Halloween in the US versus the UK

From Halloween costumes, masks and make-up to parties, decorations and candy, Halloween is much bigger in the US than it is in the UK. And at YLUT, we’re totally on board with big – in every way. We’ve designed the biggest collection of the most awesome Halloween costumes and masks across a wide range of cool themes for men, women and children. We take the stress out of Halloween, so you can focus on the fun.

Scottish and Irish Roots

We love to find out unusual facts about Halloween and share them with you in our blog. Did you know that while Halloween may be way bigger in the USA now, it actually originated in the UK? I know, right! Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the USA way back in the 1900s and it’s grown to become a massive annual event that it is now. Today the UK handles Halloween slightly differently to the US. Here’s how…

Halloween Costumes

Ghosts, ghouls and monsters, witches, vampires and zombies – these are the most common Halloween costumes that spring to mind. Certainly, in the UK that is. In the US, it’s not uncommon for Halloweeners to dress in Halloween costumes entirely unconnected to the supernatural. From Disney princess costumes and presidential masks to movie characters and animals – in the US, scary doesn’t always come dressed to the Halloween party.

Pick a Pumpkin for Halloween

The UK has used the pumpkin as a symbol of Halloween since the 1970s. Although the UK doesn’t nearly have quite the pumpkin power that the US does. To give you an example, in one US state alone, half a billion pumpkins are produced every year whereas the UK sits at a modest 4 million by comparison. The US also do all things pumpkin – beer, pie, cake – whereas it doesn’t feature on the menu in the UK quite as much.

Trick or Treat in your Halloween Costume

Going door to door around the neighbourhood is standard practice in both the US and UK – although there’s one key difference. While the US favour sweets, chocolate and confectionary as treats, in the UK it’s not uncommon for your children to receive a couple of pence in lieu of edible offerings. This is simply not done in the US. Cold hard cash is king stateside, but not when it comes to trick or treating.

Halloween Decorations for the Home

The UK is slightly more restrained when it comes to dressing up their homes for Halloween. A pumpkin here, or a candle there, with perhaps a string of fairy lights if they really push the boat out. Americans on the other side of the pond go all out to create realistic haunted houses with skeletons, lights, spider webs, the whole ghoulish get-up. For the US, there’s no holding back with Halloween, outfits, décor, pumpkins, candy.

Grab your Halloween Garb at You Look Ugly Today!

We say, choose your Halloween costume and do it your way. Whether it’s stateside big or more toned-down UK style. Your Halloween, your rules. And we’ve got the perfect Halloween outfit for whatever you decide. Contact us if you have any questions. Whether you need advice on what size to order, what accessories are included with your Halloween outfit or how to wash it, we’re here for you. For Halloween and beyond.

Now Read: The Origins of Halloween