It’s just not Halloween without some amazing pumpkins, right? Where is the fun? A carved pumpkin is like the ultimate symbol of the holiday, and that’s why almost every house is decked out with them each year. Pumpkin carving is hands-down the most popular way to transform your pumpkin into a stunning Halloween decoration. Not only do they look awesome during the day, but once the sun goes down, they light up your front yard, porch or house in the coolest way. We’ve gathered as many different ideas to inspire you as we could. Whether you’re into spooky, cute, charming, nostalgic or simply modern designs. If you’re feeling fancy, you’ll even spot a few pumpkins that honestly look like works of art. Enjoy the inspiration!
Oh, and if you need more ideas, don’t forget to check out these cool outdoor Halloween decorating ideas.
Classic Jack-o’-Lanterns
When it comes to classic Halloween pumpkin carving, there’s something nostalgic about those simple jack-o’-lantern faces. I remember my first attempt at carving—it was a total mess, but oh man, the fun we had! I didn’t know what I was doing, but the good ol’ triangle eyes and a toothy grin came to the rescue. These easy designs are perfect for family carving parties. Pro tip: Keep the shapes large and your cuts clean. I used to think that more complex designs were better, but honestly, these traditional faces bring such a nostalgic, spooky vibe that everyone loves. Plus, they light up beautifully at night!
This spooky pumpkin carving with its simple, stitched smile and hollow eyes gives off a classic Halloween vibe. It’s perfect for beginners wanting to create an easy design that still looks hauntingly cool!.
A collection of fun and creative pumpkin carvings perfect for a family pumpkin carving party! With faces ranging from funny to spooky, it’s a delightful mix of family-friendly faces that light up the night. (@heritageacreshomesteadchas).
Quite traditional scary jack-o-lantern design.
This ghostly 'Boo' pumpkin adds a spooky yet simple touch to your Halloween setup. Its clean lines and classic ghostly face make it an easy pumpkin carving design that’s perfect for beginners! (@woodlark).
Nightmare Before Christmas inspired pumpkin's cute smile gives a refreshing twist on traditional jack-o'-lantern faces.
Nothing beats the classic Halloween jack-o'-lantern ideas! These cheerful, glowing pumpkins are the perfect example of easy pumpkin carving designs.
These quirky faces are perfect for carving beginners. With their glowing smiles and wobbly designs, they could add a whimsical touch to your spooky pumpkin carving display!.
The jagged, sharp teeth create a creepy look, ideal for those seeking scary pumpkin designs that will stand out on your porch this Halloween.
These classic jack-o’-lanterns are simple yet effective! The glowing orange light against the dark creates a spooky yet timeless vibe for any Halloween night display.
Retro-Inspired Pumpkins
For those of you who love a little vintage charm, try retro-inspired carvings. Pumpkins with classic Halloween imagery like black cats, witches, and haunted houses bring such a cozy, old-school vibe to your porch. One year, I tried to carve a black cat silhouette, and though it wasn’t perfect, I kind of loved the quirky look it gave. The secret? Keep the designs simple. Retro-style pumpkins don’t need to be super detailed; it’s all about the mood they create. Plus, you can easily find stencils to help guide you if freehand isn’t your thing.
This duo of witch and monster pumpkins creates a perfect balance of spooky and fun for your Halloween decorations. A small cauldron is a cool touch. (@itselectricleo).
This adorable ghost pumpkin is a great example of family-friendly pumpkin designs. Perfect for beginners, this simple yet charming figure brings a playful vibe to your Halloween décor. (@beazerhomes).
This whimsical pumpkin house carving brings fairytale vibes to your Halloween décor. With tiny windows and leaf decorations, it's an adorable twist on classic pumpkin carvings. (@thathalloweenhouse).
Bring a classic Halloween vibe to your décor with this witch silhouette pumpkin. Crisp lines and spooky mermaid figure flying across the moon. (@znaughalty).
