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Pottery Barn
One of the best parts of Halloween (besides the candy and scary costumes, of course) is having fun with the spooky decor—especially if your outdoor display inspires some friendly neighborhood competition.
Some Halloween enthusiasts even start prepping for the holiday in September, according to Associate Merchant of Decorative Holiday at Home Depot, Sydney Joublanc. "We always encourage customers to shop early and decorate early, so they can get the most out of their decorations for the year," she shares.
We researched brands that offer a range of great Halloween decorations taking into account size, style, setup, and installation.
Oriental Trading Hocus Pocus Outdoor Throw Pillows
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Oriental Trading
Made for the outdoors
Charming design
Comes in a set of two
Small
Add some festivity to your outdoor furniture with these spooky throw pillows from Oriental Trading, If you live somewhere warm, cuddle up on your front porch or backyard with these black and orange pillows that say "Hocus Pocus" with a matching witch hat and broom. The pillows are specifically made to live outside, so they can withstand various weather.
Price at time of publish: $35
Dimensions: 14.5 x 8.5 inches | Material: Polyester | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
The Holiday Aisle Skull Non-Slip Outdoor Door Mat
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Non-slip
High quality
Holds up well in weather
Can lighten in the sun over time
A holiday-themed doormat is a quick and practical way to update your decor to match the season. Simple and stylish, this spooky coir doormat will help keep dirt out the door while still keeping in theme with the rest of your haunting decor. Featuring a rubber non-slip backing, it will stay put when trick-or-treaters or other guests arrive.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 17 x 29 inches | Material: Corrugated plastic | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Haunted Hill Farm 67 in. Touch Activated Animatronic Witches
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Haunted Hill Farm
Quick assembly
Flashing eyes
Life-size
Can be flimsy in the wind
These three spooky witches are ready to greet trick-or-treaters this October with flashing eyes and grim smiles. Willow, Wilma, and Winney cackle at passersby and ask "You're not going in there, are you?" They are battery-operated, so you don't have to worry about inconvenient wires and plugs. However, you may want to stake them into the ground, so they don't move in the wind or rain.
Dimensions: 13 x 25 x 67 inches | Material: Polyester blend | Power Source: AA Batteries | Lights Up?: Yes
Gemmy 7-ft Lighted Inflatable Tree
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Three inflatables in one
Self inflates
Includes stakes
A bit pricey
Create a spooky display in no time at all with this 7-foot inflatable pumpkin, tree, and ghost trio. The towering tree glows throughout the night, thanks to its bright LED lights. It self inflates and only takes seconds to install. The set comes with everything you need for set up including stakes and teethers, with no other assembly required. And when Halloween is over, just deflate and store.
Price at time of publish: $70
Dimensions: 60 x 36 x 84 inches | Material: Polyester | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: Yes
Oriental Trading Stretchable Spider Webs
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Oriental Trading
Affordable
Multiple ways to use
Comes with plastic spider
Can't be reused the next year
This Halloween staple is an affordable, easy, and versatile way to spruce up railings, shrubs, and more. The stretchy polyester stretches across great lengths, looking like creepy cobwebs popping up all over your home and lawn. This bundle even comes with a black plastic spider to make your web even more realistic and spooky.
