How Big is Halloween in Canada? The Economic Impact Examined

Halloween, a celebration traditionally associated with ghost stories, costumes, and trick-or-treating, has become a significant cultural and economic event in many parts of the world, including Canada. 

Let’s look at how big Halloween has become in Canada and explore its economic impact.

The Rise of Halloween in Canada

Halloween has a long history, with origins tracing back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, in which people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.¹ Over time, it has evolved into a modern-day celebration.

In Canada, Halloween’s popularity has been on a notable rise. While it has always been celebrated to some extent, its commercial aspects have grown significantly in recent years. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, Halloween was estimated to be a $1 billion industry in 2014, making it the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas.²

The Economic Impact of Halloween in Canada

Retail spending is one of the most direct indicators of Halloween’s economic impact. Canadians spend a substantial amount of money on Halloween costumes, decorations, candy, and other related items. On average, Canadians spend about $64 on these items.³ The value of the sales of cookies, candy, and snack foods in October 2017 was over $550 million.⁴

The economic impact of Halloween is felt across multiple sectors in Canada, including the following:

• Haunted houses and attractions
• Parties and social gatherings
• Pumpkin patches and festivals
• Scary movies

Halloween’s Impact on Various Sectors

The economic impact of Halloween in Canada is felt across multiple sectors:

Retail Sector
As previously mentioned, retailers benefit significantly from Halloween-related sales. This includes large chain stores and small local businesses.

Entertainment and Hospitality
The entertainment and hospitality industries see increased business due to Halloween events, parties, and gatherings.

Agriculture
Pumpkin farms and orchards experience a boost in business during the Halloween season as people flock to these locations to pick out pumpkins for carving and decorating.

Manufacturing
Various manufacturers produce costumes, decorations, and candy, contributing to the economic activity and employment in this sector.

Online Shopping
With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping has become an important aspect of Halloween spending. Many Canadians turn to online retailers for costumes, decorations, and party supplies.

Halloween in Canada is more than just a night of spooky fun; it has become a significant cultural and economic event. The holiday generates substantial retail spending, boosts various sectors of the economy, and fosters community spirit.