For a more elegant pumpkin carving, try a beautifully detailed tree design like this one. The intricate branches look magical when lit up, making it a stunning and creative addition to your Halloween display.
Pop Culture-Inspired Carvings
When it comes to pop culture-inspired pumpkin carvings, the possibilities are endless! Bringing characters from favorite movies and video games is so fun. So, if you’re slightly a nerdy geek, you just need a good stencil or image to follow.
Movie-inspired pumpkins are always a hit. If you’re into horror or sci-fi classics Ghostface from Scream, Pennywise from It, Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street and many others could become really spooky carvings. I’m more into Marvel and Star Wars so I once carved baby Yoda, and it was a hit! With so many iconic movie characters to choose from, you can easily find one that fits your Halloween vibe.
Games-inspired carvings are perfect if you have kids. Super Mario characters are a great place to start—Mario, Luigi, and even Bowser make fun, cartoonish pumpkins that still fit the Halloween spirit. Pikachu and Dragonite are perfect for Pokemon fans. For a more sinister vibe, try characters from darker video games like the infamous Creeper from Minecraft. Creepers are actually easier to carve than you might think—it’s all about those sharp, blocky features. I’ve also seen some amazing pumpkins featuring characters from Fortnite and Among Us, which are perfect if you want something trendy and recognizable.
This Baby Yoda pumpkin carving captures the adorable character from Mandalorian. Ideal for Star Wars fans, this detailed carving is sure to impress! (@tikidrew).
This easy Minecraft Creeper pumpkin carving is ideal for video fans and beginners. The iconic square face makes it instantly recognizable and adds a fun, blocky touch to your decorations! (@faishrgaming).
Roblox-inspired pumpkin design is a minimalist, yet clever choice for a gamer’s Halloween décor. (@razorfishgaming).
Add some childhood nostalgia to your Halloween with these Peppa Pig and Mario pumpkin carving ideas. (@mumgeeandthekiddos).
Welcome to DOTAween. This creative pumpkin design is perfect for the geeky crowd! Everybody who played dota know this symbol. (@shneydoc).
Get in the game with this epic Fortnite pumpkin carving! Perfect for fans, this design showcases your love for the game while adding a creative touch to your decorations. (@bald.head.dread).
Who you gonna call? This glowing Ghostbusters-themed pumpkin is perfect for fans of the classic movie. With its bold design, it’s a fun idea and easy to create using stencils.
This awesome set of Marvel superhero pumpkin carvings brings your favorite Avengers to life! From Iron Man to Thor’s hammer, these designs are perfect for a movie-inspired Halloween display.
This Smokey Bear pumpkin carving is a fun tribute to the iconic fire prevention mascot. Ideal for those who want to add a nostalgic touch to their decorations. (@discovertheforest).
Add some mystery to your porch with this symbolic design. The clean, sharp lines of Assassin's Creed logo are great for fans of fantasy and video games! (@brandontoms).
Calling all gamers! These Zelda-themed pumpkins are a fantastic tribute to your favorite video game world. From Majora's Mask to the Triforce, these designs bring nostalgia and creativity together. (@displaygeek).
This fiery Dragonite pumpkin carving is a must for Pokemon lovers. The glowing, detailed wings and tail bring this mythical creature to life. (@technic_ian).
For all those Nintendo freaks - Super Mario carving.
Bring a beloved character to life with this Olaf-inspired pumpkin carving! Stacking pumpkins to create a snowman shape adds a fun twist, especially for kids. It’s a great blend of pop culture and Halloween. (@starzoe88).
This set of pumpkins lights up a porch with favorite characters like Batman, Darth Vader and Superman. These multi-pumpkin designs are perfect for fans who want to show off their love for movies and comics with creative jack-o'-lantern ideas! (@harringtron).
Bring The Simpsons into your Halloween décor with this hilarious Homer Simpson painted pumpkin! The detailed design captures his classic 'D'oh!' moment and is sure to make any fan smile.
