80+ Best Halloween Pumpkin Carving Ideas That'll Wow Everyone

Marco Feng & Instagram Creators | 8 Min Read | Updated: July 12, 2022

No Halloween is complete without some fun pumpkin carvings and Jack-o'-Lanterns ready to greet trick-or-treaters and party guests. From glamorous witches and spooky Medusas to beaded globes and tin men, there is always one idea to take your Halloween spirit to the next level.

We went to Instagram and put together a list of best Halloween pumpkin carving ideas that worth everyone a try, and the best part is that you don't need to be a carving expert, and the result can still wow whoever sees it.

There are also tons of pumpkin carving templates online to make the carving much easier.

1: Hungry Pumpkin

Hungry pumpkin.  Design by @dixonfruitmarket

Hungry pumpkin. Design by @dixonfruitmarket

2: Not so Spooky "Spooky" Pumpkin

Not so spooky

Not so spooky "spooky" pumpkin. Design by aomoy

3: Pikachu Pumpkin

Pikachu pumpkin.  Design by @mery_nyan

Pikachu pumpkin. Design by @mery_nyan

4: Baby Yoda Pumpkin

Baby Yoda pumpkin.  Design by @dan_hoogkamp_art

Baby Yoda pumpkin. Design by @dan_hoogkamp_art

5: Who is Inside the Pumpkin?

Who is inside the pumpkin?!  Design by @dannykissel88

Who is inside the pumpkin?! Design by @dannykissel88

6: Stack Up! And Pretend We Are Tall

Stack up! And pretend we are tall.  Design by @blacksheepfoods

Stack up! And pretend we are tall. Design by @blacksheepfoods

7: Mickey Mouse Pumpkin

Mickey Mouse pumpkin, what a cool pumpkin design yet not too difficult.  Design by @allthingsdisney.19

Mickey Mouse pumpkin, what a cool pumpkin design yet not too difficult. Design by @allthingsdisney.19

8: "This Is fine" meme Pumpkin

"This Is Fine" meme pumpkin. Design by @anderskure

9: The Adorable "boo!"

The adorable

The adorable "Boo!" Design by @paperboatbooksellers

10: Hitch A Free Ride

"Hitch a free ride" pumpkin. Design by @spike_ohs_garage

11: "A Weird Family" Pumpkin

I named this set

I named this set "a weird family," made with different types of pumpkins. Design by @mermaids_of_botley

12: "Trick or Treat" Pumpkins

"Trick or Treat" pumpkins filled with candy corns will for sure impress your Halloween party guests. Resign by @bethbryandesigns

13: The Angry Mike Wazowski from Monsters University

The angry Mike Wazowski from Monsters University.  Design by @mesaartscenter

The angry Mike Wazowski from Monsters University. Design by @mesaartscenter

14: A Tough Smoker

A tough smoker pumpkin.  Design by @jace_bryson

A tough smoker pumpkin. Design by @jace_bryson

15: The Heart Rate Chart Pumpkin

The heart rate chart pumpkin.  Design by @brentheuser

The heart rate chart pumpkin. Design by @brentheuser

16: The Batman

The Batman pumpkin.  Design by @denniskareandersson

The Batman pumpkin. Design by @denniskareandersson

17: Go for a road trip

Plan a road trip pumpkins. You can also use cookie cutters to help with the carving!  Design by @roadtrippers

Plan a road trip pumpkins. You can also use cookie cutters to help with the carving! Design by @roadtrippers

18: U.S. President Election in 2020

U.S. President Election in 2020.  Design by @sumi_n_fifi

U.S. President Election in 2020. Design by @sumi_n_fifi

19: The Climbing Enthusiasts

The Climbing Enthusiasts.  Design by @minttinadventures

The Climbing Enthusiasts. Design by @minttinadventures

20: Cinderella's Pumpkin Carriage

Cinderella's pumpkin carriage.  Design by @rinkumalhotra_

Cinderella's pumpkin carriage. Design by @rinkumalhotra_

21: Patrick & Spongebob Painted Pumpkin

Patrick & Spongebob painted pumpkins, one of the cutest no-carve pumpkin ideas.  Design by @creativity_for_days

Patrick & Spongebob painted pumpkins, one of the cutest no-carve pumpkin ideas. Design by @creativity_for_days

22: 2020 Is On Fire

Speaking of unique pumpkin carving patterns, this

Speaking of unique pumpkin carving patterns, this "2020 is on fire!" is definitely the winner and super relatable too. Design by @seejaneallison

23: COVID-19 Inspired Pumpkins

COVID-19 inspired pumpkins.  Design by @robynatkins22

COVID-19 inspired pumpkins. Design by @robynatkins22

24: A new species: Pumpkin Palm

A new species: pumpkin palm!  Design by @evmemoirs

A new species: pumpkin palm! Design by @evmemoirs

25: Apple or Pumpkin?

