Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (2024)

Table of Contents
What is Summerween? Editor’s Picks Elevate your backyard barbecue with these chic and affordable items Shop the books seen on 'GMA' for your next read Mom's Minute: Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator for kids Transitioning into peak Halloween season Summerween favorites Halloween Pink Skeleton by Place & Time 14" Ghost with Flowers Pillow by Ashland 5" Halloween Light Pink Skull Succulent by Happy Dancing Skeletons on Pink Halloween Cotton Fabric 16.5" Pink Velvet Spider Wall Décor by Ashland 6.5" Pink Flocked Light Up Jack-O-Lantern by Ashland 7in Halloween Neon Skull by Place & Time Pink Goth Decor Coffin Tray 2024 Halloween Viral Pink Ghost Blanket Halloween tabletop & mantel decor Twiggy Moonlight Crystal Ball Skeleton Taper Holder Skeleton Drink Dispenser Halloween BOO Flip Top Box by Place & Time Soirée Salad Plates, Set of 4 5" Halloween Felt Ornament by Place & Time Illume Witch’s Brew Cauldron Candle Creepy & kooky wall decor 15" x 19" Halloween Bat & Skull Framed Art Print by Place & Time Ghost Hologram Mirror Halloween pillows, throws and more Doug the Dog Ghost Pillow Theo the Teddy Trick-or-Treating Pillow Beetlejuice Teddy Bear Bundle Tufted Ghost Throw Outdoor decorations Haunted Living 6-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Sea Diver Animatronic Haunted Living 6.5-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Servo Sea Witch Animatronic 2.5 Ft Cerberus Three Headed Dog Animatronics Animated Yard Skeleton 78 in. Touch Activated Animatronic Bride Lifesize Wrapped Mummy FAQs

It might be early -- okay very early -- for Halloween decorations to hit the shelves, but as the character Carol Anne Freeling once proclaimed: "They're heeere!"

You may not have heard of Summerween, but true Halloween lovers have seen the rise of this term/celebration that's gained steam on social media over the past several years as retailers drop their creepy collections earlier and earlier, giving shoppers more time to browse, buy and plan for their fall displays.

What is Summerween?

"When it comes to most social trends, it’s hard to know why one thing resonates and another doesn’t," Valerie Ott, Editorial Director at JOANN, told "GMA" in an email, "but our hypothesis for why Summerween has really exploded in popularity is that the very word gives people permission to celebrate their favorite season earlier."

Ott said, like what "sweater weather" did for fall and Christmas in July, "Summerween" gives those who love Halloween "the green light to put their pumpkins out, despite the summer temperatures."

The Summerween aesthetic includes traditional motifs like ghosts, skeletons, tombstones and more, but usually done in brighter colors like hot or pastel pink, blue, greens and more -- and you can expect disco balls to make an appearance in several 2024 collections. Celestial themes are also popular, as they can lend a less seasonal but still witchy vibe to your home.

One fan of the style is HomeGoods Featured Finder and lifestyle influencer, Keiko Lynn, who said of the trend:

"Halloween is my favorite time of year, but traditional orange and black doesn’t go well with my very pink decor. Instead, every year I shop for Halloween at HomeGoods to grow my pink Halloween collection," a move that complements her style without clashing with the existing decor.

HomeGoods has been a favored destination of Halloween hunters for many years now, but the store stopped selling their products online in October 2023 in order to focus more on their physical locations. However, there are plenty of influencers (such as "finders" like Lynn) and online Halloween communities that remain enthusiastic about the in-store shopping experience. This makes HomeGoods gift cards an easy choice for giving someone whose birthday falls in peak Halloween decor season at the store.

One of the biggest players in the Summerween game is Michaels, especially thanks to their viral Hippie Hallow line that has inspired countless TikToks and other social media posts thanks to its bold use of pink, orange, purple and other unorthodox Halloween colors and themes.

Everything from colorful, sparkly ghosts to tabletop skeleton hands showing off their flower spirit have rocked the Halloween collector world and given shoppers who can't wait until summer's end something to display right now.

Transitioning into peak Halloween season

Summerween pieces are fantastic for creating an early tableaux that pays homage to Halloween spirit without sacrificing summertime fun, but they're also easy to blend into more traditional decor setups once the weather starts to cool down.

