Halloween Loneliness: Why the Spookiest Night of the Year Can Feel So Lonely

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween can be a difficult night for people spending it alone. From switching off the lights to pretending to have plans, some singles go to surprising lengths to hide their loneliness.

As a platform built around human connection, Dating.com understands how important online companionship and a sense of belonging can be. To explore how singles experience the holiday, Dating.com surveyed 1,000 singles about loneliness, social pressure, and their experiences of Halloween.

Key Findings

• 50% feel lonely seeing families trick-or-treating on Halloween.
• 49% have switched off their lights so trick-or-treaters wouldn't know they were home alone.
• 47% have pretended to have plans on Halloween so they wouldn't seem alone.
• 49% say social media posts of couples and families celebrating Halloween make them feel lonelier.
• 26% have cried or become emotional after answering the door to families trick-or-treating.
• 29% have someone they met online in the past year whom they plan to talk to this Halloween.

Nearly Half Hide the Fact They're Home Alone on Halloween

Halloween is often associated with parties, costumes, and family celebrations. For people without plans, the evening can bring pressure to appear as though they're part of the festivities.

Dating.com's survey found that 49% of singles have switched off their lights on Halloween so trick-or-treaters wouldn't see they were home alone. Another 47% have pretended to have plans so they wouldn't seem alone.

The findings suggest that many people feel uncomfortable letting others know they're spending the holiday by themselves. For some, keeping up a facade becomes part of the Halloween experience, even when nobody has asked them to explain their plans.

Half Feel Lonely Watching Families Trick-or-Treat

For many households, trick-or-treating is a familiar Halloween tradition. Children dress up, parents accompany them around the neighbourhood, and families spend the evening together.

But seeing those moments can bring up difficult feelings for people spending the night alone.

Half of respondents (50%) say they feel lonely seeing families trick-or-treating. Another 26% say they've cried or become emotional after answering the door to families taking part.

These experiences show how a familiar holiday tradition can remind people of the companionship and sense of belonging they may be missing. Even a brief interaction at the front door can bring those feelings to the surface.

Halloween Social Media Posts Make 49% Feel Lonelier

Photos of costumes, parties, and family celebrations can make Halloween look like a night when everyone has plans.

Dating.com's survey found that 49% of singles feel lonelier when they see social media posts of couples and families celebrating Halloween.

Seeing other people's celebrations can encourage comparisons, particularly for those who are spending the evening alone. A stream of group photos and happy family moments may leave people feeling that they're missing out on experiences others seem to enjoy effortlessly.

For people already feeling isolated, taking a break from social media or making plans that feel personally meaningful may help ease the pressure.

Nearly One in Three Have Someone to Talk to This Halloween

Despite the challenges some singles experience during the holiday, the survey also found signs of new connections online.

Nearly three in ten respondents (29%) say there's someone they met online in the past year whom they plan to talk to this Halloween.

Having someone to check in with can offer a sense of companionship online, even for those who aren't attending a party or gathering. A conversation, a shared joke, or simply knowing someone is thinking of them can help make the evening feel less isolating.

The finding highlights how people can continue building connections in different ways, regardless of whether they have traditional Halloween plans.

Expert Comment

Jaime Bronstein, LCSW, resident therapist at Dating.com, says:

"Feelings of loneliness can become even more pronounced during the holidays. These feelings are often triggered by images of families, friends, and social media. It's important for singles to remember that social media has been carefully curated to show only what people want you to see, and not the full picture. 

"If you are planning on spending time alone this Halloween, I encourage you to make plans to try something to enjoy rather than focusing on what everyone else is doing, as it could magnify feelings of isolation. Call a friend, try a new hobby, or build your own Halloween tradition. These small moments can make a difference and give you the company you need to get through the day."

Methodology

Dating.com surveyed 1,000 singles to explore attitudes and experiences surrounding Halloween. The survey examined how people experience loneliness during the holiday, including social pressure to appear busy, emotional responses to family celebrations, the impact of social media, and opportunities to build connections.

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SOURCE Dating.com