Perth, Oct 26: More than half of Australians will mark Halloween this year, but nearly two-thirds would rather nobody knocked on their door.
Halloween is no longer something Australians can easily ignore, even if most of them still aren’t sure they like it.
New research from YouGov found that 52 per cent of Australians plan to celebrate Halloween in some way this year. Yet 63 per cent said they would prefer trick-or-treaters stayed away from their homes.
The survey of 1,045 Australian adults, conducted between Sept 28 and Oct 1, shows a country that is participating without fully embracing the tradition. Sixty-nine per cent said Halloween feels like an unnecessary import from the United States. At the same time, 64 per cent said it has become a bigger deal in their local area over the past few years.
Even among people who don’t plan to take part, 55 per cent acknowledged Halloween’s growing presence in their neighbourhood. Among those who see it as an American import, 39 per cent still plan to join in somehow.
Young people and parents are driving it
Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend, with 77 per cent and 75 per cent respectively planning to celebrate. Both groups are also less likely to view it as a foreign import. Parents are the most enthusiastic of all, with 78 per cent planning to take part.
Halloween isn’t only for children, either. Four in ten Australians said they enjoy it as adults, rising to 68 per cent among Gen Z and 58 per cent among both Millennials and parents.
For those celebrating, the most popular plans are handing out lollies to trick-or-treaters (21 per cent) and watching Halloween films or shows at home (20 per cent). Others plan to decorate their homes (18 per cent), buy themed food or treats (17 per cent) or attend a party or event (16 per cent).
Older Australians keep the door shut
The resistance comes mostly from older generations. Eighty per cent of Baby Boomers and 65 per cent of Gen X said they would rather not have trick-or-treaters call.
YouGov Australia research manager Harshy Premarathne said the occasion shows how culture can spread even among people who are unconvinced by it, with younger Australians and parents providing most of the momentum.
“Most Australians see it as a foreign import, yet more than half will take part,” she said.
How to opt out politely
For households that would rather skip the knocking on Saturday night, common practice is simple: leave the porch light off and keep decorations away from the front door. A small sign saying “No trick-or-treaters, sorry” also works. Families out trick-or-treating are generally encouraged to visit only decorated homes with lights on.
Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct 31
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