Halloween fans know the excitement that starts brewing as summer fades—it’s almost time to haunt your home with spooky décor! But if you’ve ever asked yourself, “When does Home Depot put out Halloween decorations?”, you’re not alone. Shoppers everywhere are eager to get their hands on the latest animatronics, towering skeletons, and festive lighting before they sell out.
In this blog, we’ll break down Home Depot’s Halloween rollout schedule, what you can expect in stores and online, and how to plan ahead so you don’t miss the scariest (and most stylish) finds of the season.
When Does Home Depot Put Out Halloween Decorations?
Home Depot typically starts rolling out Halloween decorations in late July to early August each year. While this may feel early, Halloween enthusiasts and collectors know that the best items sell fast—sometimes within days of hitting shelves.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Online launch: Late July (often around the last week)
- In-store arrival: Early to mid-August
- Full selection available: By the end of August or early September
Tip: The online release often happens a week or two before items show up in physical stores, so keep an eye on HomeDepot.com for early access.
Why Does Home Depot Release Halloween Decor So Early?
It might seem odd to see spooky skeletons before school even starts, but there’s a method behind the madness:
1. High Demand
Home Depot’s Halloween collection—especially the famous 12-foot skeleton and other animated characters—has gained a cult following. Items can sell out within hours of launching online.
2. Competitive Retail Strategy
Major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Lowe’s also begin their seasonal décor rollouts in late July or early August. Home Depot wants to make sure Halloween lovers choose their store first.
3. Extended Decorating Season
More people are decorating earlier, not just for Halloween night but for the whole fall season. Putting out items in the summer allows customers to plan and decorate over time.
What Halloween Items Should You Expect at Home Depot?
Home Depot is known for going all out with Halloween. Each year, the collection gets more impressive. Here’s a peek at what typically drops:
Animatronics and Props
- Life-size witches, ghouls, and clowns
- Talking skeletons and zombies
- Motion-sensor characters that scream or laugh
Giant Lawn Decorations
- The famous 12-foot skeleton (Skelly)
- Giant Jack Skellington and Pumpkin monsters
- Inflatable tombstones, ghosts, and haunted trees
Indoor Decor
- LED candles and flickering lanterns
- Tabletop haunted houses
- Halloween-themed garlands and lights
Themed Collections
- Grave & Bone Yard – classic creepy vibes
- Inferno – fire and brimstone horror
- Deadwood Forest – eerie woodland creatures
Tips for Shopping Home Depot’s Halloween Decorations Early
1. Sign Up for Alerts
Join the Home Depot email list and enable app notifications. You’ll get notified as soon as the Halloween décor goes live.
2. Follow Halloween Enthusiasts Online
Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram accounts often leak the launch dates. Look for hashtags like:
- halloweenhomedepot
- homedepspookyseason
- homedepotskelly
3. Shop Online First
Many sought-after items launch online before appearing in stores. The 12-foot skeleton and large animatronics often go live online in late July, so set your calendar.
4. Check Inventory Early
Use the Home Depot mobile app or website to check local inventory. You can even set your store preference to find items available for same-day pickup.
Best Time to Buy vs. Best Time to Save
Wondering whether to buy early or wait for a deal?
Buy Early If:
- You want popular items like Skelly or new animatronics
- You’re planning an epic outdoor setup
- You want first pick of stock before it sells out
Wait for Sales If:
- You’re okay with a smaller selection
- You love post-Halloween clearance deals
- You’re buying for next year
Clearance Tip: Home Depot typically marks Halloween items down 50%–75% off in early November. Shop early on Nov 1st for the best deals.
FAQs About When Home Depot Puts Out Halloween Decorations
When does Home Depot put out Halloween decorations in stores?
Home Depot usually stocks Halloween decorations in stores by early to mid-August, though some locations start even earlier depending on local demand.
Can I buy Home Depot Halloween decorations online before they’re in stores?
Yes! Many of the most popular items—like animatronics and inflatables—are available online in late July, often 1–2 weeks before they appear in stores.
What day does Home Depot release the 12-foot skeleton?
There’s no fixed date each year, but the 12-foot skeleton (Skelly) often launches in late July online. It tends to sell out within hours, so set reminders and check the site frequently around that time.
Does Home Depot restock Halloween items?
Restocks are rare—especially for viral items. Once they’re sold out, they usually don’t return until the next year. If you see something you like, buy it right away.
Final Thoughts
So, when does Home Depot put out Halloween decorations? The short answer: Late July online, and early to mid-August in stores. If you’re serious about spooky season, mark your calendar and shop early for the best selection.
Home Depot has transformed Halloween into a full-blown event—with giant skeletons, animatronics, and yard displays that rival theme parks. Whether you’re aiming for creepy, classy, or kid-friendly, they’ve got something for every haunted vision.
Happy Haunting—and may the skeletons be ever in your favor! 👻💀