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (4)

Ott was also forthcoming with her ideas on what will be trending as we get closer to the true Halloween season, pointing to "skeletons of all kinds and sizes" as a major player, but she mentioned crafters are continuing to create their own ghostly ornaments and tabletop decor while others nab vintage portraits and landscapes so they can paint in their own cute ghouls -- a trend that had a huge TikTok moment last year.

If you tend to go big for Halloween and want to get a head start on your outdoor setup, plenty of retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot are also already on it with the animatronics, blow-ups and more.

As you'll see below, Lowe's is leaning into a seafaring theme with skeletal divers, haunted ship captains and more.

Home Depot has already released their ultra-popular 12-foot skeleton but given him a canine companion for 2024 in the form of Skelly, a jumbo dog who sold out quickly alongside his towering owner -- but fret not, as there's still time and potential for a restock!

Seasonal retailer Spirit Halloween is also one to watch, especially since their grand opening at the company's flagship store in New Jersey is set for Aug 1! The event will be open to the public and draws in thousands of Halloween fanatics from all over the country each year, creating an unofficial kickoff to the season for many a Spirit devotee.

To help you get a head start on everything Halloween 2024, we've rounded up plenty of early buys from stores like Grandin Road, JOANN, Michaels, Pottery Barn and more so you can order your favorite pieces before they sell out.

But make sure to check back in the lead-up to the season as we'll be adding in tons of new products as they drop, plus quotes from Halloween influencers and crafters, exciting launches from big-name stores, and plenty more.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Influencers may receive a commission or have business relationships with a recommended brand. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.

Summerween favorites

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (5)

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JOANN

Halloween Pink Skeleton by Place & Time

In addition to the neon coloring reminiscent of Halloween in the nineties, this 16-inch skeleton is flocked in a soft, velvety material -- a big trend that has only grown stronger in 2024 collections.

  • $8.99

  • $14.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (6)

Michaels

14" Ghost with Flowers Pillow by Ashland

One of the cutest renditions of the ever-popular ghost pillow is this sweet little gal, complete with big eyes and a flower crown. Bonus: Use code JULY30OFF to save 30% on regularly priced items this month!

  • $24.99

  • Michaels

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (7)

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JOANN

5" Halloween Light Pink Skull Succulent by Happy

Who knew succulents and skulls go together so well? Add a pop of festive color to your plant table.

  • $4.19

  • $5.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (8)

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JOANN

Dancing Skeletons on Pink Halloween Cotton Fabric

Take matters into your own hands for Summerween and sew a fun pool coverup, some new curtains or anything your heart desires with this pink skeleton fabric.

  • $7.49

  • $9.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (9)

Michaels

16.5" Pink Velvet Spider Wall Décor by Ashland

What a sunny web you'll weave with this hot pink, velvet beauty in your collection. It's oversized and features hilarious googly eyes, so it's cute enough that even arachnophobics can't deny being charmed.

  • $9.99

  • Michaels

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (10)

Michaels

6.5" Pink Flocked Light Up Jack-O-Lantern by Ashland

This pink pumpkin's joyful face is enough to inspire anyone to smile, and the light-up feature ensures you continue enjoying the warm glow well after sunset -- plus, there's that flocking we mentioned!

  • $14.99

  • Michael's

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (11)

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JOANN

7in Halloween Neon Skull by Place & Time

Available in hot pink or neon green, this skull screams "memento mori but make it summer."

  • $10.79

  • $17.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (12)

Amazon

Pink Goth Decor Coffin Tray

A baby pink coffin is a great Summerween decoration on its own, but this has the added benefit of helping you keep your bathroom counter or vanity organized.

  • $25.99

  • Amazon

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (13)

Amazon

2024 Halloween Viral Pink Ghost Blanket

These ghosts are so cute you'll actually want a haunted house. Plus, it's reversible!

  • $29.99

  • Amazon

Halloween tabletop & mantel decor

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (14)

Grandin Road

Twiggy Moonlight Crystal Ball

Crystal balls are commonplace for Halloween, and for good reason! But this unique take on the them makes for a stunning centerpiece in any setup, especially if you're running with a mystical forest theme or something similar.

  • $129

  • Grandin Road

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (15)

Pottery Barn

Skeleton Taper Holder

Set the scene for an All Hallows Eve dinner party with these sophisticated taper holders that add dark ambience to any tablescape. These are well-crafted and meant to last many years so you can build an entire collection of enchanting skeleton serving pieces.