Price at time of publish: $17
Dimensions: Not Listed | Material: Polyester | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Joyin 17” Halloween Foam RIP Graveyard Tombstones
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Courtesy of Amazon
Five pieces
Realistic details
Lightweight
Smaller than expected
Transform your yard into a creepy graveyard with this set of five foam R.I.P. tombstones. Each one stands 17 inches tall, features a unique design, and realistic-looking stone details. While they are lightweight and easy to move, they come with metal stakes so you can keep them secure in whatever display you create.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 17.04 x 8.78 x 6.18 inches | Material: Plastic | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Oriental Trading Vintage Metal Luminaries Halloween Decorations
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Oriental Trading
Safe alternative to candles
Each features a different design
Durable
Have to add your own tea lights
When you welcome trick-or-treaters this year, you'll want to make sure your doorstep is well lit so they know you're home, and this set of three vintage-inspired metal luminaries does just the trick. It features a spider, a crow, and bats, with the cryptic message: "Enter if you dare." Just note that you'll need to add your own flameless candles since they are not included.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 5.75 x 3 x 10 inches | Material: Metal | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Spirit Halloween 5 Ft Printed Fabric Collapsible Coffin
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Spirit Halloween
Collapsible for easy storing
Multiple ways to use and display
Lightweight
Difficult to clean
This creepy coffin is the perfect addition to your deathly decorations this year. The 5-foot coffin has a wooden appearance, but it's made from a lightweight, collapsible fabric for easy displaying and storing. Add in a skeleton or spooky vampire for the perfect scary surprise.
Dimensions: 60 x 24 x 10 inches | Material: Polyester | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Big Dot of Happiness Pumpkin Patch Yard Sign & Outdoor Lawn Decorations
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Courtesy of Amazon
Stand up to harsh weather
Adorable designs
Suitable for all of fall
Can be a bit flimsy
It's okay if you can't make it to a pumpkin patch this year, because with these pumpkins, you can create one in your own yard. Waterproof and budget-friendly, these affordable decorations are a great fall display for Halloween through Thanksgiving. Each design is made of corrugated plastic and comes with two stakes to keep them secure.
Price at time of publish: $45
Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 0.75 inches | Material: Corrugated plastic | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Spirit Halloween Pennywise Door Cover
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Spirit Halloween
Fits snugly on your door
Realistic effect
Durable for long-term use
Only one size
Speaking of door decor, this pick from Spirit Halloween takes spookiness to a new level. The stretchy polyester cover fits snugly on your front door, making everyone who passes do a double take. It turns your home into Pennywise's den, with him seemingly looking out the window for his next victim. This one product quickly transforms your home into a haunted house.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 80 x 37 inches | Material: Polyester, spandex | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Spirit Halloween 2 Ft Tarot LED Light-Up Moon Wreath
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Spirit Halloween
Gold and silver lights
Can be used outside of Halloween decor
Affordable
No hanging mechanism included
This gothic moon makes the perfect decor during October and beyond. Hang it on your front door to welcome visitors or in every window in your house for a cohesive look. The twinkling gold and silver stars shine bright through the night, drawing eyes and envy to your home all season long.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 2.5 x 18.5 inches | Material: Rattan, iron, polyvinyl chloride, led | Power Source: Not Listed | Lights Up?: Yes
AODINI Triangular Halloween Spider
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Courtesy of Amazon
Budget-friendly
Includes adjustable spiders
Stores easily
Delicate and can be hard to maneuver
If you have the space, this 16-foot spiderweb can add some spooky curb appeal to your home. This kit is easy to install and comes with an adjustable spider, a 16 x 15-foot stretchy web, one gutter hook, and five ground stakes. We like that this decoration can be stored and reused so trick-or-treaters can look forward to seeing it next year.
Price at time of publish: $21
Dimensions: 16 x 15 inches | Material: Polyester | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Gemmy 42.13-Inch Airblown Jack Skellington LED Inflatable in Black/White
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Gemmy
Iconic character
Suitable for children
Lights up
Chord is only five feet long
Celebrate one of the most iconic spooky characters with this Jack Skellington inflatable. The Nightmare Before Christmas character stands over 3 feet tall on your front lawn in his famous black and white outfit. Perfect for kids and adults alike, Jack can greet trick-or-treaters with this signature sinister smile.
