Pumpkin Carving Designs & Halloween Pumpkins
Get ready to level up your Halloween game with the ultimate pumpkin carving inspiration!
Whether you’re a first-time carver or a seasoned pro, there’s no better way to celebrate spooky season than with a glowing pumpkin masterpiece on your doorstep.
From classic spooky faces to playful designs (hello, Baby Yoda!), this list of 40 pumpkin carving ideas is sure to spark your creativity.
So grab your carving tools, put on your favorite Halloween playlist, and let’s turn those pumpkins into the stars of the show!
SAVE THESE PUMPKIN CARVING DESIGNS FOR LATER!
40 Pumpkin Carving Ideas:
1. Cute & Smiling Faces
These adorable pumpkins feature classic smiling faces, with simple shapes for the eyes and a round mouth.
The one on the left has a minimalist, surprised expression, while the one on the right boasts a toothy grin.
To achieve this look, use basic tools like a small carving knife for precise cuts around the mouth and eyes—perfect for beginners!
2. Boo & Stars
This pumpkin spells out “BOO” with charming star cutouts that add extra flair.
The dot pattern gives it a fun, twinkly effect when lit.
Use a drill with different sized bits to create the dots and a star-shaped cookie cutter to punch out the stars.
It’s a great design to light up your porch with a spooky yet magical vibe!
3. Trick or Treat
This pumpkin design screams “Trick or Treat” with spooky lettering and playful ghosts.
The fine details require a sharp knife or specialized pumpkin carving tools to create the text and ghost shapes.
It’s a festive, intricate design that’s sure to impress any visitors at your doorstep.
4. Simple Cat Face
This cute feline-themed pumpkin has an easy-to-carve cat face with added charm from the triangle ears made from small pumpkin pieces.
Related Halloween Article: Pumpkin Painting Ideas (COMING SOON!)
Use a sharp blade to create the whiskers and carefully cut out those eyes for a playful look.
Attach the ears with toothpicks to complete this purr-fect pumpkin!
5. Champagne Toast
Cheers to this chic pumpkin!
It features two clinking champagne glasses and has the top hollowed out to hold a bottle of bubbly.
The carving is simple but elegant—use a stencil for the glasses, and you’ve got a pumpkin that’s perfect for an adult Halloween party or festive celebration.
6. Bat & Scary Face
This pair of pumpkins balances a menacing bat with an even scarier pumpkin face.
The bat has sharp, angular wings that pop out while the scary face next to it showcases jagged teeth and intense eyes.
For a crisp look, use a fine-point carving tool to ensure clean, sharp edges on both the bat and the monstrous face.
7. Spooky Face
This pumpkin’s swirling eyes and spiraled mouth give it an eerie, hypnotic vibe.
Use rounded carving tools to create the circular patterns, and be sure to keep the lines smooth for maximum effect.
When lit, the glowing eyes will give off a spooky, mischievous feel.
8. Vampire Cat
This pumpkin embraces a creepy cat with pointy ears and sharp fangs.
The design is all about bold, geometric shapes, so use a straight-edge tool to get the cat’s features just right.
Its large, triangular eyes and wide mouth give this cat a haunting presence that’s perfect for Halloween!
9. Home for a Mini Pumpkin
This cozy pumpkin house design looks like something straight out of a fairy tale!
Complete with a tiny round door and acorn-topped pumpkin figures, it’s like a whimsical woodland scene.
Related Halloween Article: 35 BEST Trio Halloween Costumes for This Halloween
Use small precision tools for the windows and door, and let your imagination run wild with mini pumpkin inhabitants for a truly magical look.
10. Scrabble
If you’re a word game fan, this Scrabble-inspired pumpkin is for you!
Each spooky word is carefully carved in blocky Scrabble tile letters.
Use a stencil to trace the letters onto your pumpkin, then carve away the background for a lit-up game night masterpiece.
Bonus points if you add extra tiles to the scene!
11. 1% Low Battery Symbol
For a modern, tech-savvy take on pumpkin carving, this pumpkin humorously captures the dreaded “low battery” symbol we all know too well.
Use a scraping technique rather than cutting all the way through to create a more subtle glow that mimics a low-energy vibe.
It’s a clever, minimalist design that’s definitely fighteneing and will sure get a chuckle.
12. Beautiful Leaf Design
This pumpkin is an ode to autumn, covered in a delicate pattern of swirling leaves.
Instead of carving all the way through, use a carving kit with etching tools to gently scrape away the outer skin and reveal the lighter flesh beneath.