Is it an apple or pumpkin?  Design by @hedgehog_quillbert

Is it an apple or pumpkin? Design by @hedgehog_quillbert

26: A Late-night Visitor/Eater

A late night visitor.  Design by @kakesmousery

A late night visitor. Design by @kakesmousery

27: A Pumpkin of Yourself

A pumpkin of yourself.  Design by @jennykelly1972

A pumpkin of yourself. Design by @jennykelly1972

28: "I Love Warm Hugs" Olaf Pumpkin

"I love warm hugs" Olaf pumpkin. Design by @mrschristencowan

29: Infernape Pokémon

Infernape Pokémon.  Design by @jodireneeg

Infernape Pokémon. Design by @jodireneeg

30: A Smiley Cat Pumpkin

A smiley cat pumpkin.  Design by @houseofmadpeak

A smiley cat pumpkin. Design by @houseofmadpeak

31: The Hash Slinging Slasher from SpongeBob

Green Peppa Pig pumpkin.  Design by @alexrynkiewicz

The Hash Slinging Slasher from SpongeBob. Design by @alexrynkiewicz

32: A Nerdy Pumpkin

A nerdy pumpkin.  Design by @1onlybb

A nerdy pumpkin. Design by @1onlybb

33: Toy Story 4 Sporky, oh no, Forky

Toy Story 4 Sporky, oh no, Forky.  Design by @pulturecop

Toy Story 4 Sporky, oh no, Forky. Design by @pulturecop

34: Big Eye Pumpkin

Big eye pumpkin.  Design by @nowheredan

Big eye pumpkin. Design by @nowheredan

35: Among Us Pumpkin

Among Us pumpkin.  Design by u/humanexplorer on Reddit

Among Us pumpkin. Design by u/humanexplorer on Reddit

36: Home SPA Pumpkin

Home SPA pumpkin.  Design by @winthrop.reslife

Home SPA pumpkin. Design by @winthrop.reslife

37: Drunk, Vomiting Pumpkin

Drunk, vomiting pumpkin.  Design by @winterhope.charcuterie

Drunk, vomiting pumpkin. Design by @winterhope.charcuterie

38: The Cat

The cat pumpkin.  Design by @askewsomething

The cat pumpkin. Design by @askewsomething

39: Cabin in the Woods

Cabin in the woods.  Design by @kellyleecreel

Cabin in the woods. Design by @kellyleecreel

40: The Classic Jack-o'-Lantern

The typical and yet effective pumpkin design.  Design by @seppo_11

The typical and yet effective pumpkin design. Design by @seppo_11

41: Adorable Ghost Paint Pumpkin

The adorable ghost paint pumpkin.  Design by @juliesofieart

The adorable ghost paint pumpkin. Design by @juliesofieart

42: Polka dots Pumpkin

Polka dots pumpkin.  Design by The Home Heart

Polka dots pumpkin. Design by The Home Heart

43: Pumpkin with a Scary Stare

Pumpkin with a scary stare.  Design by @albert.moreto.font

Pumpkin with a scary stare. Design by @albert.moreto.font

44: Chef Bon Appetit Pumpkin

Chef Bon Appetit pumpkin.  Design by @alex_santangelo_

Chef Bon Appetit pumpkin. Design by @alex_santangelo_

45: A Ferocious Carrot Lover

A ferocious carrot lover.  Design by @the.dental.architect

A ferocious carrot lover. Design by @the.dental.architect

46: Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland

Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland - what a great scary pumpkin idea.  Design by @schilderknaap

Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland - what a great scary pumpkin idea. Design by @schilderknaap

47: Boo!

Boo!  Design by @onnoubliepasdoudou

Boo! Design by @onnoubliepasdoudou

48: Angler Fish Pumpkin

Angler fish pumpkin on the front porch.  Design by @underwatertrout

Angler fish pumpkin on the front porch. Design by @underwatertrout

49: A Man-Eating Pumpkin

A cold, man-eating pumpkin.  Design by @manivongjennie

A cold, man-eating pumpkin. Design by @manivongjennie

50: A Murderer Pumpkin

A murderer pumpkin.  Design by @nwknifeworks

A murderer pumpkin. Design by @nwknifeworks

51: Shut You Up!