Price at time of publish: $80
Dimensions: 24.41 x 17.32 x 42.13 inches | Material: Polyester, copper, iron, ABS plastic, polypropylene | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: Yes
Minetom Store Halloween Christmas Projector Lights
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Amazon
Waterproof
Includes 16 different patterns
Perfect for Halloween and Christmas
Some images are a bit dull
Add a spooky light show to your yard without having to do a lot of work with this waterproof outdoor projector. It comes with 16 different patterns that are suitable for multiple holidays—including Halloween and Christmas—so you can get more bang for your buck. You can choose to stake it outside in the ground, mount it to the wall, or simply place it inside on a table for an indoor display.
Price at time of publish: $42
Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 4.6 inches | Material: Not Listed | Power Source: Corded Electric | Lights Up?: Yes
Home Accents Holiday 5 ft. Hanging Plastic Posable Skeleton Decoration with LED Eyes
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Courtesy of Home Depot
Multiple ways to display
Eyes light up
Suitable for indoors or outdoors
Fragile
You can't go wrong with this posable hanging skeleton if you're looking to create a fright. Thanks to the lightweight frame, you can move and style the skeleton any way you'd like. Its eyes are lit up by red LED lights, so it looks especially spooky at night. Battery operated (it runs on 3AA batteries that are included with your purchase), the skeleton is 5 feet tall and can be displayed indoors or outside.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 60 x 18 inches | Material: Plastic | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: Yes
Home Accents 15 ft Towering Phantom Halloween Animatronic
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Home Accents
Moves and lights up
Huge and eye-catching
Comes with stand
May be difficult to install
Last Halloween, Home Depot broke the internet with a 12-foot skeleton with eyes that light up that definitely made a statement on neighbor's lawns. The new Halloween collection takes things a step further with a 15-foot towering phantom. The terrifying phantom appears to be floating over your lawn, with back-and-forth movements and light-up features, guaranteed to scary passers-by.
Price at time of publish: $400
Dimensions: 180 x 66.5 x 70 inches | Material: Water-resistant | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: Yes
Glitzhome 42 in. H Lighted Wooden BOO Halloween Porch Sign
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Glitzhome
Simple design
Festive colors
Lights up
Pricey
A cute sign is a simple way to spruce up your home for Halloween without being overtly scary or over-the-top. This one from Home Depot says "Boo" in black on an orange background. It also lights up with warm white lights for an added festive touch. Lean it against your house or hang it right next to your door for a perfect dose of black and orange.
Price at time of publish: $61
Dimensions: 42 inches | Material: Wood | Power Source: AA Batteries | Lights Up?: Yes
HalloweenCostumes.com Bloody Haunted Window Wooden Boards With Words
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HalloweenCostumes.com
Affordable
Eerie and ominous
Easy to install
May not stick as well with just tape
If you want something a bit more spooky, look these blood-covered window boards with ominous messages. Neighbors will read "Help me please" surrounded by bloody handprints as they walk by. They're a breeze to install with included double stick tape that attaches right to your windows or doors. They're also a great bang for your buck with four boards included for just $10.
Price at time of publish: $10
Dimensions: 27 inches | Material: Foam, cardboard | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Pottery Barn Pre-Lit Black Glitter Branch Wreath with Bats
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Pottery Barn
Stunning design
Lights up
Can be used indoors or outdoors
Batteries not included
Who said wreaths are just for Christmas? This stunning black wreath from Pottery Barn features glittery branches scattering with LED lights and hanging bats. This classy choice would suit any front door perfectly. Just be sure to hang it somewhere covered for the best results.
Dimensions: 22 x 22 inches | Material: Rattan, plastic, metal | Power Source: AA Batteries | Lights Up?: Yes
Balsam Hill Solar Halloween Pathway Lights
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Balsam Hill
Comes with stakes
Solar-powered
Comes in sets of two or four
Doesn't come in a larger set
Light up the path to candy for your trick-or-treaters this year with these jack-o-lantern lights from Balsam Hill. Each smiling pumpkin features a warm light to shine through the glass. The best part is you can charge them under the sun and they'll glow for up to right hours through the night.