Capture the magic of Hogwarts with this Harry Potter-themed pumpkin! With its iconic scar and glasses, it’s an enchanting way to bring some fantasy to life.
Slimer is oozing right out of this creative carving! Add a little green slime for an extra spooky effect. It's an advanced idea that will get everyone talking at your Halloween pumpkin party.
Are you a DOTA fan? Unleash your creativity with this shadow fiend pumpkin carving! The detailed silhouette captures the beast's fiery spirit. (@kylersuchey).
Bring your favorite video game duo to life with these Mario and Luigi pumpkin carvings! They’re perfect for adding a playful touch to your Halloween décor. (@araimondi89).
Carve your favorite cartoon character, like this adorable Minnie Mouse pumpkin! A fun and family-friendly design, this is sure to be a hit with kids and brings some pop culture to your Halloween decorations.
Advanced Carving Ideas
If you’ve already mastered the basics of pumpkin carving and are ready to step up your game, it’s time to dive into the world of advanced techniques. Trust me, these will take your pumpkins from simple porch décor to jaw-dropping works of art. If you’ve never tried 3D pumpkin carving, it can feel a little intimidating at first. But after watching a few tutorials and experimenting, it start to look less crazy. Just know that you’ll want to invest in some proper tools for this one, like clay-sculpting tools, which give you more control over shaping those fine details.
Would you like some brains? The dinner is served! This whimsical idea will definitely bring some laughter to your Halloween gathering.
This monster face pumpkin brings a unique and playful twist to traditional pumpkin carvings. With its goofy grin and fluffy hair, it’s a fun option for family-friendly Halloween. The Japanese Oni demon has potato eyes and teeth and carrot horns. (@karolinehinz).
The monstrous pumpkin is devouring a tiny one in this creative carving. Adding some humor is always great.
This highly detailed 3D Predator pumpkin carving is a masterpiece of horror-themed artistry. The lifelike design is perfect for movie fans.
This Toothy Grin pumpkin is chomping down on a mini jack-o’-lantern, creating an intense, dynamic carving. Perfect for a bold and creative display that will surely turn heads!.
This skeleton pumpkin carving is perfect for those looking to try more advanced pumpkin carving ideas. The level of detail in this spooky face makes it look like it’s come straight out of a horror movie. Great for Halloween pumpkin competitions!.
Even More Ideas
This dotted pumpkin carving is a chic and simple way to add a glowing ambiance to your Halloween décor. The delicate pattern is perfect for those seeking elegant pumpkin designs for a festive display. (@the_barrington_house).
Want a quick and easy pumpkin carving trick? Use a cookie-cutter and a hammer! This method is perfect for beginners looking for fun Halloween jack-o'-lantern ideas without needing advanced pumpkin carving tools.
This creepy forest scene carved into a pumpkin looks absolutely haunting when lit up. Perfect for a haunted house theme, it's one of those elegant and detailed carvings that really show off artistic skills.
Try this adorable whale pumpkin for a simple and creative almonst no-carve idea! Perfect for families or anyone looking for something a little different.
This charming multi-pumpkin design is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors! These camper-style pumpkins are easy to carve and will give your Halloween decorations a fun, adventurous twist.
This terrifying, glowing face design is perfect if you’re looking for scary pumpkin ideas that will send shivers down everyone’s spine. Its sharp, menacing features are sure to stand out at night.
Bring some pop culture to your pumpkin carving with this adorable alien from Toy Story! It’s a family-friendly pumpkin design that’s bound to be a hit with kids and Pixar fans alike.
For a truly creepy and creative pumpkin carving idea, this open-brain monster design is sure to impress! Complete with spooky arms and glowing eyes. (@thecabinparkcity).
These beach-themed pumpkins add a coastal twist to your Halloween decorations! Featuring a lighthouse and palm tree, they’re perfect for those looking for creative pumpkin designs beyond the spooky tradition.
This spooky scarecrow pumpkin carving creates a haunting scene! Perfect for those who love detailed Halloween designs, its eerie silhouette against the full moon will make your display stand out.
