Halloween is no longer just for kids. A growing cultural trend known as “Adultoween” is sweeping the nation, and New Jersey is at the heart of the movement. Characterized by sophisticated costume parties, child-free celebrations, and indulgent candy collections, Adultoween has transformed October 31 into a holiday that adults can fully embrace on their own terms.

The phenomenon has gained traction largely thanks to New Jersey-based Ferrero North America, the Parsippany candy company that first highlighted the trend through surveys and marketing campaigns. The company’s research shows that nostalgia plays a major role, with many adults recalling childhood Halloween traditions and wanting to recreate them without the responsibilities of parenting. According to Ferrero’s survey, 62% of adults now see Halloween as a holiday for themselves as much as for children, and nearly half of respondents named October 31 as their favorite day of the year.

Adultoween celebrations often center on what Ferrero calls “curated personal candy collections.” Adults are increasingly purchasing candy not to hand out to trick-or-treaters, but for themselves—indulging in nostalgic flavors and premium chocolate bars. The survey found that 63% of adults see Halloween as an opportunity for guilt-free candy enjoyment, while 71% of parents report buying extra candy “just in case” for personal consumption. Men are particularly likely to stockpile sweets, with 65% picking up extra chocolate compared to 55% of women.

Beyond candy indulgence, Adultoween has inspired a wave of creative events aimed at grown-ups. Many bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in New Jersey now host adult-themed Halloween parties, costume contests, haunted house experiences, and cocktail nights designed for people without children in tow. Nearly half of adults report dressing up purely for fun, while businesses are catering to the trend by offering elaborate themed experiences, from immersive décor to seasonal menus.

The popularity of Adultoween in New Jersey reflects the state’s broader engagement with entertainment and nightlife. Events such as haunted bars in Hoboken, costume balls in Jersey City, and adult-only scavenger hunts in Princeton are now common, providing diverse ways for locals to embrace the spooky season. This rise of adult-focused Halloween activities ties directly into New Jersey’s thriving entertainment scene, which includes theaters, live music venues, and seasonal festivals. For a full list of cultural and seasonal events, visit Explore New Jersey Entertainment.

Candy giants have also embraced Adultoween as a marketing opportunity. Ferrero’s 2025 Halloween lineup features marshmallow-flavored Butterfinger, white chocolate Crunch bars, orange fudge-drizzled Keebler Stripes cookies, Kinder Bueno snack-size bags, glow-in-the-dark Kinder Joy eggs, and Tic Tac Trick or Treat candies. Meanwhile, Newark-based Mars Wrigley continues to adapt to adult tastes, offering more than 90 seasonal products that include pumpkin-shaped Snickers, pumpkin pie-flavored M&M’s, and variety packs catering to the growing adult candy market. Mars even launched a “Summerween” campaign this year, introducing seasonal treats ahead of October to capture early Halloween excitement.

According to Chad Stubbs, Ferrero’s Chief Marketing Officer, “Adultoween has evolved into a full cultural movement. Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore—they’re embracing it as their own holiday. From carving out child-free celebrations to curating personal candy collections, they are rediscovering the magic of Halloween in their own way.”

Adultoween in New Jersey: Where Adults Are Celebrating Halloween in Style

Halloween in New Jersey has grown beyond trick-or-treating and pumpkin patches. The Adultoween trend is booming, offering child-free parties, elaborate costumes, themed cocktails, and indulgent candy collections for grown-ups. From haunted cocktail bars to immersive events, adults across the state are claiming October 31 as their own holiday. Here’s where the spooky fun is happening regionally.

North Jersey

Hoboken and Jersey City have emerged as hotspots for adult Halloween revelry.

• Hoboken Haunted Bars – Specialty cocktails, costume contests, and DJ nights make Hoboken a go-to for those seeking a vibrant, nightlife-focused Adultoween.
• Jersey City Costume Balls – High-end venues are hosting ticketed masquerade balls with live music and themed décor. Adults can enjoy dancing, contests, and exclusive food and beverage menus.
• Adult Trick-or-Treat Events – Certain bars and restaurants host “adult trick-or-treating” experiences, where participants collect mini cocktail samples or premium candies while dressed in costume.

Many North Jersey adults are also curating their own candy collections, buying nostalgic chocolate and seasonal sweets for indulgence. Ferrero and Mars seasonal products, including glow-in-the-dark Kinder eggs and pumpkin-shaped Snickers, are especially popular in this region.

Central Jersey

Central Jersey blends suburban charm with innovative Adultoween offerings:

• Princeton Haunted House Experiences – Adults can explore professionally designed haunted attractions, complete with immersive storytelling, special effects, and gourmet food options.
• Themed Cocktail Nights in New Brunswick – Bars and restaurants feature Halloween-themed cocktails, interactive games, and costume contests, giving adults a playful way to celebrate without children.
• Pop-Up Experiences – From escape rooms with spooky themes to immersive art installations, Central Jersey has embraced Adultoween through curated events that appeal to nostalgia and creativity.

Parents in this region often purchase extra candy for themselves, participating in “curated personal candy collections” at home. According to Ferrero’s survey, 68% of parents celebrate Halloween nostalgically, a trend that’s particularly strong in suburban areas of Central Jersey.

South Jersey

South Jersey offers a mix of coastal energy and family-friendly towns embracing Adultoween with a grown-up twist:

• Atlantic City Costume Parties – Casinos and lounges host ticketed Adultoween nights with DJs, dancing, and themed cocktails.
• Haunted Bars and Distilleries in Camden County – Craft breweries and distilleries are joining the trend with costume contests, adult scavenger hunts, and seasonal drinks.
• Cape May & Ocean City Experiences – Boutique hotels and event spaces host immersive, child-free Halloween evenings with gourmet menus, live performances, and elaborate decorations.

In addition, adults in South Jersey are embracing Halloween candy indulgence, purchasing premium chocolates, nostalgic treats, and seasonal confections for themselves. Local retailers and chains are responding with special Adultoween displays featuring products from Ferrero, Mars, and other major brands.

Adultoween in New Jersey has grown into a full-fledged seasonal phenomenon. From North Jersey nightlife to Central Jersey immersive experiences and South Jersey coastal events, adults now have endless ways to celebrate. Whether attending a costume ball, visiting a haunted brewery, or simply curating a personal candy stash at home, the trend proves that Halloween is no longer just a holiday for kids.

For those looking for a complete list of Halloween-themed events, cocktail nights, haunted experiences, and more, check out Explore New Jersey Entertainment for the most up-to-date guides across the state.

For New Jersey adults, Adultoween offers more than costumes and candy—it’s a chance to reclaim a cherished holiday with creativity, indulgence, and community. With parties, curated events, and specialty treats popping up across the state, this trend ensures that Halloween is no longer just for the kids.