Halloween Takes Over Zambia: The New Festive Season That's Beating Christmas
Forget what you know about Halloween being a one-night scare. Across the Western world, and now creeping into our screens and conversations, the spooky holiday has morphed into something bigger: a month-long extravaganza that Britons are cheekily calling 'Halloweenmas'. And while some might roll their eyes at this imported trend, Zambians know a good party when they see one.
What is Halloweenmas and why is it growing so fast?
Halloweenmas is exactly what it sounds like: Halloween stretched into a full season, borrowing all the cosy traditions of Christmas, from decorated trees to wreaths and advent calendars, but with a ghoulish twist. Think black tinsel, spiderwebs, and pumpkins instead of angels and tinsel.
Data from the online wholesale platform Faire shows the number of Halloween-themed products has exploded by more than 500% in four years, jumping from 425 items in 2021 to 2,632 in 2025. The fastest-growing categories? Trees, wreaths, and ornaments. Even budget retailer Wilko reports that sales of artificial Halloween trees are up 200% compared to last September.
Why are young people driving the Halloween boom?
According to Mintel, a leading research group, it's the 16 to 34 age bracket that's fuelling this shift. Emily Viberg, a senior retail analyst at Mintel, says young adults see Halloween as a chance to express themselves through fashion, makeup, and home decor, not just a night for sweets.
“It's no longer just about costumes and sweets, it's about a full season of engagement, gifting and themed activities,” Viberg said.
Social media is pouring fuel on the fire. Forty percent of Halloween shoppers now buy products directly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where viral costume trends and makeup tutorials are turning a one-night event into a six-week cultural moment.
Is Halloweenmas a threat to Christmas traditions?
Not at all, say retailers. Charlotte Broadbent, UK general manager for Faire, describes it as a way for people to enjoy quality time together without the pressure and cost of Christmas.
“What we're seeing is people investing into Halloween as a reason to share quality time together ahead of Christmas, with lots of fun and creativity at its heart and without the need to spend big,” Broadbent said.
Libby Ewart, who runs online partyware retailer The Box Party, has bought 40% more stock this year. She notes that this year Halloween falls on a Saturday, making it the perfect excuse for a proper party.
What can Zambia learn from the Halloweenmas trend?
Here at Zed Nation, we know a thing or two about celebrating our heritage and having a good time. While we don't need to copy every Western fad, the spirit of Halloweenmas is something we can appreciate: creativity, community, and a bit of fun before the serious business of Christmas.
And let's be honest, if our neighbours think they can out-party us, they've got another thing coming. Zambia knows how to celebrate, and whether it's Halloween, Christmas, or Independence Day, we do it with pride and style.
So go ahead, put up that spooky tree if you want. Just remember where you are, and keep the Zambian spirit alive. That's what truly matters.
Frequently asked questions about Halloweenmas
What is the meaning of Halloweenmas?
Halloweenmas is a blend of Halloween and Christmas, describing the trend of extending Halloween celebrations into a month-long season with Christmas-style decorations, gifting, and themed activities.
Why is Halloween becoming more popular than before?
Young adults are driving the growth, using social media for inspiration and buying. They see Halloween as a form of self-expression and a way to socialise without the high expectations and costs of Christmas.
Is Halloweenmas a commercial invention?
Retailers have certainly capitalised on it, with product ranges growing over 500% in four years. But analysts say the core appeal is about creativity and spending quality time with friends and family.