Why ‘Stranger Things’ is the ultimate Halloween theme
In Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series, supernatural forces terrorize the small Midwestern town of Hawkins in the 1980s, where secret government experiments of time travel and mind control coincide with the hellscape parallel dimension of the Upside Down.
A masterful combination of science fiction and horror, the show has amassed a cult following and inspired a variety of “Stranger Things” Halloween decorations. This article explores types of Halloween decor, inspiration for “Stranger Things” displays and Halloween product recommendations for fans of the show.
In this article: Gavia Vecna Wall Decor, Netflix Life-Sized “Stranger Things” Animated Giant Demogorgon and Flinelife “Welcome to Hawkins” Wall Sign.
Types of Halloween decorations
Whether you’re hosting a “Stranger Things” Halloween party or yard display, there are different types of decorations to consider:
- Halloween animatronics move on their own and often include creepy sounds and other spooky effects. Some of the best options are motion-activated for a jump-scare effect.
- Larger-than-life Halloween decorations typically stand more than 4 feet tall. They’re great for large-scale yard displays and Halloween parties, provided you have the space for them.
- Halloween wall decorations can replace your everyday photos and art with chill-inducing, spooky alternatives.
- Hanging Halloween decorations from the ceiling helps create an immersive effect, like you’re surrounded by spookiness.
- Halloween yard decorations such as signs, garden ornaments, yard stakes and inflatables can transform your lawn for the holiday.
- Miniature Halloween props can be used to decorate food and drink tables, fireplace mantels and more.
Scary ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween decor ideas
Get creative and have fun with key scenes, settings or props from the “Stranger Things” universe.
The alphabet prop
While Will is trapped in the Upside Down, his mother, Joyce, learns to communicate with him using lights. In her living room, Joyce paints an alphabet on the wall and each letter corresponds with a light. You can find recreations of this alphabet prop online or make one yourself with letter decals and multicolored string lights.
The Upside Down
Recreating the Upside Down can give party guests or trick-or-treaters an immersive “Stranger Things” experience. You can drape black cloths around the house and switch your regular light bulbs with red bulbs to convey the ominous lighting of this parallel dimension. Incorporate yard signs, wall art and larger-than-life decorations depicting main characters and monsters.
Incorporate main characters
There are a variety of Halloween decorations depicting characters in the show, typically wall art and yard signs. Central figures to look out for are Mike, Eleven (Jane), Dustin, Will, Lucas, Max and Eddie.
Bring on the monsters
The scariest “Stranger Things” Halloween setups feature the terror-inducing monsters that plague the town of Hawkins. Creatures from the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game appear in the show, including Demogorgon the Prince of Demons, the Mind Flayer or Shadow Monster, the humanoid monster Vecna, and the Demobats that inhabit the Upside Down.
Best ‘Stranger Things’ Halloween decorations
Vecna is the show’s central villain, and no “Stranger Things” Halloween setup is complete without him. This set of Vecna skulls is intricately detailed; you can use them as a tabletop decoration or mount them on a wall.
Netflix Life-Sized “Stranger Things” Animated Giant Demogorgon
The Demogorgon is one of the deadliest monsters to terrify the town of Hawkins, aside from Vecna. This realistic depiction towers 7.5 feet tall, complete with animated motion and sounds.
Lofaris “Stranger Things” Rustic Alphabet Banner
Guests to your Halloween party can pose in front of this themed alphabet banner if you hang it up on the wall; otherwise, it makes a great tablecloth.
ThePopWorkshop Upside Down Guitar Scene Yard Art
Eddie Munsen playing Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” in the Upside Down surrounded by a horde of Demobats is one of the show’s most iconic scenes. The yard signs are made of weather-resistant polyvinyl chloride. You’ll have to purchase mounting materials separately.
ThePopWorkshop Sci-Fi Halloween Yard Art
This “Stranger Things” yard art includes characters Eddie Munsen, Eleven and Vecna, along with the grandfather clock that signals Vecna’s approach with its eerie chimes. The figures are made of quality PVC that will withstand fall weather, but mounting materials aren’t included — it’s easy enough to support them with rebar ground stakes and all-weather duct tape, though.
Flinelife “Welcome to Hawkins” Wall Sign
Hell has come to Hawkins. You can mount this “Stranger Things” sign on the wall or attach it to a post and display it like a road sign in your front yard.
DearneDesignsUK “Welcome to the Upside Down” Sign
This “Stranger Things” wall sign is perfect for welcoming trick-or-treaters at your front door. It closely resembles the show’s ’80s-inspired title sequence design.
NotYourMomsMetalShop Mini Demogorgon Yard Stake
This miniature Demogorgon yard stake is designed to project a large shadow on a wall when paired with a spotlight. The stake is made of durable, powder-coated metal that resists weather damage.
FrindtFabrications Metal Yard Stake Shadow Caster
The infamous Mind Flayer in “Stranger Things” is another big, bad character you can display in your yard. When paired with a spotlight, the yard stake casts a long shadow against exterior walls.
Planning on throwing a “Stranger Things” Halloween party? This unique Vecna-themed candy bowl will look great on a food and drinks table.
Paladone “Stranger Things” Logo Light
Another nod to the show’s iconic title sequence, this logo can be wall-mounted or used for table decor. It has two light modes and is powered using the included micro USB or with three AAA batteries, which must be purchased separately.
RoomMates “Stranger Things” Demogorgon Wall Decal
This Demogorgon wall decal has an easy peel-and-stick application; it’s removable, repositionable and doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind. The brand offers other “Stranger Things” decals, including those featuring main characters, the alphabet wall and the Upside Down.
Worth checking out
- These Kidtion Halloween 3D Bats wall stickers can represent Demobats from the Upside Down.
- Switch out your regular light bulbs with the Amazon Basics Red LED Light Bulb to mimic the eerie lighting of the Upside Down.
- Use the Whaline Halloween Black Creepy Cloth as a backdrop for the Upside Down.
- Hang this N/A “Stranger Things” Halloween Party Banner up and add some balloons to complete the look.
- The Vercico “Stranger Things” Party Supplies set includes 30 themed party balloons featuring three different designs, creating an interesting visual effect when grouped together.
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