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Every year as soon as the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, I feel it, the pull of spooky season. It’s that cozy, witchy time of year that just begs for candles, dark wine, oversized sweaters, and gathering your best girls for a magical evening. If you’re looking for Spooky Season Girls’ Night Ideas You’ll Want to Make a Tradition this Halloween, I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite ways to make October feel extra connected, creative, and cozy. From witchy wine nights to pumpkin painting parties, here’s how to plan a fall girls’ night you’ll all want to repeat year after year.
5 Spooky Season Girls’ Night Ideas
1. Witchy Wine Night (My Personal Favorite)
Let’s start with a classic: witchy wine night (or Hallowine). There’s something about dim lighting, deep red blends, and moody playlists that sets the tone for the ultimate spooky girls’ night in.
What you need:
- A few bottles of dark, bold red wine, think Syrah, Malbec, or Zinfandel
- A black or deep purple charcuterie board (I like to use dried figs, blackberries, dark chocolate, olives, and brie)
- Candles, lots of them (I scatter thrifted candlesticks around the room)
- A witchy playlist (Spotify has great ones called “Witchy Vibes” or “Dark Academia Autumn”)
We started this tradition three years ago. My friend Laura brings her signature blackberry sangria, and we all wear dramatic black dresses or velvet robes. Someone usually reads tarot cards later in the night (I’ll get to that), and we end up laughing and chatting until midnight. It’s simple, moody, and feels like our own coven gathering, every year, I look forward to it more.
Budget tip: You don’t need fancy wine. Trader Joe’s or Aldi has great options under $10. Pick up some red taper candles for that high-drama look without spending much.
2. Pumpkin Painting Party (Yes, with Cocktails)
Carving pumpkins? Messy. Painting pumpkins while sipping fall cocktails? A whole vibe.
What you need:
- Mini pumpkins (real or fake, craft stores often have deals in bulk)
- Acrylic paints, brushes, paint pens, glitter, and maybe even gold foil
- A signature fall cocktail (spiked apple cider, maple bourbon smash, or a pumpkin spice white Russian)
- A big table covered in kraft paper or a black plastic tablecloth
Last October, we hosted this in my backyard with string lights and blankets for chilly laps. Everyone painted pumpkins while sipping cocktails in cozy plaid shackets and fuzzy socks. Someone added a bat stencil to hers, and another girl made a celestial moon design. We took photos afterward with our pumpkins like proud little artists.
Low-effort, high-vibe tip: Use a hot glue gun and fake florals or plastic spiders to add dimension without needing painting skills. Also you can make it BYOP, Bring Your Own Pumpkin.
3. Tarot Card Reading Night
Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual girlie or just curious, a tarot night is such a cool way to slow down and tap into intention. You don’t have to be an expert to host one, trust me.
What you need:
- A tarot deck (The Modern Witch Tarot or Wyspell Classic Tarot Cards are beautiful and beginner-friendly)
- A tarot reading cheat sheet (Pinterest is full of them)
- Journals and pens for everyone
- Soft, mystical music and tea or wine
One year, we each did three-card spreads (past, present, future) and journaled quietly before sharing our thoughts. It got surprisingly deep and intimate in the best way. We laughed, cried a little, and felt so much closer by the end.
Budget-friendly idea: If no one has a tarot deck, you can also use a free tarot app or printable cards from Etsy. Or ask around, someone might have a deck tucked away.
4. Spell Candle-Making Night
This one feels extra special. Making your own candles, especially with intention and herbs, is a grounding, creative way to mark the season. Plus, you end up with a beautiful handmade item that reminds you of your night together.
What you need:
- Candle making kit: with candle wax, wicks, jars (you can thrift them)
- Essential oils (lavender, cinnamon, rosemary, clove)
- Dried herbs, crystals, or flowers (rose petals, sage, thyme)
- A slow cooker or double boiler for melting wax
We did this last fall and everyone created their own little “spell candle” with a theme, calm, abundance, love, protection. One friend made a “new beginnings” candle for her fresh start after a breakup. The whole thing felt like group therapy in the best, witchiest way.
Decorate for a witchy cottagecore vibe with dried herbs and twinkly vine fairy lights.
Tradition tip: Make one extra candle to bring back next year and burn it as you start your next girls’ night.
5. Halloween Movie Night with Themed Snacks
When in doubt, go full cozy mode. There’s nothing like curling up in pajamas with your girls, watching Hocus Pocus or Practical Magic, and eating witch-themed snacks.
