Halloween Spending Expected to Drop 16% as Nearly 1 in 4 Celebrators Anticipate Debt

EmitenTrust.com LendingTree's 2026 Survey Finds Fewer Americans Plan Holiday Purchases as Economic Uncertainty Prompts Cutbacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are pulling back on Halloween spending this year, according to LendingTree's 2026 Halloween spending survey. Eight in 10 Americans (80%) plan to make a Halloween-related purchase, down from 90% last year, while those celebrating expect to spend an average of $162 – a 16% decline from $192 in 2025.

The survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers finds that economic uncertainty is leading 61% of Halloween celebrators to skip some purchases, most often candy, decorations, and costumes. Even with those cutbacks, nearly 1 in 4 celebrators (24%) expect to take on debt for the holiday, with Gen Zers and parents of children younger than 18 among those most likely to borrow.

The pullback is not universal. Nearly 4 in 10 celebrators (38%) expect to spend more than last year, rising to 58% among parents with children younger than 18. Meanwhile, 85% of celebrators say they're taking at least one step to save money this Halloween, including buying fewer items overall and setting a spending budget.

Key Findings

• Halloween shopping is losing its spell. 80% of Americans plan to make Halloween purchases this year, down from 90% in 2025. Candy leads (48%), followed by costumes for themselves (21%), outdoor decorations (21%), and children's costumes (20%).
• Expected spending falls to $162 among Halloween celebrators. That's down from $192 in 2025. Six-figure earners expect to spend $311, parents of children younger than 18 expect to spend $269, and millennials expect to spend $225. Americans handing out candy expect to spend $73 on treats alone.
• Economic uncertainty is haunting Halloween budgets. While 38% expect to spend more than last year, 61% are skipping purchases due to economic uncertainty, most often candy (35%), decorations (31%), and costumes (29%).
• Halloween debt is no treat. Nearly 1 in 4 celebrators (24%) expect to take on debt this year, including 43% of Gen Zers, 40% of parents, and 35% of millennials. Overall, 35% have gone into Halloween debt before, and 51% of those borrowers regret overspending.

To view the full report, visit:
https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/halloween-budgets/

Methodology
LendingTree commissioned QuestionPro to conduct an online survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers from Sept. 2 to 7, 2026. The survey was administered using a nonprobability-based sample, and quotas were used to help ensure the sample reflected the overall population. Researchers reviewed all responses for quality control.

Generations were defined as follows in 2026: Generation Z, ages 18 to 29; millennials, ages 30 to 45; Generation X, ages 46 to 61; and baby boomers, ages 62 to 80.

About LendingTree, Inc.

LendingTree, Inc. is the parent of LendingTree, LLC and several companies owned by LendingTree, LLC (collectively, "LendingTree" or the "Company").

LendingTree is one of the nation's largest, most experienced online financial platforms, created to give consumers the power to win financially. LendingTree provides customers with access to the best offers on loans, credit cards, insurance and more through its network of approximately 770 financial partners. Since its founding, LendingTree has helped millions of customers obtain financing, save money, and improve their financial and credit health in their personal journeys. With a portfolio of innovative products and tools and personalized financial recommendations, LendingTree helps customers achieve everyday financial wins.

LendingTree, Inc. is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. For more information, please visit www.lendingtree.com.

Media Contact:
press@lendingtree.com

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SOURCE LendingTree, Inc.