How to Have a ‘Great Pumpkin’ Halloween Full of Cozy Nostalgia

Published on October 25, 2025

It's just about time to grab your trick-or-treat buckets and showcase your grinning jack-o'-lanterns. To get into the spirit of the season, curl up for an annual showing of It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. It's filled with classic cozy autumn activities like carving pumpkins and bobbing for apples. Whether you pick one or tackle them all, the following Snoopy-approved fall festivities will help you embrace the Halloween spirit.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

The 1966 animated film revolves around Linus sitting in a pumpkin patch, waiting for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. While you don’t have to stay all night, visiting a pumpkin patch is a tried-and-true fall activity. Go with your family, or make it a fun day with friends. Pumpkin patches also have tons of activities aside from just grabbing a gourd. Go through a corn maze, sip on apple cider, and take silly pictures with the cardboard cutouts. 

Host a Halloween Party

Dust off that punch bowl and haul out the eerie decorations—it’s time for a party. Put together a few games for the kids, or set up a spooky drink cart for an adults-only get-together. Kick it up a notch and make it a costume party. Kids and adults can have a fun time dressing up and making costumes from scratch. If the thought of hosting a monster bash feels overwhelming, keep it lowkey by inviting just a few friends over for a Halloween dinner, and ask everyone to bring a little something to share. 

Carve Pumpkins

Carving pumpkins is a fun and easy way to spend a fall evening. Pick up a pumpkin at the grocery store, or grab one while you’re at the pumpkin patch. Once you have your inspiration, trace the design on your pumpkin, and start carving. Try etching your gourds instead of carving all the way through, or paint them fun colors and designs.

Jump into Leaves

If you’re raking leaves anyway, why not have a little fun with it? Raking can be a lot of work, so jumping into the pile can be a fun way to embrace your inner child after working hard. Bring the kids out to play, too; they’ll enjoy it just as much as you. 

Bob for Apples

Bobbing for apples dates back to 14th-century courtship traditions, but it's now simply a fun fall game. It’s also an easy activity for Halloween parties—all you need is a large tub filled with water and some apples to bob for. Bonus points if you get the whole neighborhood involved in this family-friendly game.

Spend Time with Loved Ones

Although Charlie Brown and Linus are constantly picked on, the short film is all about spending time with friends and family. The most important part of having a “Great Pumpkin” Halloween is surrounding yourself with the people you love most.