Halloween in China: How People Celebrate and What to Send

Halloween (10/31) is not a traditional Chinese holiday, yet it has become a lively, city-friendly celebration across China—especially in shopping malls, theme parks, international schools, university campuses, and nightlife districts. For many, it is a chance to dress up, share spooky-cute snacks, and take colorful photos for social media. If you live abroad and want to surprise someone in China, this guide explains how Halloween is enjoyed locally and which flowers, cakes, and gifts make the biggest impact.

How Halloween Is Celebrated in China

• Mall & Theme-Park Events: Costume parades, pumpkin installations, and weekend pop-ups are common. Families visit after school or on the prior weekend for photos and treats.
• Costume Parties & Nightlife: Bars and restaurants in major cities host dress-up nights with prizes and décor in orange, black, and purple.
• Campus & International School Activities: Classroom parties, face painting, pumpkin crafts, and safe candy exchanges.
• Residential “Trick or Treat” (limited): Some gated compounds with many families or expats organize door-to-door candy hours; in most neighborhoods, trick-or-treating is event-based rather than spontaneous.
• Social Media Moments: Photo-friendly desserts, themed bouquets, balloons, and light-up decorations are popular because they photograph well.

Halloween Gift Ideas for Delivery in China

Choose festive colors (orange, black, purple, lime-green, silver) and playful details (bats, spiders, pumpkins, ghosts). Here are proven winners for friends, families, and colleagues:

• Halloween Cakes: Chocolate or red-velvet bases with orange buttercream; pumpkin-style fondant; “graveyard” Oreo crumb toppings; spider-web drizzles; mini ghost meringues. Add a short greeting plaque and candles.
• Flower Bouquets (Halloween-themed): Orange roses or gerberas with purple statice, black paper wrapping, and a satin bow. Optional accents: mini pumpkins, eucalyptus, dyed black foliage, or a small LED string around the wrap.
• Chocolate & Candy Boxes: Assortments in seasonal wrappers, paired with a greeting card. For offices, choose individually wrapped pieces for easy sharing.
• Balloon Sets & Décor: Foil pumpkin or ghost balloons plus latex balloon bundles in orange/black/purple. Consider LED fairy lights or a reusable banner.
• Gift Hampers: Cookies, popcorn, marshmallows, pretzels, and a small plush toy (pumpkin, ghost, or black cat). Add tea or hot chocolate mix for cozy nights.
• Mini Pumpkin Crates: A few decorative pumpkins with a small card—great for dorms or offices that prefer décor over sweets.
• Flower Box + Treats Combo: Low, photo-ready arrangement in a hat box with hidden chocolates or macarons inside the base compartment.

Suggested Bouquet Palettes

• Classic Spooky: Orange roses + black wrap + purple statice + ruscus.
• Glam Gothic: Deep red roses + plum carnations + dark foliage + silver ribbon.
• Playful Pumpkin: Sunflowers + orange gerberas + hypericum berries + kraft paper.
• Neon Night: Lime-green spider mums + purple lisianthus + black tissue wrap.

Card Message Ideas

• English: “Have a spook-tacular night! Wishing you sweet treats and lots of laughs.”
• 中文：“万圣节快乐！祝你今晚开心捣蛋、甜蜜多多。”
• Bilingual: “Happy Halloween—万圣节快乐！Enjoy the sweets and the spooky fun!”
• For colleagues: “Happy Halloween! Thanks for the teamwork—enjoy a sweet break today.”

Etiquette & Practical Tips for Overseas Senders

• Timing: Parties often happen the weekend before 10/31. Aim for delivery on that Friday or Saturday for maximum impact.
• Delivery Details: Provide district, road, community/building, unit, and a reachable local phone number. Offices may require delivery during business hours.
• Cake Handling: Keep chilled items cool; tell recipients to refrigerate cream or mousse cakes and remove 15–30 minutes before serving.
• Allergies & Preferences: If unsure about sweets, send a décor-forward bouquet or a fruit-and-tea hamper.
• Photo-Friendly Presentation: Black kraft paper, satin ribbons, and a simple banner make the gift feel “party-ready” and Instagrammable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Halloween widely celebrated in China?
It is an imported, urban-focused celebration. Participation is strongest in large cities, malls, schools, and nightlife districts.

Do people carve pumpkins?
Mini decorative pumpkins are common; full carving is less frequent but appears at events and themed cafés.

What if the recipient doesn’t eat sweets?
Choose a Halloween-themed bouquet, balloon set, or a décor hamper with tea and snacks.

Any cultural sensitivities?
Keep the tone playful rather than scary for children or office settings. For gifts to elders or formal contacts, opt for elegant colors (black + gold, or orange + ivory) and a polite card.

Make Halloween Memorable—Anywhere in China

Whether you send a pumpkin-themed cake, a dramatic bouquet in orange and purple, or a fun hamper with balloons, a well-timed delivery brings the party straight to their door. With thoughtful colors, easy-to-share treats, and a friendly message, your Halloween surprise will light up the night—no costume required.