep?
- What classic horror film features the quote, “They’re coming to get you, Barbara”?
- Which horror movie icon has the highest on-screen body count?
- In The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, what is the name of Leatherface’s family?
- Lewisburg, Ohio, is home to what famous location? (Hint: It’s 3,564 feet long and located 80 feet underground.)
- It’s illegal to dress like a nun or priest for Halloween in which U.S. state?
- Where do Herman, Lily, Grandpa, and the rest of the Munsters live?
- What is the original name for what we now call candy corn?
- Where does Halloween spending rank compared to other holidays—first, second, or third?
- What is the first name of Dr. Frankenstein?
- What costume does Lindsay Lohan’s character wear to the Halloween party in Mean Girls?
- Who famously died on October 31, 1926?
- What was the first American movie to show (and flush) a toilet on-screen?
- What two countries are widely credited with originating the idea of wearing costumes on Halloween?
- What is Samhainophobia?
- Who directed the animated Halloween classic The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Easy Halloween Trivia Questions and Answers
- What does the word “hallow,” in relation to this holiday, mean?
- How do pumpkins grow?
- Is a pumpkin a fruit or vegetable?
- What do the Halloween colors black and orange signify?
- What do people “bob” for on Halloween?
Halloween Movie Trivia
Since John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) introduced everyone’s favorite masked slasher, Michael Myers, the franchise has become a seasonal staple. To honor the scares, here are some franchise-themed trivia questions to get you in the mood.
Halloween Movie Trivia #1
- In Halloween II, when Michael first enters the elderly couple’s home, what movie is playing on their TV?
- In the franchise, what is Michael Myers’ middle name?
- In the first installment we see Michael kill his sister Judith. Who does Jamie stab in Halloween 4 and 5?
- Of all the Halloween movies, one does not feature Michael. Which one is it?
- What job does Mr. Strode do?
- In which film does Dr. Sam Loomis appear last?
- How many of the Halloween movies did John Carpenter direct?
- Who was the first actor to be credited as adult Michael Myers?
- How many children did Laurie Strode have?
- In the second movie, how many times does Dr. Loomis shoot Michael?
Halloween Movie Trivia #2
- How did the prop department make the classic Michael Myers mask?
- Which Halloween movie features an evil plot by a mask-making company called Silver Shamrock—and notably doesn’t include Michael Myers?
- At the start of the first film, Michael kills which family member? (Bonus: the name.)
- While shooting the movie, who was the only cast member actually of high-school age?
- What was the total budget for the movie?
- Paid $20,000 for five days of work, which actor portrayed Dr. Loomis?
- In Halloween 4, a fan-favorite scene depicts Kelly Meeker getting stabbed with what?
- In the first film, what is the name of Laurie’s best friend who babysits across the street?
Halloween Trivia Quiz
Away from Michael Myers’ mayhem, here are some more light-hearted questions for your Halloween trivia quiz needs.
- What are other names of Halloween?
- True or false: The largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed more than 3,000 pounds.
- What is the traditional role of black cats in Halloween and occult lore?
- Do kids commonly find razor blades in apples or pins in candy bars on Halloween?
- What region are vampire bats from?
- How is the “mystery flavor” of Dum Dums lollipops made?
- How did the Charleston Chew bar get its name?
- The engagement of which now-defunct celebrity couple included a ring hidden in a Ring Pop wrapper?
- Which three candies often top U.S. Halloween favorites lists?
- In popular “candy buyback” programs, kids trade candy to local dentists. Who often receives the candy or donations?
The Origin of Halloween
The origin of Halloween traces back about two millennia to the Celts of Ireland and parts of Northern France and the British Isles. Their lives were closely tied to the harvest, and they marked the end of summer at Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). They believed the boundary between the living and the dead thinned on the last night of October. Households sometimes left food and drink outside for visiting spirits. Many modern Halloween customs—carving lanterns, dressing in costume, and sharing treats—echo these ancient traditions.
Halloween Trivia for Kids
Finally, a few questions that are suited for children and won’t scare younger players. Here are some Halloween trivia for kids:
Halloween Trivia Set #1
- What is the number-one city for trick-or-treating in the United States?
- Apart from sucking blood in stories, what do vampires and bats have in common?
- How much is spent on pet costumes for Halloween annually?
- What type of vegetable is disliked by vampires and used to frighten them away (in folklore)?
- What color cat is a symbol of Halloween?
- True or false: The word “hallow” means saint or holy person.
- What mammal is able to fly and is associated with Halloween?
- True or false: Halloween is the eve of All Saints’ Day.
- What word begins with the letter C, looks like a pot, and is used by witches to brew potions?
- What bone found in the head is a common symbol of Halloween?
Halloween Trivia Set #2
- What date is Halloween celebrated?
- Unscramble BINLOG to reveal a short, green creature from folklore.
- What traditional activity involves dressing up and visiting neighbors’ houses for candy?
- Complete the witches’ chant: “Double, double, toil and …”
- What do witches use to ride around town?
- How many licks does it take, on average, to reach the center of a Tootsie Pop?
- What does seeing a spider on Halloween signify in folklore?
- What’s one of the most popular candies bought in the U.S. during Halloween?
- How many standard colors of plain M&M’s are there?
- What fruit is carved on Halloween and placed outside for all to see—and what color is it?
Halloween Trivia Set for Kids #3
- What’s another name for a carved pumpkin?
- The Puritans were the first to associate which black-colored animal with bad luck?
- Instead of candy, what did kids originally receive when trick-or-treating?
- What comic strip helped boost the popularity of trick-or-treating in the U.S.?
