October brings with it more than just crisp air and falling leaves – it’s the season when brands unleash their most creative and hauntingly memorable Halloween marketing campaigns. From eerie storytelling to spine-tingling visuals, some of the best Halloween campaigns have left a lasting mark, not only for their creativity but for the way they embrace the spooky spirit of the season.
As we dive into the world of creative Halloween ads, let’s revisit the best marketing campaigns of all time that are sure to inspire your next big idea.
Why Brands Create Halloween Ad Campaigns: The Power of Seasonal Marketing
Halloween marketing campaigns are a fun, creative way for brands to get in on the seasonal excitement. They give brands the perfect chance to connect with their audience in a lighthearted way, tapping into that festive Halloween vibe. The best Halloween ad campaigns blend humor, creativity, and a touch of spookiness, making them stand out from the usual brand messaging.
With Halloween spending in the U.S. expected to hit $11.6 billion in 2024, it’s clear that consumers are more engaged than ever with this spooky season, making it a prime opportunity for brands to boost engagement and build brand awareness. Brands that nail their Halloween marketing efforts often see increased visibility as audiences eagerly share seasonal content. When the Halloween spirit is fully embraced, brands create something memorable that resonates with their customers. In the end, Halloween ad campaigns demonstrate the powerful impact seasonal marketing can have, helping brands boost both recognition and results.
From Spooky to Fun: Best Halloween Ad Campaigns of All Time
Fanta – Haunted Fanta Factory
Let’s start with a 2025-dated campaign which involves the most well-known horror icons: Chucky, Freddy Fazbear, Michael Myers, The Grabber, M3GAN.
In partnership with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse, Fanta (also Coca Cola), released limited-edition cans, digital games, and a real-world immersive pop-up in New York City.
Fanta Halloween just got even creepier… dare to look?
Feast your eyes on horror icons, Chucky, Freddy Fazbear, The Grabber, Michael Myers and M3gan getting closer and closer to your screens.
With that campaign, which allows fans to enter a gamified “factory” experience, dodge monsters, and collect “Fanta coins,” Coca-Cola positioned the brand as “the drink of Halloween.” While Coke owns Christmas and other festive days.
For marketers, the Haunted Fanta Factory demonstrates how IP collaboration and immersive design can transform a seasonal campaign into a comprehensive experience (physical, digital, and emotional touchpoints.)
Snickers – Halloween Grocery Store Lady
In this eerie yet humorous ad, a mysterious “grocery store lady” wearing a disturbingly oversized mask approaches a shopper and begins filling her cart with Snickers. The twist? The woman is actually two kids stacked in a bizarre costume. This creative ad puts a spooky spin on the traditional trick-or-treat experience, blending fright with comedy. The unsettling character and unexpected encounter made this one of the best Halloween campaigns, capturing the playful spirit of Halloween while reminding audiences that Snickers is a must-have for the season.
Heinz – Black Mayonnaise
We really love Halloween campaigns that lean on the aesthetics of vintage horror cinema! That’s why Heinz is here.
Produced by DAVID São Paulo, the Heinz ad offers scenes that evoke the old style of using ketchup as “blood.” Then, there is a shock twist: the footage shifts to color, but the blood remains black, and we understand that it is not ketchup but Mayo Halloween.
Think it’s ketchup?
Within that seasonal campaign, Heinz actually created an entirely new product, rather than offering a Halloween packaging. That marketing effort and product become the story and give consumers and media reasons to talk about it.
Bacardi – Raising Spirits
Bacardi took the Halloween spirit virtual with their Raising Spirits campaign, which featured a virtual party hosted by spirits. This creative Halloween ad campaign was a smart move during the pandemic, keeping the brand relevant and fun despite social distancing. The blend of spooky visuals, vibrant energy, and social connection made it one of the more innovative Halloween marketing campaigns of recent years, showcasing how brands can adapt seasonal marketing to unexpected circumstances.