  • $59

  • Pottery Barn

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (16)

Pottery Barn

Skeleton Drink Dispenser

Serve up a blood-colored beverage like red sangria to up the Halloween mood when you're filling this eldritch drink dispenser with seasonal libations.

  • $79

  • Pottery Barn

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (17)

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Joann

Halloween BOO Flip Top Box by Place & Time

You can use this box to store off-season trinkets, help create multiple levels on a shelf to display your tabletop decor or store your Halloween goods in the off season. Choose from five different sizes, each featuring uniquely festive imagery.

  • $7.79 - $17.99

  • $12.99 - $29.99

  • Joann

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (18)

Williams Sonoma

Soirée Salad Plates, Set of 4

Witches on brooms are iconic Halloween mascots, and now you can enjoy their spine-tingling charm with gorgeous glazed stoneware plates that are perfect for celebrations but sturdy enough for daily use. They're dishwasher safe, microwaveable and the handcrafted quality makes each plate slightly unique from the next.

  • $59.95

  • Williams Sonoma

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (19)

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JOANN

5" Halloween Felt Ornament by Place & Time

Felt ornaments started gaining steam last year and they're not going anywhere for Halloween 2024. JOANN is offering them in a ghost, bat or precious little Frankenstein, so grab all three to hang throughout the house or on your Halloween tree.

  • $5.99

  • $9.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (20)

Anthropologie

Illume Witch’s Brew Cauldron Candle

Add rustic beauty to your tabletop arrangement with this luscious warmth thanks to this hand-poured candle containing notes of wicked apple, crushed clove and cedar smoke. Best of all, you're left with a magical vessel after burning that can be used to make a new candle or transformed into a candy or key holder so you can bring it out year after year.

  • $48 to $138

  • Anthropologie

Creepy & kooky wall decor

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (21)

40% off

JOANN

15" x 19" Halloween Bat & Skull Framed Art Print by Place & Time

Swapping your wall art for something gothic and eye-catching like this will immediately up the scare factor inside your home, especially if you place it in a focal point such as over a fireplace or in your entryway. Plus, the three-dimensional element adds depth and casts extra shadows for darker vibes.

  • $29.99

  • $49.99

  • JOANN

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (22)

Pottery Barn

Ghost Hologram Mirror

It might be early, but this mirror has been making waves in the Halloween community -- particularly on TikTok -- for a while now. It looks like regular, beautiful mirror while turned off, but 480 LED lights create an eerie specter when you turn it on. At $400, it's a Halloween splurge that can double as year-round decor, making the price tag seem more sensible.

  • $399

  • Pottery Barn

Halloween pillows, throws and more

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (23)

Pottery Barn

Doug the Dog Ghost Pillow

Pottery Barn's Gus the Ghost pillow has been popular for several Halloween seasons, but now he has adorable accomponiment in the form of Doug the Dog -- grab Ms. Gus to complete the family.

  • $79.50

  • Pottery Barn

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (24)

Pottery Barn

Theo the Teddy Trick-or-Treating Pillow

Recall your childhood memories of magical Halloween times with this adorable, snuggly plush pillow. Theo the Teddy is sewn from Pottery Barn's super-soft teddy fabric, making him a great companion when it's time to curl up on the couch for a scary movie night.

  • $79.50

  • Pottery Barn

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (25)

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Build-a-Bear

Beetlejuice Teddy Bear Bundle

In anticipation of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" being released this fall, pick up this adorable take on the ghoulish main character that's perfect for decorating or cozying up to for a re-watch of the original.

  • $41.60

  • $52

  • Build-a-Bear

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (26)

TJ Maxx

Tufted Ghost Throw

With its sublte yet adorable ghosts and neutral color scheme, this throw will look great no matter where you drape it for the season.

  • $24.99

  • TJ Maxx

Outdoor decorations

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (27)

Lowe's

Haunted Living 6-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Sea Diver Animatronic

Bring the horrors ot the deep sea to your front yard with this unholy diver, whose LED screen helmet lights up as he recites line after line of spine-tingling dialogue.

  • $349

  • Lowe's

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (28)

Lowe's

Haunted Living 6.5-ft Haunted Harbor Talking LED Servo Sea Witch Animatronic

No great Halloween setup is complete without a witch, and this devilish gal's wide grin will have trick-or-treaters on edge as they try to sneak past her while she calls out to them and reaches out with her glowing, claw-like hand.

