Little girl holding a large pumpkin

Jack-o-Lantern & Light-Filled Halloween Ideas

Halloween can be a wonderful opportunity to share faith-centered activities and explore fun ways to celebrate. On this page, you’ll find Christian-themed ideas for books, songs, poems, and activities that share the message of the gospel through Halloween. From learning with candy to exploring faith through fall fun, these ideas will help you make Halloween a meaningful and memorable time for young hearts.

image by priscilla

Creative Ways to Light Up Halloween with Kids

Shape Pumpkin Worksheet

Shape Pumpkin

Print the Shape Pumpkin.  Guide the child to color, count, and write the number of shapes on the lines.  Later in the week, allow the child to create her own Shape Pumpkin on the second page of the printable.

Adapted from Mrs. Elmore

Jack-o-Lantern Jar

Cut masking tape into shapes to form a simple jack-o-lantern face on a clean, glass jar. Brush or sponge the outside of the jar with orange paint. After the paint dries, remove the tape shapes. Light up the jack-o-lantern with a battery-operated tea light.

Caution: Supervise the child while painting so that the jar doesn't break.

Little boy dressed up like a Bible Character.

Telling the Gospel Through Halloween

Halloween provides a unique opportunity to share the message of salvation with children through fun and engaging activities. This collection of ideas offers creative ideas that blend the excitement of the season with meaningful lessons, helping children understand God's love in a relatable way.

Gospel Story

Candy Corn

Learning with Halloween Candy

All of this candy!  The do-not-waste-anything mentality inside of me won’t let us throw away a pile of Halloween candy.  But seriously, I don’t want my kids eating all of it.  Heaven knows that I don’t need it!! So, what do we do with it?  I discovered a few ideas that I believe are perfect for character and academic training.

Yummy Learning

Jack-o-Lantern Poem

My Jack-o-Lantern

Shared by Brenda

I made a jack-o-lantern
I made it yesterday
I made two eyes like big round wheels
I made his nose this way
I made his mouth into a smile
With every tooth in place
And then a candle lighted up
My jack-o-lantern's face

Create the visual of the jack-o-lantern to show each object while saying the poem.

Jack-o-Lantern Books for Preschoolers

Little Blue Truck's Halloween: A Halloween Book for Kids
 

Little Blue Truck's Halloween

Little Blue Truck's Halloween by Alice Schertle is a fun and festive story that follows Little Blue Truck as he drives through the countryside. Along the way, he encounters friendly animals dressed in costumes and invites them to join in on the fall festivities. With its rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations, this charming book encourages young readers to celebrate friendship.

 

The Pumpkin Gospel (die-cut): A Story of a New Start with God
 

The Pumpkin Gospel

The Pumpkin Gospel by Dr. Mary Manz Simon is a sweet, faith-based children's book that uses the process of carving a pumpkin to illustrate the Gospel message. As each step of the pumpkin's transformation is explained, children learn about God's love, forgiveness, and how His light can shine through us when we trust in Him.

For more ideas, check out the ABCJesusLovesMe Gospel Pumpkin Packet!

The Runaway Pumpkin
 
 

The Runaway Pumpkin

The Runaway Pumpkin by Kevin Lewis follows a group of excited siblings who discover a giant pumpkin on their family farm. When the pumpkin breaks free, it rolls down the hill, causing chaos and fun as it speeds through the countryside. This playful, rhyming story captures the joy of fall and the thrill of a runaway adventure!

Note: This book contains images of children dressed up in costumes.  Also, I've been told that the board book of this book is not a shortened version and does not correlate.

Pumpkin Jack
 

Pumpkin Jack

Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell is a delightful story that follows a young boy named Jack who carves a pumpkin for Halloween and then watches as it begins to decompose over time. As the seasons change, Jack learns about the cycle of life and nature's transformations, discovering how his pumpkin contributes to the earth. This beautifully illustrated book not only captures the spirit of autumn but also teaches children about the life cycle and the importance of nature.

More Preschool Fall Ideas

Little girl painting pumpkin

Fall Activities

This page is filled with creative ideas that combine seasonal fun with valuable learning experiences. From orange pumpkin crafts to autumn-themed games, you'll find everything you need to make this time of year fun for your little ones!

Fun Activities

Little girl reading with her mom.

Fall Books

From playful pumpkin adventures to gospel-focused Halloween books, these stories are perfect for capturing the fun of the season. Dive into fun, age-appropriate reads that celebrate autumn and bring a little fall excitement to your little ones.

Delightful Books

Little boy in wagon, holding an apple.

Fall Songs & Poems

This collection features delightful fall-themed tunes and verses that capture the essence of changing leaves, harvest time, and the joy of family gatherings. Sing along and recite these poems with your little ones to create lasting memories and deepen their appreciation for this special time of year!

Autumn Songs & Poems