Booking.com – Haunted Hotels
This ad by Booking.com dares travelers to “Stay if you dare” at some of America’s most infamous haunted hotels. It follows a woman alone in her room as a series of spooky events unfold—her TV turns on by itself, and a mysterious figure lurks just outside her door. The suspense builds like a scene from a horror movie, drawing viewers into the chilling experience. This bold and clever campaign transformed a typical hotel stay into a thrilling adventure, making it one of the most memorable Halloween marketing campaigns in the travel industry.
Heinz – Vegetarian Vampire
Perhaps this ad on our list might be one of our favorites. As one of the cutest Heinz’s ads, this Vegetarian Vampire ad took a playful approach to the vampire trope, with a humorous vampire character who drinks Heinz Tomato Blood ketchup instead of “real” blood. This funny Halloween commercial worked well because it cleverly tied the brand’s product to Halloween in a lighthearted and unexpected way. The witty concept and humorous execution made it one of the most talked-about Halloween ad campaigns of 2022, helping Heinz connect with audiences through humor and the holiday’s spooky vibe.
Skoda – A Different Halloween
Škoda’s A Different Halloween ad took a fresh and imaginative spin on the holiday. It begins with a nostalgic scene of a young boy carefully carving a pumpkin, his focus and creativity on full display. Meanwhile, an older man is seen intently crafting something as well. As the story unfolds, the connection between the two becomes clear—the man is that same boy, now grown up, but still fueled by the same creativity. Only this time, instead of a pumpkin, he’s carving and painting his Škoda car to mirror the jack-o’-lantern he once crafted. Though Škoda isn’t your typical Halloween brand, this campaign cleverly captures the essence of nostalgia and creativity, proving that Halloween marketing can be more than just spooky—it can be heartwarming and inspiring.
M&M’s – Early Trick or Treat
M&M’s Early Trick or Treat campaign embraced the chaos and excitement of Halloween with a humorous twist. In this funny Halloween commercial, two M&M’s candy friends prepare for trick-or-treating a bit too early, much to the confusion of their neighbor. As one of the top three most-purchased Halloween candies, M&M’s used this playful and lighthearted ad to reinforce its status as a Halloween favorite. The campaign’s humorous take on the anticipation of Halloween made it one of the best Halloween marketing campaigns, effectively promoting M&M’s as a must-have treat for the season.
Burger King – The Call
For those who aren’t fans of horror, this ad might feel surprisingly intense at first! Burger King’s The Call ad takes the spooky season to the next level with a suspense-filled storyline straight out of a horror flick. The 60-second spot follows a young woman watching TV alone, when a sinister call warns her, “It’s back. It’s coming for you.” What seems like a classic horror setup quickly turns playful as the woman rushes for milk to combat the heat of the Ghost Pepper Whopper and Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries lurking in her backseat. Combining classic horror tropes with Burger King’s signature humor, this Halloween ad campaign struck the perfect balance of spooky and fun. With its unexpected twist and clever use of suspense, Burger King delivered one of the best Halloween campaigns of the recent years.
Six Flags – Tick Tick Tick
A sense of suspense and tension builds as a clock ticks down, leaving viewers anxiously awaiting the terror that’s about to unfold. In true horror fashion, the final reveal is none other than a thrilling Six Flags Halloween attraction, daring guests to face their fears. The Tick. Tick. Tick. short film cleverly ties Halloween’s classic fear and excitement to the park’s pulse-pounding haunted offerings. With its cinematic approach and intense buildup, this campaign perfectly captured the essence of the season while driving anticipation for Six Flags’ hair-raising attractions. It became a standout in the amusement park industry, blending entertainment and thrills.
MAC – #MACHalloween
And here is a Halloween campaign that doesn’t look like a typical advertisement.