The soft glow through the carved lines adds an elegant touch to your fall decor.
13. Mysterious Cat
This design captures a mysterious black cat gazing out of the pumpkin.
The silhouette is simple yet effective, creating a striking shadow effect when lit.
Carefully carve out the outline of the cat, leaving enough pumpkin wall to make the design stand out beautifully against the glowing background.
14. Pumpkin Zoom Meeting
This hilarious pumpkin is a WFH throwback, featuring four pumpkin faces on a “Zoom call.”
Each face is carved with a different expression, adding character to the virtual meeting.
It’s a playful nod to our new normal—just don’t forget to unmute the pumpkins!
Pro tip: use small tools to achieve precise details for each face.
15. Eyes Everywhere
This spooky pumpkin is watching you—literally!
Covered in dozens of carved eyes, this design glows with eerie intensity.
SAVE THESE PUMPKINS FOR LATER!
Use various sizes of eye shapes to make the pattern more dynamic, and carve carefully to get the perfect eerie gaze.
When lit, it creates a chilling “all-seeing” effect that’s sure to impress.
16. Chanel Logo
Channel your inner fashionista with this chic pumpkin carving featuring the iconic Chanel logo.
This is all about precision, so use a stencil to get those classic interlocking C’s just right.
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Add some glitter or sequins for extra glam, or keep it minimalist for a sleek, fashion-forward vibe.
17. ET
This glowing pumpkin perfectly captures the famous extraterrestrial, E.T., complete with his iconic glowing finger!
The trick to this carving is to etch out the facial features without cutting all the way through the pumpkin, allowing for a soft glow.
Make sure to leave enough pumpkin flesh for the details to pop when lit!
18. Your Dog!
Celebrate your furry friend with a pumpkin carved to match their adorable face!
This pup-themed pumpkin uses simple lines to create an expressive dog portrait.
Use a stencil of your dog’s face to get the shapes right and carve carefully for a design that lights up with personality—just like your pooch!
19. Cat & Ghost
This friendly pairing of a cat and a ghost brings cute and spooky together!
The ghost’s happy expression and the cat’s playful demeanor make this design fun and approachable.
Use a scraping tool to create depth in the design without fully cutting through, giving it a charming, soft glow.
20. Smiling Bat
Who says bats have to be scary?
This smiling bat looks like it’s ready for a fun Halloween night!
The bat’s wings and cheerful face are easy to carve with basic triangle shapes, making it a great option for beginner carvers.
Just make sure to leave plenty of space for those big wings to shine when the candle is lit!
21. Bunny
This sweet bunny pumpkin is hopping right into the Halloween spirit!
With its large ears and whiskers, this simple yet adorable design is easy to replicate.
Use a sharp knife for the fine details and light it up to have your own glowing bunny companion for the season!
22. Dragonfly
Delicate and intricate, this dragonfly pumpkin carving showcases nature’s beauty.
Instead of fully cutting through, carve lightly to reveal the pumpkin’s inner glow, highlighting the dragonfly’s wings and body.
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A steady hand is key for this detailed design, making it a lovely centerpiece for any fall display.
23. Owl
This owl pumpkin is a wise choice!
The big, wide eyes and feather details make this carving a standout.
Carve out the eyes and beak, then use a rounded tool to add texture for the feathers.
When illuminated, this nocturnal creature will keep watch over your Halloween night.
24. Spiderweb
Intricate and spooky, this spiderweb design gives off total Halloween vibes.
Using straight cuts and geometric patterns, this design looks complex but can be achieved with patience and a steady hand.
The layered web design gives it extra depth, making it an eye-catching decoration for any outdoor setup.
25. Winnie the Pooh
Who wouldn’t want to see this friendly bear glowing on their doorstep?
This pumpkin captures the simple and sweet face of Winnie the Pooh.
Use a stencil for precise curves and smooth lines, and don’t forget to add that iconic smile that makes this design so huggable!
26. Scary Mickey Mouse
This pumpkin puts a spooky spin on everyone’s favorite mouse.
Mickey’s usually cheerful face turns sinister with sharp eyes and a skeletal grin.
Use dark shading and careful carving around the eyes and mouth to add a haunted twist to this otherwise lovable character.
27. Baby Yoda
The Force is strong with this one!
Baby Yoda (Grogu) glows brightly, complete with those signature large ears and expressive eyes.
Start with the outline of the head and ears, then carve carefully to get all the delicate details of the face.