Price at time of publish: $99
Dimensions: 5.2 x 5.2 inches | Material: Glass, metal | Power Source: NiMH AA batteries | Lights Up?: Yes
Glitzhome Metal Gravestone Marker
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Etsy
Handmade
Five designs to choose from
Funny sayings
Long shipping time
For unique, handmade Halloween decor, look to Etsy. We love that you can transform your front lawn into a whimsical graveyard with these metal gravestones. Choose from five funny sayings including "Ben Better" and "You're Next" or buy the whole collection for a full display.
Price at time of publish: $75 for single gravestone
Dimensions: 20-24 inches | Material: Metal | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Etsy Personalized Halloween Door Hanger
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Etsy
Personalized
Tons of size and color options
Reusable
May take a while to ship
Add some personalized decor to your haunted house this October with a handmade sign featuring your last name. The Etsy shop JaxleyDesign creates stunning door signs complete with your name, bats, and cobwebs. Choose from seven sizes and nine colors for a fully customizable piece that doubles as a great gift.
Price at time of publish: $15 for 4 inches
Dimensions: 4-36 inches | Material: Wood | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Etsy 9" - 16" Wide Flat Plastic Hanging Scary Bats
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Etsy
12 bats included
Waterproof material
Includes adhesive eyes to add
Strings to hang not included
If you have trees in your front yard, these hanging bats are a simple and affordable way to get into the spooky spirit. Each of the 12 plastic bats included is durable and waterproof, so you won't have to worry about inclement weather. What's more, you can add adhesive eyes to your bats for a fun art project before you hang.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 9-16 inches | Material: Plastic | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
Pottery Barn Peanuts™ Lit Snoopy™ With Boo Sign
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Pottery Barn
Adorable character
Handmade
Shiny and detailed
Not as weather-proof as other options
If you plan on spending this Halloween in a pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin, purchase this adorable Snoopy statue to join you. The beagle holds a sign that says "Boo" and evokes nostalgia with his classic Peanuts design. The statue is handmade, lights up, and features glitter for added shine.
Dimensions: 23.5 x 13 x 48 inches | Material: Iron, string lights | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: Yes
Home Depot 22" LED EEK Sign Halloween Yard Decoration
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Home Depot
Two light modes
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Unique design
Smaller than expected
Some decorations shine brightest at night, like this new addition to Home Depot's Halloween decor. This LED sign reaches almost 2 feet, perfect for displaying on your window. There's even an option for flashing lights to scare onlookers.
Price at time of publish: $65
Dimensions: 22 inches | Material: LED lights | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: Yes
Etsy Personalized Halloween Light-Up Pumpkin
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Etsy
Personalized
Different size and design options
Includes time for lights
Batteries not included
Spice up traditional jack-o-lanterns with these personalized options from Etsy seller LetsMakeMemoriesUS. Choose from three sizes and eight different designs for the perfect pumpkin with your name carved into the smile. We appreciate that they come with a three-way switch that and can stay powered for up to 6 hours.
Price at time of publish: $50 for large
Dimensions: 7x5.5, 9x7.5, 12.5x10.5 inches | Material: Resin | Power Source: AAA Batteries | Lights Up?: Yes
Fox Valley Traders Store Metal Witch Legs Ground Stakes
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Fox Valley Traders Store
Easy to use
Fun design
May not last multiple seasons
This Halloween, pretend the wicked witch of the East crashed into your front yard with this whimsical decoration. Simply stick the stakes into grass or dirt for a super easy and quick way to get into the spooky season. Just make sure no one takes her slippers!