In Halloween 2025, instead of just pushing products, MAC empowers its community to create and share their looks. And the brand builds organic and credible connections without releasing a high-budget video ad. The #MacHalloween hashtag becomes a stage for user-generated content, from casual fans to professional artists, each showing off spooky, glam, or avant-garde transformations.
This year, skip the Halloween clichés. You can put down the sexy devil horns and give your cat ears the night off. We believe that makeup makes the costume, and we’re here to help you put your own twist on on the classics to create an original Halloween look that is guaranteed to turn heads and drop jaws at every party.
While the makeup brand is very active on social media platforms, it doesn’t rely solely on online buzz.
The brand runs in-store demos, tutorials, and Halloween “look bars” where visitors can get their faces done by pros.
Govee – Turn Up the Spooky. Slay Halloween.
If there’s one person who knows a thing or two about creepy things, it’s Sarah Michelle Gellar, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And Govee made pretty good use of that reputation for its 2026 Halloween campaign.
Teaming up with the actress, the smart lighting brand launched “Turn Up the Spooky. Slay Halloween.” to show how ordinary homes can get a horror-movie makeover with the right lighting. Think eerie colors, dramatic shadows, and a front yard that suddenly looks like something straight out of a supernatural thriller.
The fun part is that Govee itself creates the Halloween atmosphere, giving viewers a pretty good idea of what they could pull off at home. Add a familiar face from the horror genre, and you’ve got a seasonal ad that manages to show off the product without feeling like a product demonstration.
McDonald’s UK – Spooky Sauces
Well, we’ve seen plenty of unusual Halloween products over the years, but turning McDonald’s dipping sauces into face paint? That’s a new one.
For Halloween 2026, McDonald’s marketing team collaborated with Leo UK to introduce “Spooky Sauces,” a limited-edition makeup kit inspired by six of its popular dipping sauces. And yes, the names are as ridiculous as you’d hope. There’s Tomb-Mato Ketchup, Boo-Boo-Q, Curry Cauldron, and even Garlic MayOoOo. The kit also comes with fries-shaped makeup brushes and a Chicken McNugget-inspired sponge.
Source
The campaign kicked off on TikTok and Instagram with a spooky product reveal, followed by a giveaway of 100 kits. McDonald’s also brought UK creators into the mix, encouraging them to recreate Halloween looks inspired by its menu and packaging.
What we love here is how McDonald’s took something as ordinary as dipping sauce and gave people a completely different reason to talk about it. No complicated storyline, no elaborate horror production. Just a familiar product, some wonderfully silly names, and an idea that’s practically made for social media.
Krispy Kreme – Looney Tunes Halloween Collection
Bugs Bunny as a vampire? Taz dressed up as a mummy? Well, Krispy Kreme decided Halloween 2026 was the perfect time to give our favorite Looney Tunes characters a spooky makeover.
Teaming up with Warner Bros., the doughnut brand introduced a limited-edition Halloween collection featuring four character-inspired treats. Bugs Bunny got a vampire-themed doughnut with red icing and bat sprinkles, while Taz appeared on a chocolate-and-OREO creation. There were also Halloween versions of Tweety and Sylvester, plus a purple buttercreme doughnut inspired by Lola Bunny.
Launched on October 6, the collection brought familiar cartoon characters into the Halloween spirit without losing their playful personalities. And that’s probably the best thing about this campaign. A few recognizable characters, some creative doughnut designs, and a little nostalgia did the job.
After all, it’s pretty hard to resist a vampire Bugs Bunny. Especially when he’s made of chocolate and cream.
Conclusion: Spark Your Own Creative Halloween Ad
These unforgettable Halloween ad campaigns prove that with the right mix of creativity, humor, and spooky fun, brands can leave a lasting impression during the Halloween season. Whether you’re aiming to evoke laughter or suspense, tapping into the festive spirit offers a powerful opportunity to connect with your audience in new and exciting ways.