"Shut up" pumpkin. Design by @heather.mc76

52: An Alien Pumpkin

An alien pumpkin.  Design by @_lewzifur_

An alien pumpkin. Design by @_lewzifur_

53: The Old Hags

The old hags pumpkin.  Design by @bella_citygirl

The old hags pumpkin. Design by @bella_citygirl

54: Who's Underneath!?

Who is underneath?!  Design by @billydigscooking

Who is underneath?! Design by @billydigscooking

55: Scary Teeth Pumpkin

Scary teeth pumpkin leaning against the door.  Design by @jackockelton

Scary teeth pumpkin leaning against the door. Design by @jackockelton

56: the Cat with Stitches

The cat with stitches.  Design by @coueyart

The cat with stitches. Design by @coueyart

57: The Infected Pumpkin

The infected pumpkin, using the natural flaws of pumpkin.  Design by @villafanestudios

The infected pumpkin, using the natural flaws of pumpkin. Design by @villafanestudios

58: The Beautician, with many eyeballs

The beautician, with many eyeballs.  Design by @bestdayoftheweek_

The beautician, with many eyeballs. Design by @bestdayoftheweek_

59: Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.  Design by @mrsphilperry

Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Design by @mrsphilperry

60: Ouch!

Ouch!  Design by @madebyrp

Ouch! Design by @madebyrp

61: The Ghost Gang

The ghost gang. Use the free pumpkin carving stencils online to make the carving easier. It doesn't have to be exactly the same pattern.  Design by @julskadoo

The ghost gang. Use the free pumpkin carving stencils online to make the carving easier. It doesn't have to be exactly the same pattern. Design by @julskadoo

62: Another Axeman's victim

Another Axeman's victim.  Design by @samkparaplanner

Another Axeman's victim. Design by @samkparaplanner

63: Evil Witch Pumpkin. What's Under Her Hat?

Evil witch pumpkin. What's under her hat?  Design by @loscoloresdevanessa

Evil witch pumpkin. What's under her hat? Design by @loscoloresdevanessa

64: A Zombie Pumpkin

A zombie pumpkin.  Design by @ajtetzlaff

A zombie pumpkin. Design by @ ajtetzlaff

65: A Venom Pumpkin

A Venom pumpkin.  Design by @feefifofummm

A Venom pumpkin. Design by @feefifofummm

66: A Hungry Pumpkin Spider

A hungry pumpkin spider.  Design by @snailsandshrooms

A hungry pumpkin spider. Design by @snailsandshrooms

67: Beh! Stick the Tongue Out

Beh! Stick the tongue out.  Design by @debra_droesler

Beh! Stick the tongue out. Design by @debra_droesler

68: Melting Face

Melting face pumpkin.  Design by @4rchimedes

Melting face pumpkin. Design by @4rchimedes

69: What's Under the Pumpkin Face

What's under the pumpkin face.  Design by @the_real_hudson_cruz_martino

What's under the pumpkin face. Design by @the_real_hudson_cruz_martino

70: The Pumpkin Man is on the Loose!

The pumpkin man is on the loose!  Design by @theyewtreepics

The pumpkin man is on the loose! Design by @theyewtreepics

71: Prince Charming Carrousel

Prince Charming carrousel pumpkin.  Design by@amybaby_family_home_lifestyle

Prince Charming carrousel pumpkin. Design by @amybaby_family_home_lifestyle

72: Flower Pattern Pumpkin

Flower pattern pumpkin.  Design by @avocado_hearts

Flower pattern pumpkin. Design by @avocado_hearts

73: Again! Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland

Again! Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.  Design by @the_pumpkin_artist

Again! Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. Design by @the_pumpkin_artist

74: Rapunzel & Eugene from Disney's Tangled

Rapunzel & Eugene from Disney's Tangled.  Design by @lubyandlola

Rapunzel & Eugene from Disney's Tangled. Design by @lubyandlola

75: Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas

76: Charizard Pokémon Pumpkin

Dragonite Pokémon Pumpkin.  Design by @technic_ian

Dragonite Pokémon Pumpkin. Design by @technic_ian

77: Ariel, the little mermaid

Ariel, the little mermaid.  Design by @carved_in_kin

Ariel, the little mermaid. Design by @carved_in_kin

78: Dumbo, the flying elephant

DUMBO, the flying elephant.  Design by @carved_in_kin

DUMBO, the flying elephant. Design by @carved_in_kin

79: Mexican Death Mask

Mexican death mask.  Design by @sakuragirlc

Mexican death mask. Design by @sakuragirlc

80: Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween pumpkin.  Design by @she.creates.it

Happy Halloween pumpkin. Design by @she.creates.it

81: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch pumpkin.  Design by @daniel_herrguth

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch pumpkin. Design by @daniel_herrguth

82: Tinker Bell & Her Pixie Dust

Tinker Bell and her magic pixie dust pumpkin.  Design by me!