This pumpkin is perfect for any Star Wars fan looking to add a bit of galactic charm to their Halloween decor!
28. Cat & Dog
This adorable pumpkin features a playful cat and dog sitting side by side under the moonlight.
The trick here is to use a scraping technique to bring out the silhouettes of the pets, while leaving enough pumpkin flesh to give a glowing, shadowy effect when lit.
A heartwarming design for pet lovers!
29. Layered Hearts
If you’re feeling the love this Halloween, this heart-shaped design is just for you!
The layered heart cutouts add a romantic vibe to your porch.
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Simply carve out progressively smaller hearts for a striking 3D effect that glows beautifully when the candlelight flickers through.
Use toothpicks to keep the hearts together!
30. Simple Stars
Sometimes simple is better, and this design of cleanly cut stars all around the pumpkin creates a magical glow.
SAVE THESE PUMPKINS FOR LATER!
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter or draw freehand to create different-sized stars.
Light it up and watch as your pumpkin shines like a constellation!
31. Stars & Dots
Add a touch of whimsy to your Halloween display with this pumpkin covered in stars and polka dots.
Carve stars in various sizes and use a drill to make small, evenly spaced dots for an easy but stunning effect.
The combination creates a dazzling night sky look when lit from within!
32. Hello Kitty
This pumpkin is absolutely purr-fect for Hello Kitty fans!
With her signature bow and cute whiskers, this carving stands out with its clean lines and recognizable character.
Use a stencil to get all the details just right, and be sure to carefully carve out the bow to make it the star of the show!
33. Dinosaur
Go back in time with this adorable dino-themed pumpkin!
Featuring a Stegosaurus silhouette with spiky plates along its back, this design is perfect for any dinosaur lover.
Use a stencil to get the outline just right, and let the glowing belly light up the night with prehistoric charm.
34. Spiderman Spider Symbol
Calling all Spiderman fans!
This pumpkin showcases the iconic spider symbol from the Spiderman logo.
Related Halloween Article: 23 Insanely Cute Pumpkin Nails That Are Perfect for Fall
Use a sharp carving tool for the clean, angular lines and create bold negative space for a design that stands out.
Perfect for superhero lovers who want their pumpkin to have a bit of action-packed flair!
35. Boogeyman Nightmare Before Christmas
This creepy pumpkin features the silhouette of Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with his menacing grin and pointed hat.
Capture his spooky essence by carving bold shapes and using deep cuts to emphasize the sinister vibe.
It’s a must for fans of this classic Halloween movie!
36. Haunted House
This intricately carved haunted house pumpkin looks like it’s straight out of a ghost story!
The tiny windows and eerie rooflines create a spooky silhouette when lit from within.
Take your time with this one—use fine tools to etch out the windows and doors to give your haunted house an extra eerie glow.
37. Flying Bats
This pumpkin design features multiple bat silhouettes soaring across the night sky.
Use different sizes of bats to give the scene some depth, and carve them in varying positions for a dynamic effect.
Light it up and watch your porch get taken over by a colony of glowing bats!
38. Star Wars
Feel the Force with this Star Wars-themed pumpkin!
Featuring two figures dueling with lightsabers, this design is perfect for any Jedi or Sith in training.
Use red and blue glow sticks to enhance the lightsaber effect and make your carving even more epic!
39. Scooby Doo
Zoinks!
This Scooby-Doo pumpkin is full of character, featuring the beloved dog’s happy, go-lucky face.
Use rounded tools to bring out his iconic features, like his big eyes and friendly smile.
It’s the perfect pumpkin for anyone who loves solving mysteries (and snacking on Scooby Snacks)!
40. Space Ship
Blast off into space with this rocket-themed pumpkin!
Featuring a spaceship soaring through the stars, this design captures the wonder of outer space.
Carve the stars and planets in various shapes and sizes to create a galactic scene, and let your pumpkin light up the night sky with interstellar fun.
SAVE THESE PUMPKINS FOR LATER!
Wrapping Up Pumpkin Carving Ideas
There you have it—40 pumpkin carving ideas to make your Halloween extra spook-tacular this year!
Whether you go for a cute Winnie the Pooh or a spooky Oogie Boogie, you’ll have a pumpkin that’s sure to impress the trick-or-treaters (and your Instagram followers).
So light those candles, sit back, and enjoy your glowing creations.
Don’t forget to share your pumpkin masterpieces with your friends—because nothing says “Halloween spirit” quite like a beautifully carved pumpkin lighting up the night!
Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
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