So, as you plan your next campaign, remember the tricks and treats these brands used to captivate their audience—and don’t be afraid to embrace the thrill of the season!
FAQ about Halloween Marketing Campaigns
What are the best Halloween ad campaigns of all time?
Some of the most memorable Halloween campaigns include Snickers’ Halloween Grocery Store Lady, Heinz’s Vegetarian Vampire, and Škoda’s A Different Halloween. Each takes a different creative approach, from unsettling humor to heartwarming nostalgia. Fanta’s 2025 Halloween campaign also deserves a mention for bringing iconic horror characters into an immersive brand experience. What makes these campaigns stand out is how naturally they connect Halloween storytelling with the brands themselves.
Why do brands create Halloween marketing campaigns?
Halloween gives brands a chance to show a more playful, unexpected side of their personality while connecting with audiences who are already in a festive mood. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce limited-edition products, encourage social media engagement, and get people talking. And since consumers are actively looking for costumes, treats, decorations, and seasonal experiences, a well-timed campaign can turn that excitement into brand awareness and sales.
What makes a Halloween ad campaign successful?
A successful Halloween campaign needs more than pumpkins, creepy music, and a few jump scares. The best ones find a clever connection between the brand and the holiday, then build a story or experience around it. Humor, nostalgia, suspense, and surprising product twists can all work. The real trick is making the campaign entertaining enough to get attention while giving people a reason to remember the brand after Halloween is over.
Can brands outside food and candy run Halloween campaigns?
Absolutely! Halloween isn’t reserved for candy and fast-food brands. Škoda proved that with A Different Halloween, turning a childhood pumpkin-carving memory into a creative automotive story. Booking.com’s Haunted Hotels campaign made spooky accommodations part of the travel experience, while Six Flags used cinematic horror storytelling in Tick. Tick. Tick. to build excitement around its Halloween attractions. These examples show that almost any industry can join the fun with the right creative angle.
What are some Halloween marketing ideas on a smaller budget?
You don’t necessarily need an expensive commercial to make an impression. Take inspiration from MAC’s #MACHalloween campaign, which encouraged makeup lovers to share their own Halloween creations. McDonald’s UK’s Spooky Sauces campaign also offers a useful idea, combining creator content with a limited giveaway to encourage participation. Smaller brands can adapt these approaches through user-generated content challenges, simple costume contests, creator tutorials, or social media giveaways. Sometimes, giving your audience something fun to create is enough to get the conversation started.
How do brand collaborations work in Halloween campaigns?
Halloween collaborations bring together recognizable characters, creative ideas, and audiences that brands might struggle to reach on their own. Fanta’s partnership with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse brought horror icons into limited-edition packaging and interactive experiences, while Krispy Kreme teamed up with Warner Bros. for its Looney Tunes Halloween doughnut collection. Govee took a slightly different approach by featuring Sarah Michelle Gellar in a campaign showcasing its smart lighting products. The best partnerships feel like a natural creative fit, giving audiences something genuinely entertaining alongside the products being promoted.
Which channels work best for Halloween marketing campaigns?
TikTok and Instagram are particularly useful for Halloween campaigns built around costumes, makeup tutorials, creator collaborations, and user-generated content. YouTube and video advertising are great for brands leaning into cinematic storytelling, suspense, or humor. Meanwhile, in-store activations, limited-edition packaging, and immersive experiences can bring the Halloween atmosphere into the real world. The best channel ultimately depends on what you’re trying to achieve and how you want people to interact with your campaign.
When should brands launch a Halloween marketing campaign?
Late September or early October is a sensible time to start building anticipation, especially if your campaign involves creators, seasonal products, or interactive experiences. Bigger campaigns may benefit from an earlier teaser phase, while giveaways and last-minute promotions can create excitement closer to October 31. The key is giving audiences enough time to discover, engage with, and share your campaign before the holiday passes. After all, even the cleverest Halloween idea loses some of its magic when it arrives on November 1.
