Animal Crossing: New Horizons Halloween Event Guide

Introduction

Halloween in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most exciting events of the year, packed with trick-or-treating, exclusive rewards, and spooky fun. As of October 24, 2025, the event is right around the corner on October 31, from 5:00 PM to Midnight.

Jack, the Czar of Halloween, takes center stage, and your goal is to collect candy, avoid tricks, and snag unique items like the Spooky Carriage or Jack’s Robe. This guide focuses on exactly what to do: from pre-event preparation to hour-by-hour actions on the big night. We’ve incorporated tips from the latest v2.0.8 patch (June 2025) for smoother gameplay, including fixed multiplayer connections.

No major new features this year, but the classic event is as thrilling as ever—let’s get you ready to celebrate!

Pre-Event Preparation: What to Do in October

Start prepping early to make Halloween night stress-free. Here’s your actionable checklist for October 1–30:

• Stock Up on Candy:
  • Buy 1 candy per day from Nook’s Cranny (120 Bells each). Aim for at least 30–40 pieces by October 31—you’ll need them for villagers and Jack.
  • What to do: Visit the shop daily after 8 AM. Store extras in your home to avoid inventory limits.
  • Tip: Candy is only available in October, so don’t miss a day!
• Grow Pumpkins for DIYs:
  • Purchase pumpkin starts from Nook’s Cranny or Leif (280 Bells for 10). Plant and water them daily for orange, yellow, green, or white pumpkins.
  • What to do: Harvest every 2–3 days and use them to craft Spooky series items (e.g., Spooky Lantern). Collect DIY recipes from villagers by chatting while they’re crafting (look for thought bubbles).
  • Pro Tip: Plant in a dedicated farm area for efficiency—pumpkins respawn quickly!
• Shop for Costumes and Decor:
  • Visit Able Sisters for Halloween outfits like Mage’s Dress, Impish Horns, or Animal Nose (available throughout October).
  • What to do: Buy multiple costumes to avoid pranks from villagers. Also grab spooky furniture from Nook’s Cranny, like the Spooky Arch or Lantern Set.
  • Tip: Check the shop daily as stock rotates. Use the fitting room to try on outfits!
• Decorate Your Island (Optional Boost):
  • What to do: Place spooky items around the plaza and paths to immerse yourself. Craft DIYs like Spooky Fence or Garland using pumpkins and other materials.
  • Quick Action: Invite friends via multiplayer (v2.0.8 ensures stable visits) to share decor ideas and trade items.
• Other October Prep:
  • Participate in the Fishing Tourney on October 8 for extra Bells and prizes—use earnings to buy more candy.
  • Collect seasonal critters (e.g., ladybugs arriving in the Northern Hemisphere) to complete your museum and free up time for Halloween.

Halloween Night Walkthrough: Step-by-Step What to Do

On October 31, the event kicks off at 5:00 PM. Follow this hour-by-hour guide to maximize rewards:

• 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Setup and First Interactions:
  • What to do: Head to the Resident Services Plaza to meet Jack. Wear a costume (mandatory to avoid tricks!) and give him candy to start earning rewards like Jack’s Face or Robe.
  • Action Steps: Trade 1–3 candies for basic items; save lollipops (earned from villagers) for exclusives like the Spooky Carriage or Wand.
  • Tip: If Jack pranks you, shake it off—it’s part of the fun!
• 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Trick-or-Treating with Villagers:
  • What to do: Roam your island to find villagers outside their homes. Approach them, give candy when prompted, and receive lollipops, DIY recipes, or spooky items in return.
  • Action Steps: Prioritize villagers with unique reactions (e.g., cranky types for scarier dialogues). If you forget a costume, they’ll prank you with temporary effects like turning you into a pumpkin head—fun but annoying!
  • Pro Tip: Use the map to track villagers. Visit all 10 for maximum loot—expect 10–15 lollipops if you’re thorough.
• 10:00 PM – Midnight: Final Trades and Wrap-Up:
  • What to do: Return to Jack with lollipops for top-tier rewards (e.g., Spooky Wand from 1 lollipop). Clean up any remaining villager interactions.
  • Action Steps: Trade extras with friends online for missed items. Take screenshots of your decorated island before the event ends!
  • Tip: Events end sharply at midnight—don’t leave trades for the last minute.
• Multiplayer Enhancements:
  • What to do: Open your gates for friends to join. Share candy drops and group trick-or-treat for faster farming.
  • v2.0.8 Fix: No more disconnects during group play—perfect for 2025 parties!

Exclusive Rewards and What to Collect

Focus on these must-get items during the event:

• From Jack: Jack’s Face (Pumpkin Head), Jack’s Robe, Spooky Carriage (lollipop exclusive), Spooky Wand.
• From Villagers: Lollipops, Spooky DIY Recipes (e.g., Spooky Tower, Spooky Trick Lamp), Random spooky furniture.
• Full Spooky Series List: Arch, Basket, Candy Set, Chair, Fence, Lantern, Scarecrow, Standing Lamp, Table, Table Setting, Tower, Tree, Trick Lamp, Wall, Flooring, Rug, Garland.
• What to do: Prioritize lollipop trades for rares—aim for at least 5 lollipops by trading candy wisely.

Pro Tips for a Successful Event

1. Avoid Common Mistakes: Always wear a costume outdoors; stock extra candy for pranks. Backup your save before the event.
2. Money-Making Tie-In: Sell extra spooky crafts for Bells (e.g., Spooky Arch at 10k+).
3. Southern Hemisphere Note: Cherry Blossom season overlaps (Oct 1–10)—collect petals for bonus DIYs alongside Halloween prep.

By following this guide, you’ll master the Halloween event in Animal Crossing: New Horizons—from daily prep to nailing every trick-or-treat. Focus on candy collection, costume-wearing, and Jack trades for the best rewards. What are you most excited to do this year? Share your plans in the comments, and tag your spooky moments on X! Stay tuned for our November guide on Turkey Day.