- Roughly how many calories might a kid consume on Halloween night?
- How much does the world’s biggest pumpkin weigh (approximately)?
- Instead of pumpkins, what did many Irish people carve for early Halloweens?
- What creatures can a vampire turn into?
- What did Cousin Itt from The Addams Family look like?
- Where can you find mummies?
Halloween Facts
Halloween, like any other time of celebration that has been around for a while, has many fun facts associated with it. Read through our list to become familiar with all the fun Halloween trivia.
The Origin of the Word “Witch”
The word “witch” comes from the Old English wicce, meaning “wise woman.” The plural is wiccan. Witches were highly respected in some eras. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night.
Owls and Halloween
Owls are associated with Halloween because, in medieval Europe, owls were thought to be witches. To hear an owl’s call was said to mean someone was about to die.
Jack-o’-lanterns
Jack-o’-lanterns are carved gourds with a candle inside. According to Irish legend, they are named after a stingy man named Jack who, after tricking the devil, was barred from both heaven and hell and wandered the earth with an ember in a carved turnip.
The Origin of Bonfires
During Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long winter. Druid priests sometimes threw cattle bones into the flames—hence “bone fire,” which evolved into “bonfire.”
The History of Candy Corn
Candy corn was invented by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company of Philadelphia in the 1880s. It was originally called “butter cream candies” and “chicken feed.” After World War II, advertisers began marketing it as a Halloween treat thanks to its harvest colors.
The History of Trick-or-Treating
Versions of trick-or-treating have existed since medieval times. In parts of the British Isles, “guising” and “souling” involved wearing costumes and going door-to-door for food or coins in exchange for songs or prayers during Hallowmas.
Halloween Superstitions
- Scottish girls believed they could see images of their future husband by hanging wet sheets in front of the fire on Halloween.
- Some believed they would see their boyfriend’s face if they looked into mirrors while walking downstairs at midnight on Halloween.
- If a person wears their clothes inside out and then walks backward on Halloween, they will see a witch at midnight.
- Girls who place the apple they bobbed for under their pillows are said to dream of their future love.
Halloween Fun Facts
Tossing a few little-known facts out to your Halloween party guests will really get them in the spirit!
- Agatha Christie’s mystery novel Hallowe’en Party features a girl drowned in an apple-bobbing tub.
- In the United States, the first citywide celebration of Halloween was in Anoka, Minnesota, in 1921.
- More than 93% of children under 12 go trick-or-treating.
- Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the fall harvest and black with darkness and death.
- Billions of dollars are spent on costumes, candy, and decorations each year.
- Halloween is one of the most commercially successful holidays; Christmas is first.
- Tootsie Rolls were among the first individually wrapped penny candies in the U.S.
- Halloween candy sales in the U.S. average in the billions of dollars annually.
- Chocolate bars top many “most-popular” lists for trick-or-treaters, with Snickers and Reese’s often near the top.
- Pumpkins aren’t only orange; there are also white, blue, and green varieties.
- Black cats were once considered evil omens, thought to be spirits of witches or their protective familiars.
- Apple bobbing is believed to have originated from a Roman harvest festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of fruit trees.
- Vampires are mythical creatures who defy death by sucking human blood (in folklore and fiction).
- Vampire bats exist—but they live in Central and South America and typically feed on livestock or birds.
- Worldwide, bats are vital natural enemies of night-flying insects.
- The common little brown bat of North America has a remarkably long lifespan for a small mammal—often over 30 years.
- If you see a spider on Halloween, it’s considered good luck in some traditions, as it means the spirit of a loved one is guarding you.
- The 1978 blockbuster Halloween was filmed in just 21 days on a very limited budget.
- Hundreds of vampire clubs and societies exist (mostly for fans of the lore).
- In 1962, the Count Dracula Society was founded.
- About 50% of adults dress up for Halloween.
- Roughly two-thirds of adults take part in Halloween activities, such as parties, decorating, and trick-or-treating with children.
- Many Americans decorate their homes for Halloween.
- Over 10% of pet owners dress their pets in Halloween costumes.
- The Ouija Board famously outsold Monopoly in one early year at Salem, with over two million boards shipped.
- The first Halloween greeting cards appeared in the early 1920s.
- U.S. consumers spend tens of millions on Halloween greetings, sending tens of millions of cards annually.
- About 90% of parents admit to sneaking goodies from their kids’ trick-or-treat bags.
- More than 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced for Halloween—nearly 9 billion pieces.
- The tradition of making jack-o’-lanterns to ward off spirits is centuries old. In Ireland, people placed candles in hollowed turnips during Samhain.
- Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe, who celebrated the harvest around bonfires, shared ghost stories, sang, danced, and told fortunes.
- The ancient Celts, who thought that spirits roamed on Halloween night, began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized.
- The fear of Halloween is known as Samhainophobia.
Using Halloween Trivia Questions and Answers
Halloween is one of the most popular holidays, and many people have parties to celebrate. Play a game of trivia, giving points for correct answers. If you have a large group, divide players into teams and have them compete. Whoever answers the most questions correctly wins. Consider a small prize for the winners—your guests will love showing off their Halloween knowledge.
On October 31st, people celebrate one of the most popular festivals of all time—Halloween. Prepare to have fun and create a memorable occasion with our Halloween trivia, facts, and Q&A.
Eleanor is a qualified English teacher and has received a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), specializing in Secondary English, and holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature from Liverpool John Moores University. She is certified to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) and has worked with students in the U.K. and South East Asia. She currently works as an English teacher in Vietnam, teaching students across a range of ages.
Note: Dracula actually translates as “son of the dragon” not “son of the devil”