12 Cool and Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas

If you’re looking to go beyond the ordinary with pumpkin carving ideas this Halloween, prepare to draw some inspiration from these amazingly creative carvings that will add extra spookiness to any front porch. From scary pumpkin carving ideas to easy pumpkin carving hacks, these Jack-o’-lanterns take Halloween to a whole new level!

Published October 16, 2017, Updated October 21, 2020

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Classic Carve

The smiling (or scary) Jack-o’-lantern is a classic for a reason: it’s easy, fun and you get to scoop out all of those guts for some delicious roasted pumpkin seeds. There are a ton of free stencils online – or just free draw/carve!

Jack-'o-lantern on picnic table with green smoke pouring out

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Up in Smoke

If your pumpkin has some serious scary Joker vibes, instead of the standard candles, why not opt for some smoke? You can buy smoke grenades at most party stores or online.

Jack-'o-lantern with pumpkin guts spilling out mouth

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Party Pumpkin

If you want to do something a little more silly, the classic puking pumpkin will always get a laugh. This is an easy pumpkin carving hack too: it’s just a hole for a mouth and lines for eyes.

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Prop It Up

Do you not have the best pumpkin carving skills, but you want to do something a bit more fun that the regular Jack-o’-lantern? Add props! Simply by adding the pumpkin to some branches, it gives the little guy a a makeshift body. But clothes or a hat works too!

Pumpkins on the grass with face protective mask during Covid-19 pandemic

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Pandemic Pumpkin

Speaking of props, there’s definitely a way to acknowledge that Halloween is looking a little different this year for us all. I’m sure you have plenty of face masks lying around to dress up your pumpkin – or other favourite fall gourd.

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Movie Magic

Show off your carving creativity to your neighbours with a cutout of your favourite movie character. We’re lovin’ this Mike Wazowski Disney pumpkin carving from Monsters, Inc.

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Scary Vibes

We’re lovin’ the spooky vibes this pumpkin is giving off. The carver opted for a white pumpkin and shaving technique, along with the addition of some paint to really make it pop.

Two carved pumpkins sitting on a wood kitchen table

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Monster Mash

These two pumpkin carving ideas definitely give off some scary vibes. We particularly love the pumpkin on the right: Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

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Haunted House

We love this pumpkin shaving technique to create a super whimsical haunted house. The candle inside the pumpkin really glows through the only area that has been carved: the windows in the house. So smart!

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Insta-Worthy

This pumpkin is ready for its closeup shot on your Instagram feed. From your fave social media channel to your favourite sports team, there are a ton of easy logos you can carve onto your pumpkin this fall. The mini bats and orange smoke is a nice addition.

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Looking at You

While this is technically not a carving idea, this DIY decoupage pumpkin has definitely caught our eye. Plus: no carving required!

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Push Pin

Looking for a low maintenance pumpkin that won’t sacrifice on style? A DIY push pin pumpkin is the way to go! It’s the perfect addition for your front porch.