Cozy & Spooky: Hosting a Halloween Gathering Around the Fire Pit
There’s something about October in the Pacific Northwest that makes it feel tailor-made for Halloween gatherings. The air turns crisp, the leaves paint the streets in gold and red, and evenings arrive earlier, wrapping everything in a moody twilight. Add a crackling fire pit to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a night that’s equal parts cozy and spooky.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we believe your outdoor fireplace can be more than a heat source—it can be the centerpiece of your fall entertaining. Whether you’re planning a kid-friendly neighborhood night or an adults-only Halloween soirée, your fire pit sets the stage for atmosphere, warmth, and a touch of magic.
Here’s how to transform your backyard into a hauntingly cozy retreat for Halloween night.
Setting the Scene: Decor Around the Fire Pit
Halloween décor doesn’t need to stop at the front porch. Extending your seasonal touches into the backyard makes your fire pit feel like part of the holiday experience.
Pumpkins Galore
No Halloween gathering is complete without pumpkins. Mix it up with:
Classic Jack-o’-lanterns glowing around the fire pit.
Mini pumpkins and gourds as table accents or stacked in baskets.
Painted pumpkins in black, white, or metallic tones for a modern vibe.
Lanterns and String Lights
Lighting makes or breaks atmosphere. Balance spooky and cozy by:
Hanging string lights overhead for a gentle glow.
Setting lanterns or mason jars with LED candles along pathways.
Using colored bulbs (orange, purple, green) for subtle Halloween drama.
Natural Touches
Keep the PNW vibe alive with décor inspired by nature:
Hay bales or wood stumps as extra seating.
Evergreen clippings tucked into table arrangements.
Rustic baskets holding blankets for guests.
👉 The goal is a space that feels festive but still functional—where guests can settle in comfortably around the fire.
Warm Drinks to Keep the Chill Away
No Halloween gathering is complete without drinks to match the season. Since October nights in the Pacific Northwest often come with a chill, warm beverages are always a hit.
Family-Friendly Options
Mulled Apple Cider: Simmer cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. Serve in mugs for a toasty treat.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Offer marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and candy cane stirrers for kids (and adults who want nostalgia).
Pumpkin Steamers: Warm milk with pumpkin spice syrup for a caffeine-free option that still screams fall.
For the Adults
Spiked Cider: Add bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy for a grown-up twist on mulled cider.
Pumpkin-Spiced White Russians: Creamy, seasonal, and surprisingly perfect fireside.
Hot Buttered Rum: A rich, cozy cocktail that pairs beautifully with cool evenings.
👉 Set up a drink station near the fire pit with thermoses or slow cookers to keep drinks warm. It adds a self-serve element so you can enjoy hosting without constantly mixing.
Fireside Snacks: Beyond Candy
Halloween is often synonymous with candy, but when you’ve got a fire pit, you can elevate the food game.
Classic Marshmallow Roasting
Few things beat the tradition of roasting marshmallows over open flames. Provide skewers (wooden or metal) and bowls of toppings.
Halloween S’mores
Take the classic up a notch with spooky twists:
Use pumpkin-shaped marshmallows.
Swap regular chocolate for candy bars like Reese’s or Kit Kats.
Use chocolate graham crackers for an extra treat.
Savory Fireside Bites
Balance the sweetness with hearty snacks:
Mini grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup shooters.
Roasted pumpkin seeds with savory seasonings.
Charcuterie boards with autumnal touches like figs, apples, and smoked cheeses.
Activities to Keep Guests Entertained
Beyond the décor and food, creating interactive moments around the fire pit keeps the evening lively.
Storytelling by Firelight
Lean into the spooky side of Halloween with a session of ghost stories. Have a few prepped, or pass the torch (literally) for each guest to share one.
Pumpkin Decorating Station
For kids or crafty adults, set up a small table with paints, markers, or stickers so guests can decorate mini pumpkins.
Halloween Movie Backdrop
If you have an outdoor projector, set it up near the fire pit to play family-friendly classics like Hocus Pocus or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Guests can cozy up by the fire and watch.
Costume Contest
Nothing says Halloween like a little friendly competition. Create categories like “spookiest,” “funniest,” or “best couple costume,” and hand out small prizes.
Creating Atmosphere: Cozy Meets Spooky
The key to a memorable Halloween fire pit gathering is balancing the spooky vibe with genuine coziness.
Soundtrack: Build a playlist that mixes Halloween classics (like Thriller) with moody instrumental tracks for quieter moments.
Blankets and Throws: Stock baskets with plaid or fleece blankets so guests can bundle up comfortably.
Subtle Scares: Add sound effects (an owl hoot, creaking branches) for ambiance without overwhelming the night.
Your fire pit provides the centerpiece—the glowing flames create natural light, warmth, and a focal point that keeps guests gathered close.
Safety First: Halloween Fire Pit Tips
With more guests (and often kids) around, safety is key.
Clear a 10-foot zone around the fire pit free of leaves, decorations, or fabric.
Use seasoned hardwood to minimize smoke and sparks.
Keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidents.
Supervise at all times—assign an adult as the fire attendant.
These small steps keep your night festive and free of unnecessary scares.
Why COR-TEN Steel Fire Pits Are Perfect for Halloween
Not all fire pits can handle the Pacific Northwest’s wet/dry cycles, but COR-TEN steel fireplaces thrive in this environment. Over time, they develop a protective patina that adds rustic charm—perfect for a fall aesthetic.
Beyond looks, COR-TEN steel offers:
Durability: Built to withstand decades of seasonal use.
Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep beyond ash removal and glass cleaning.
Atmosphere: Sleek, modern lines that still blend beautifully with rustic décor.
In other words, your RB73 COR-TEN fireplace isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a seasonal centerpiece that makes gatherings like Halloween feel effortless.
FAQs: Hosting Halloween Around the Fire Pit
Can I use my fire pit if a burn ban is in effect?
No. Always check local burn restrictions from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency before lighting a fire.
What’s the best wood for a cozy Halloween fire?
Hardwoods like maple, oak, or alder burn hotter and cleaner. Avoid softwoods like pine, which spark excessively.
How can I keep kids safe around the fire pit?
Set clear boundaries with seating, provide long marshmallow skewers, and have an adult supervise the fire at all times.
Will decorations near the fire pit catch fire?
They can. Keep pumpkins, lanterns, and other décor at a safe distance, and avoid flammable fabrics close to flames.
Do COR-TEN steel fire pits rust away?
No—the rust forms a protective layer (patina) that preserves the structure for decades.
Final Thoughts
Halloween in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect excuse to combine cozy fireside living with spooky seasonal fun. By decorating with pumpkins and lanterns, serving warm fall drinks, roasting marshmallows, and adding activities like ghost stories or costume contests, your fire pit becomes both the centerpiece and the atmosphere.
At Puget Sound Fire Pits, we specialize in fireplaces that are built to last—crafted from COR-TEN steel, designed for the PNW climate, and perfect for creating gatherings that blend warmth and ambiance with seasonal flair.
🔥 Ready to make your backyard the neighborhood Halloween destination? Explore our collection of RB73 COR-TEN fire pits and discover how one fireplace can transform your fall traditions.