Carve an epic Disney villain with this Maleficent-inspired pumpkin! The fiery details make it an advanced artistic carving that’s sure to impress everyone at your party.
It looks like this pumpkin is tearing itself open to reveal a creepy monster inside! This 3D pumpkin carving is a perfect way to unleash your creativity and surprise your visitors.
This adorable black cat pumpkin carving, paired with glowing lanterns, brings a playful touch to your front yard. (@balsamhill).
This collection of whimsical pumpkin faces is full of fun and creative designs! Whether you're aiming for spooky or silly, these are perfect for family-friendly Halloween decorating ideas.
These pumpkins are clearly having too much fun! A hilarious scene of pumpkins 'partying' will show you're partying HARD!.
A cute and intricate cat design, surrounded by leaves, makes for a more elegant and artistic approach to carving. This is perfect for a soft, mysterious touch to your décor.
A romantic kiss carved into a glowing pumpkin adds an unexpected touch of love to your Halloween. A simple yet sweet design that stands out with its heartfelt silhouette.
This impressive Statue of Liberty carving is a true artistic achievement! With incredible attention to detail, this patriotic pumpkin is a great example of an iconic symbol.
This carving features two grimacing faces pressed together, forming an amusing and unique design.
A highly detailed and expressive carving, this pumpkin displays a mischievous grin and carved lines that bring a lively character to your Halloween setup. Great for those who love detailed pumpkin art!.
These cheerful jack-o’-lanterns bring a friendly and approachable touch to Halloween décor. With simple smiles and glowing eyes, they’re perfect for a fun, family-friendly display.
Set the scene with carved pumpkins! These feature scary faces surrounded by eerie skull lights. This setup is perfect for Halloween parties!.
For a unique and funny pumpkin design, try carving a big pumpkin 'eating' a smaller one! This creative jack-o'-lantern idea combines humor and impressive 3D pumpkin carving skills..
These celestial pumpkin carvings bring a magical, dreamy vibe to your Halloween setup. With starry designs and swirling faces, they're perfect for those who want a more elegant Halloween pumpkin display. (@theseptemberchronicles).
Super cute dog-inspired pumpkin carvings.
Grumpy cats and dogs might look quite fun.
Not so creepy dog faces is a nice change from the more frightening faces of Halloween.
This cute set of pumpkins is a playful addition to your Halloween setup. It features classic desings. }(@hannahlucyrose).
Bring some magic to your pumpkin with this enchanting fairy design! The tiny pinholes allow the light to shine through beautifully, making it a whimsical and creative jack-o'-lantern idea for a softer Halloween look.
This geometric pumpkin design is a minimalist, modern choice for gaming fans. (@catalystcoffee_).
This spooky scarecrow pumpkin carving is perfect for adding a touch of fear to your Halloween setup. Glowing eyes make it a striking! (@frater_aloisius).
Which presidency candidate was your favorite?.
Harry Potter is watching you!.
Light up your late night porch with illuminated jack-o'-lanterns. Candles are great as to put them inside as to use outside.
Cool pirate pumpkin carving idea with a knife.
How To Preserve Your Pumpkin
We’ve all been there—you spend hours carving the perfect pumpkin, and within a few days, it starts to shrivel, rot, or collapse in on itself. It’s super frustrating, especially when your masterpiece barely makes it through Halloween! Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help extend the life of your carved pumpkin.
It all starts with picking the right pumpkin. Look for one that’s firm all around, has no soft spots or blemishes, and has a sturdy stem. The healthier your pumpkin is from the start, the longer it’ll stay intact once carved. Clean it inside and out. Soak it in a mixture of water and bleach (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) for about 20-30 minutes but make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Use vegetable oil or a pumpkin-specific preservative spray on the cut edges. After that try to keep your pumpkin as cool as possible. Give it a daily spritz with water every day.
With these tips, you’ll have a much better chance of your carved pumpkin making it through the Halloween season.