Set the scene:
- Bluetooth Movie Projector or TV, fuzzy blankets, floor pillows
- Candles (of course), fairy lights, a fall-scented diffuser
- A themed snack bar (witch’s popcorn mix, “bloody” red velvet cupcakes, ghost-shaped cheese on crackers)
- Halloween black and white striped popcorn boxes
One of my friends made ghost meringues one year, and another brought “potion punch” with floating lychees as eyeballs (yes, it was weird, but so fun). We made it a pajama party and everyone showed up in slippers and Halloween tees.
Easy decor ideas:
- Spider webs + flameless candles
- Black tablecloths, faux skulls, or potion bottles
- A bat garland and a “Witch Please” sign makes it feel complete
Spooky Season Decor Ideas: How to Set the Vibe
The decor is one of the easiest ways to make your spooky season girls’ night feel intentional and magical, without spending a ton. I like to think of it as layering: moody lighting, natural textures, seasonal colors, and just a touch of witchy whimsy. Whether you’re going for full-on witch cottagecore or spooky glam, here are some ideas to inspire your setup.
Lighting Is Everything
- Candles: The more, the better. Use a mix of black, ivory, and dark red taper candles. Cluster them on trays, window sills, or in gold candelabras.
- Fairy lights: Warm white or orange string lights instantly cozy up any space. Drape them across your mantle, table, or along the ceiling. I also love these vine fairy lights for a witchy garden vibe
- Skull or pumpkin-shaped lights: For a playful touch, grab a strand or two of novelty lights from Target or Amazon.
Table and Snack Area
- Black lace tablecloth or a simple black sheet for a dramatic base.
- Gold or bronze trays for candles, snacks, or decor accents.
- Moss, mini pumpkins, and dried flowers scattered across the table for a natural, enchanted forest feel.
- DIY place cards with your friends’ names written in calligraphy on black cardstock, paired with mini tarot cards or crystals as favors.
- Skull candle holders
- Potion bottles (Fun idea- pre-make drinks and put them in the bottles to be poured over ice).
Photo Booth or Cozy Corner
- Backdrop: Hang a black sequin curtain, celestial tapestry, or spiderweb tablecloth as a backdrop.
- Props: Witch hats, faux brooms, plastic cauldrons, vampire teeth, and black cat ears for playful photos.
- Cozy extras: Layer faux fur blankets and floor cushions for lounging. Bonus points if you add a crystal ball nearby.
Budget-Friendly Decor Ideas
- Amazon Finds: Stock up on spiderwebs, faux skulls, mini skeletons, and black netting.
- Nature walk accents: Foraged branches, pinecones, dried leaves, and acorns make beautiful natural decor when paired with candles.
- DIY spell books: Cover old books with black paper and label them “Book of Shadows” or “Witch’s Brew.”
- Bat cutouts: Tape black construction paper bats to the walls or ceiling for an easy, high-impact look.
Playlists I love:
- “Witchy Coffeehouse” on Spotify
- “Dark Cottagecore” or “Spooky Jazz”
- Or make your own mix with Florence + The Machine, Stevie Nicks, and Lana Del Rey
Outfit inspo:
- Witchy chic: black lace, red velvet, combat boots
- Pajama party: Halloween-themed pajamas or slippers
- Cozy glam: knit cardigans, dark lipstick, layered jewelry
It’s all about feeling like your most magical, comfy self. We take Polaroids every year and they’re honestly some of my favorite photos.
Making It a Yearly Tradition
One of the best parts of spooky season girls’ night? The tradition of it. Over the years, this annual event has become something we all count on. Life gets busy, but having this carved-out night each fall reminds us to pause, connect, and just enjoy being together.
Here’s how to make it stick:
- Pick a weekend early (the first or second in October)
- Rotate who hosts each year
- Make a shared photo album or group chat
- Give everyone a tiny favor, like a candle, crystal, or printed photo, to take home
Traditions don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Ours started with one girl texting “Want to drink wine and paint pumpkins?” and now it’s a whole thing.
Why Spooky Season Girls’ Nights Matter
As much as I love the aesthetic, the candles, the moody playlists, the themed snacks, what I really love about these nights is how they make space for something deeper. In the midst of a busy season, these moments give us permission to slow down, reconnect, and be a little playful.
We talk about everything, relationships, dreams, fears, careers. We laugh until our faces hurt. We do weird stuff like read each other’s tarot cards or name our pumpkins. And it’s so good for the soul.
So whether you host a big group or just a few close friends, I hope these spooky season girls’ night ideas inspire you to create a tradition that’s all your own. Grab your broomstick (or wine glass), light a candle, and start planning.
Because honestly? A little magic, some laughter, and a cozy night in with your witches might be exactly what your fall season needs.
With love,
Bri & Cat
Related Posts You Might Like:
How to Host the Perfect Pumpkin Painting Night
10 Unique Halloween Party Themes
How to Host a Halloween Costume Contest Guests Will Actually Get Excited About
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