  • $379

  • Lowe's

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (29)

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Spirit Halloween

2.5 Ft Cerberus Three Headed Dog Animatronics

Spirit Halloween's animatronics game is incredible each year, so while we wait for even more announcements in the lead up to their grand opening for the year, snatch up this on-sale Cerberus that will ward off any evil spirits from even thinking about trick-or-treating on your porch.

  • $129.99

  • $199.99

  • Spirit Halloween

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (30)

Grandin Road

Animated Yard Skeleton

If you want an enormous skeleton but haven't snagged the Home Depot version yet, Grandin Road is the place to go. This 8-foot guy is just as creepy as his slightly taller cousin -- but more manageable for smaller yards and porches -- and he has the added benefit of being animated! Motion activation triggers him to terrify passerby with a selection of phrases such as, "Welcome to my home! Watch your step, I wouldn′t want you to break a bone. But if you do, you can borrow one of mine."

  • $449

  • Grandin Road

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (31)

Home Depot

78 in. Touch Activated Animatronic Bride

Eerie and ethereal, this bride will send chills down anyone who wanders past her brokenhearted path.

  • $99.99

  • Home Depot

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (32)

Grandin Road

Lifesize Wrapped Mummy

Mummies are often forgotten in the panopoloy of Halloween creepsters, but this lifesize delight is all wrapped up and ready to scare the neighbors from the comfort or your porch. It comes in two easy-to-assemble pieces for instant setup so you can pop it up and have your scary sentry on guard in minutes.

  • $199

  • Grandin Road

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans (2024)

FAQs

Why 'Summerween' has exploded in popularity for Halloween fans? ›

Transitioning into peak Halloween season

Is summerween a real thing? ›

Summerween is a blend of summer and Halloween — just as the name suggests. The holiday is believed to have originated from the show “Gravity Falls,” which aired a Summerween episode in 2012. The spooky community embraced the idea and turned it into the hugely celebrated tradition it is today.

What percentage of Americans decorate for Halloween? ›

An annual study conducted by Lombardo Homes shows that 79% of Americans are decorating for the fall holiday this year. That is up from 71% in 2022. The average amount spent on decorations for the 2023 season is $87, up from $61 last year.

Do any towns celebrate Summerween? ›

Summerween is a holiday celebrated only in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon on June 22.

Who celebrates Summerween? ›

"Summerween" (or the union of summer and Halloween) was originally coined by the Disney TV series “Gravity Falls” in season 1, episode 12. The citizens of the fictional town in Oregon love Halloween so much they decide to celebrate it again—on the second-to-last Friday in June.

What state is Halloween most popular in? ›

New Hampshire topped the list with a huge number of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, ghost tours, haunts and costume stores. In fact, Spirit Halloween seems to have turned the state into a sort of mecca, with 16 stores serving the state's 1.4 million residents.

What state decorates the most for Halloween? ›

In 2022 the study indicates the average amount spent for Halloween was $61. In 2023 the study authors said it's $87. Those writing the study didn't speculate on why Utah was at the top of their list, but noted that many warmer states don't do much decorating.

What percentage of Americans don't celebrate Halloween? ›

Although 3 in 5 Americans told Lifeway Research Halloween is “all in good fun,” 21 percent avoid the holiday completely and another 14 percent avoid the pagan elements.

Is Gravity Falls a real place? ›

Gravity Falls, Oregon is a fictional, mysterious, sleepy town where many supernatural things happen in the series of the same name.

What is the July 5 spooky season? ›

Spooky Season Begins On July 5th

People start decorating for Halloween and look into what costumes to get. This is the time to enjoy the leaves changing colors, to feel all cozy as the weather gets a little cooler, and to snuggle up watching a Halloween-themed scary movie.

Can you celebrate Halloween in the summer? ›

With the right planning and a little creativity, you can celebrate Halloween in the summer and still have a hauntingly good time. Whether you're looking to throw a party, decorate your home, or simply enjoy some festive activities with your loved ones, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate Halloween in the summer.

What day is halfway to Halloween? ›

Halfway to Halloween occurs approximately six months before and after October 31st, placing it around April 30th or May 1st each year.

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