Dimensions: 22.5 inches | Material: Metal | Power Source: None | Lights Up?: No
PULACO Mist Maker
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PULACO
8 hour runtime
Colorless, odorless
Perfect addition to existing decor
Must be used in water
If you've ever set up all of your outdoor Halloween decor and still felt like something's missing, it may be time to add a fog machine to your decorating routine. This small device produces odorless and colorless mist, perfect for bubbling cauldrons or flying witches and ghouls. It creates a spooky atmosphere instantly, especially when combined with other ghostly decorations.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.3 x 2.5 inches | Material: Not Listed | Power Source: Plug | Lights Up?: No
What to Look for in Outdoor Halloween Decorations
Power Source
Some outdoor Halloween decorations need to be connected to electricity to work. If it lights up or moves, it will most likely need power. Always use a waterproof connector and durable power strip, and check the product's user manual for best and safest results.
There are also various safety factors to consider when dealing with decorations that requires a power source. Shades of Light CEO Bryan Johnson shares how important it is: "Make sure that all cords are clear of walkways so they don’t present tripping hazards, always light walkways with string lights, and ensure that any lights are rated for outdoor use with a wet-rated/grounded power cord."
Size
You'll need to make sure you have plenty of room for the decoration and that it will be in scale with the rest of your decor, so always check the measurements before purchasing. Size is also important for storage: too big, and you may not find anyplace to tuck it away for next year.
Material
You want to make sure that you're using durable materials that are meant for outdoor, not indoor use. The easiest way to check is to read the labels on your decorations' packaging, and look for claims like "weather-resistant," or "waterproof." Try to stay away from ceramic or card stock cutouts, which can easily fall and break from heavy winds. Gauze, plastic, latex, and styrofoam are all examples of materials that can withstand most weather conditions.
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How do you clean outdoor Halloween decorations?
Dirt and dust can build up on your outdoor Halloween decorations quite easily. To clean off any dust, use a microfiber cloth to wipe it down. If there's more stubborn dirt, add water mixed with a small amount of dishwashing liquid to the cloth and then clean. You can clean both plastic decorations and inflatables this way. Some decorations will have specific cleaning advice and, if so, you'll find instructions on the care label.
"You’ll also want to remove any natural material the decor has collected throughout the season. Leaves, grass, and small twigs tend to be attracted to the hair and beards on some realistic items," says Associate Merchant of Decorative Holiday at Home Depot, Sydney Joublanc.
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How do you hang outdoor Halloween decorations?
The trickiest part of hanging outdoor Halloween decorations is figuring out how to secure them. You'll most likely want some temporary solutions, since the decorations won't stay up year-round. Tie decorations to trees or porch ceilings using fishing line. Inflatables will need to be tethered down, and lawn stakes will do the trick. Lights can be hung on Christmas light clips which you can reuse for the winter holidays.
Joublanc provides a quick checklist for hanging anything from string lights to huge animatronics. "First, determine the weight of an item and how you would like it displayed. Afterwards, look into hooks and screw eyes that would be able to support the weight of the job. Some retailers even have gutter light clips available to make hanging lights from your gutters or shingles an easy job."
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How do you store outdoor Halloween decorations?
Outdoor Halloween decorations should be stored somewhere away from the weather when not in use. Basements, attics, and garages are all great options. Make sure any inflatables are completely deflated before storing. Gently fold them to store, making sure they're not around any sharp objects. Large decorations can be wrapped in paper if needed and then stored. Most importantly, store all of your Halloween decorations together, making them easy to find for next year.
Loublanc also notes to make sure all decorations are completely dry before storing. She also notes, "For anything that uses batteries, be sure to remove them before the products are stored. There’s nothing more disappointing than getting out those items and they are not working because the battery leaked and ruined the whole decoration."
For smaller decorations, store them in clean containers that are clearly labeled. How you store your items will make it easier for next year. Johnson says, "For storage, clear Rubbermaid style storage bins are ideal so that they can all be kept in a single location, are easy to identify which season they are for (i.e. if they are stored with other seasonal decorations), and to keep the spiders out if they happen to be stored in the garage."
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
Expert advice was provided by Associate Merchant of Decorative Holiday at Home Depot, Sydney Joublanc, and Shades of Light CEO Bryan Johnson.