12 Pumpkin Carving Designs for a Spooky Halloween

This website contains affiliate links. Some products are gifted by the brand to test. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The content on this website was created with the help of AI.

Halloween just isn’t complete without the warm glow of a carved pumpkin lighting up your doorstep. Whether you’re aiming for spooky, funny, or artistic, a carved pumpkin sets the mood for the season. The best part? There are so many styles to try, from simple stencil cutouts to intricate 3D sculptures. To help you get inspired, here are 12 pumpkin carving designs that will take your Halloween décor to the next level.

1. Traditional Jack-o’-Lantern

The classic Jack-o’-Lantern never goes out of style. Featuring triangle eyes, a jagged grin, and a flickering candle inside, this design is simple yet effective for a spooky glow. Add some extra lantern pumpkins for a really spooky look.

Trusted by many

2. Haunted House Design

Turn your pumpkin into a miniature haunted house scene with windows, doors, and eerie shapes. Add a tea light to make it look like ghosts are lurking inside. Once you have scooped out the pumpkin, maybe now would be a good time to make some pumpkin bread!

Trusted by many

3. Flying Bat Silhouettes

Carve flying bats across your pumpkin for a spooky outdoor vibe. The silhouettes look especially eerie when grouped with cobwebs and black candles on the porch.

Trusted by many

4. Witches and Wizards

A witch on her broomstick or a mystical wizard silhouette gives your pumpkin a magical glow. These designs look incredible against a flickering candlelight backdrop. Consider adding spooky signs to your yard for a completed Halloween look.

Trusted by many

5. Skulls

If you want your pumpkin to be more chilling than charming, a skull design is the way to go. It’s bold, edgy, and perfect for creating a spine-tingling vibe on your porch. Don't forget about decorating the inside of your home also, a spooky centerpiece is an ideal choice to continue that Halloween vibe.

Trusted by many

6. Ghosts

Whimsical or spooky, glowing ghosts carved into a pumpkin are fun for both kids and adults. Bonus: they’re usually simple to carve, making them beginner-friendly. Infamous Porch Ghosts are a great addition to your decorating space.

Trusted by many

7. Black Cat Design

Nothing says Halloween like a black cat with arched back and glowing eyes. This design looks best when carved with crisp stencil lines.

Trusted by many

8. Kawaii Faces

If you’re looking for something less scary and more adorable, go with kawaii faces. With big eyes and playful expressions, these cute designs bring smiles instead of screams. Add some festive Halloween lighting to really make your decorations stand out.

Trusted by many

9. Pop-Out Designs

For something next-level, try a pop-out or 3D design. Instead of cutting all the way through, shave off pumpkin skin in layers. This creates a glowing, textured look that feels almost professional. For that Haunted House feel, try these Transforming Portraits to scare your party guests.

Trusted by many

10. Window Patterns

Elegant and eye-catching, window or cathedral patterns add a sophisticated twist to pumpkin carving. When lit, they resemble glowing stained glass. Think about expanding your Halloween spirit into your yard or front porch with an inflatable creature.

Trusted by many

11. Pattern Books

Can’t decide on just one style? Use a pattern book packed with dozens of designs, from scary creatures to whimsical characters. These books give you endless options for family carving nights.

Trusted by many

12. Themed Kits

Many carving kits now include themed stencils (think Disney, Marvel, or haunted houses). Not only do you get tools, but also a set of creative templates to keep carving fun and easy.

Trusted by many

Pumpkin carving is more than just a Halloween tradition—it’s a way to unleash your creativity, set the mood, and bring friends and family together for a night of spooky fun. From classic jack-o’-lantern faces to intricate 3D carvings, ghostly silhouettes, and hauntingly beautiful patterns, there’s a design for every style and skill level.

Whether you want something whimsical and family-friendly or dark and spine-chilling, these 12 carving ideas will light up your porch and make your Halloween décor unforgettable. So grab your tools, scoop out those pumpkins, and let your imagination glow this spooky season!