Where To Buy Halloween Decorations In The UK

Whether you’ve just moved to the UK or finally getting into this very big American tradition, it can be tricky knowing where to shop for Halloween decorations in the UK.  One-stop shopping at Target isn’t an option but the Halloween window stickers you purchased 5 years ago that made the intercontinental move have seen better days.  Whether you have no decorations or very used ones, here’s where to top-up for Halloween in the UK.

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What To Expect If It’s Your 1st Halloween

Halloween isn’t celebrated in the UK at nearly the same hype as what you might be used to in America, but popularity is growing and shops are catching on, too.  In fact, it’s not as surprisingly hard to find decorations in the UK as I thought it might be. The options, on the other hand, are a different story.

Cute vs. Creepy Decorations

Cutesy pumpkins, black kittens and happy ghosts used to be the scariest decor you’d find in my house, but nowadays decorating for Halloween has taken on more of a Halloween at Hogwarts look. 

Scary, dark and gory seem to be the adjectives that describe the vibe of Halloween in the UK and decorations are no exception.  Not exactly PotteryBarn Kids’ best representation of this kid-friendly holiday.

But when in the UK, it’s hard to compete when history, houses, and castles naturally lend to perfect Halloween conditions: bloody stories (Horrible Histories are my son’s favorite), howling boilers, and real paranormal activity (see Chillingham Castle). 

Bram Stoker, anyone?

Etsy for inspiration to make or buy your own

Halloween Etiquette

Although Halloween is celebrated in the UK with its own set of dark expectations and even British manners, like:

• Knock only if there’s a lit pumpkin
• Beware of far fewer trick-or-treaters, unless you hit an American filled neighborhood like St. John’s Wood
• Politely take just one trick-or-treat
• Accept homemade ones, like cupcakes, even though the 1980s taught Americans to throw the potentially poisonous kind away…

It’s still a brilliant time. 

So, absolutely decorate. Once you do it you might find your neighbors getting into the Halloween spirit, too.

Pumpkin carving is off the charts in St Albans!

Where To Find Posh Halloween Decor

The best two shops to find high-end Halloween decorations in England reasonably priced:

• TK Maxx
• Homesense

The selection includes dishes, candles, proper decor for mantles, and even offer sweets.  TK Maxx also sells Halloween costumes for kids but tend to peak at children’s size 7-8.  Older kids have fewer options and best to buy online, such as Escapade.

Where To Find Cheap Halloween Decor

If you’re searching for The Dollar Store equivalent, you’ll find similar items at these shops.

• Poundland
• Party Delights
• Flying Tiger
• b&m – You can buy window stickers here 👻
• ALDI – Find window stickers here, too, if your kiddos are obsessed with decorating every inch of the window panes.
• Sainsbury’s
• Tesco Extra (not the Metro)
• ASDA

More Places To Find Halloween Decor Options

For mid-range and make-your-own Halloween decorations, consider these additional options if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

• Etsy (UK) – Requires advance planning for shipping.
• Costco (Watford)
• The Range – Check out the fun Halloween photo prop set for only £2.
• Home Bargains
• Baker Ross – Ideal for making your own Halloween crafts.  Try these super cute Googly Eyes Napkin Rings or Halloween Potions Labels (free printable included) created by a fellow American expat in the UK. 🖤
• Amazon –  Amazon is where to buy candy corn in the UK.  It’ll be at a premium, but if you can’t live Halloween without candy corn, then £6 for 1 bag might be worth it. 

Where To Find Pumpkins To Decorate Tables

Aside from hitting a farm which might not be the most convenient option depending upon where you live, most supermarkets sell pumpkins. 🎃

And if you want something totally different, shop pumpkins at Marks & Spencer.  Beyond the traditional orange ones, M&S sells the most unique pumpkins on this side of the Atlantic: white ghost and Cinderella pumpkins for £3 each.   Dress up the mantle or windows through to Thanksgiving.

Cinderella pumpkins at M&S make great Halloween decorations

Final Tips On Where To Buy Halloween Decorations In The UK

Even with Target out of the picture and Halloween not considered a national holiday like it nearly is in the USA, there are loads of options where to buy Halloween decorations in the UK. 

From home department stores to grocery stores and reliable Amazon, a Hogwarts style Halloween in the UK might not be so bad after all.

Looking for fall things to do in England?

• 10 UK Castles To Visit On Halloween
• Things To Do In Stratford-Upon-Avon
• A Day Trip To Oxford: 1-Day Itinerary With Kids