Tinker Bell and her magic pixie dust pumpkin. Design by me!

83: Harry Potter Pumpkin

Harry Potter pumpkin.   Design by Flickr

Harry Potter pumpkin. Design by Flickr

84: The Little Mermaid Pumpkin, A Simpler Version

The Little Mermaid pumpkin.  Design by Flickr

The Little Mermaid pumpkin. Design by Flickr

85: Minions from Despicable Me

Despicable Me Minion pumpkin. DIY yours!

Despicable Me Minion pumpkin. DIY yours!

Alright! That's all the awesome yet easy pumpkin carving ideas we gathered after spending hours scrolling the feed of #pumpkincarvings on Instagram. Many thanks to these creative and talented artists and Halloween enthusiasts, and if you have any great ideas that deserve to be on this list, leave a comment below!

If this is your first time carving a pumpkin, we have left some tips below to help you get started on this fun and creative holiday activity.

A happy family carving pumpkins for Halloween.

A happy family carving pumpkins for Halloween. Illustration by Olivier Chen

  1. Pick a Perfect Pumpkin

    Before we start carving our Halloween gourds, let's talk about how to select a "perfect" one. The best candidate is one orange pumpkin that's firm, solid with no soft spots, cuts, or other damaged areas. You might also consider mini-pumpkins, white pumpkins, or these with bumps on them, depending on the design you choose.

  2. Gather Supplies and pumpkin carvers

    Once you have found that perfect pumpkin, what you need then is a bowl, water, paper towels, a scraper, or measuring cup (melon ballers work too) for cleaning the inside of the pumpkin, some tiny saws, and an awl. There are many kid-friendly carving kits on Amazon, which costs only a few dollars and comes with everything you need for your Halloween game.

    You might also want to grab some spray paint, linoleum cutters, and drill bits if you want to make a colorful and elaborate one.

  3. Choose a Pumpkin Design

    Once you have had the tools and the pumpkin to work on, it's time to select a design (or designs) that you like. Think of a character that you want to portray on your pumpkin and then pick one with the shape that works to your advantages.

  4. Start With The Bottom or Top

    When it comes to the first cut, you can either start from the top or bottom, depending on your design. But, the best way is to cut the lid from the bottom, which helps prevent the sides from caving in later and helps with positioning the candles.

  5. Create a Chimney

    If you do cut the lid from the top, also consider creating a smoky hole, which acts as a draft. It will draw the air in when you light up the candle inside and helps it to burn brighter.

  6. Cut out The Pulp and Seeds

    Next is the fun part. You get to clean the pumpkin inside out, and preparation is 90% of pumpkin carving. So, it's really, really important to do a great job on this. We're going with the measuring cup, which is my favorite tool to clean a pumpkin.

  7. Draw Your Design on The Pumpkin

    You can draw your design right onto the pumpkin or print/draw it on a piece of paper first and then cut along the edges of your artwork to attach it to the pumpkin. Then, use some duck tapes to fix the artwork to the pumpkin.

    • Tips: There are also many free pumpkin carving stencils and templates out there that can help you transfer artworks to your pumpkins easily.

  8. Start Making Some Tough Cuts

    Once we have the art attached to the pumpkin, take a common pushpin and start outlining your art - go along the edge of every line of your art and put a series of holes into the meat of the pumpkin.

  9. Use Your Scraps Creatively

    Don't throw away the discarded piece of pumpkin shell yet. Make a tongue, pipe, or hair accessories and use toothpicks to stick them to the carved pumpkin.

  10. Light up Your Carved Pumpkin

    The last final moment - light it up! You can use candles, which can be a bit messy, or battery-powered lights that simulate a candle flame. You can also use tea lights, flashlights, or even your Christmas lights, which also adds a bit of festivity.

    Lastly, keep the pumpkin seeds you just scooped and roast them into the classic Halloween snack. For a more detailed pumpkin carving tutorial, check out this post.

Alright, that's some of the coolest pumpkin decorating ideas we wanted to share, and hope you've enjoyed this post. Now, put out your mason jars, Halloween costumes, and Halloween decor, or whatever you need to make your home a haunted house and get the party started.

If you're looking for more Halloween crafts to keep yourself or the little ones busy, here is a great list.

Explore More Featured Guide