The shift in holiday habits is marked by a broader retreat from seasonal spending. Only 80% of Americans intend to make Halloween-related purchases this year, a notable decline from the 90% participation rate recorded last season. Among those still participating, 61% report skipping specific purchases—primarily candy, decorations, and costumes—to manage financial pressures. Despite these austerity measures, the reliance on credit remains a significant concern, particularly among Gen Zers and parents with children under 18.

Not every household is tightening its belt to the same degree. While the majority are cutting back, 38% of celebrators plan to increase their spending compared to last year. This cohort is heavily skewed toward parents of young children, who report expected outlays of $269. To mitigate the impact on their finances, 85% of celebrators are actively employing savings strategies, such as setting stricter budgets and reducing the total volume of goods purchased. LendingTree’s findings suggest that for many, the cost of holiday tradition is increasingly colliding with the realities of personal debt, with over half of those who have previously borrowed for Halloween expressing regret over their spending choices.