Pumpkin Carving Ideas [150+ Halloween Pumpkins] (2024)

It feels like – every year – people continue to up their Halloween pumpkin carving game. Here are some of the best pumpkin carving ideas and designs we’ve seen!

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Long gone are the days of the simple Jack-o’Lantern. Today’s Halloween pumpkins can be found in a wide variety of designs, carving intricacy, and themes. You can’t really consider your fall decor complete until you’ve got a wonderfully designed and carved pumpkin somewhere in or near your home.

Since Halloween is quickly approaching, it’s time to start brainstorming your Halloween pumpkin carving designs. Pumpkin Carving Ideas are not easy to come by these days – especially if you’re looking for something unique or cool that hasn’t been done a million times before.

However, with the help of this post on 150+ Unique and Creative Pumpkin Carvings, we’re willing to bet you’ll be inspired and will no longer have trouble coming up with some amazing ideas!

If we lose that bet, there’s always Pinterest where literally thousands upon thousands of unique Halloween pumpkins await your discovery. And while we know that our list may not include every single creative idea out there; these are just some of our favorites. But one thing I think everyone can agree on is that they’re all pretty spectacular!

From spooky to goofy and everywhere in between, there are amazing ideas for you and your entire family to enjoy.

Therefore, If you’re looking for some unique inspirations for your pumpkin carving this year, here are our picks for some of the most creative pumpkin carving ideas.

The History of Carved Pumpkins for Halloween

It’s difficult to pinpoint the origin of carved pumpkins for Halloween as it was likely adopted from the Pagan celebration of Samhain, which was a celebration of the end of the harvest season. When Christians adopted the holiday they continued to use the pagan tradition of carving a tree into a pumpkin.

The carving process is made even more enjoyable when you can work with the insides of the pumpkin. Although, if all that seems like too much work, you can always going easy on yourself with a template. There is NO shame in that!

For those looking for something a bit more unique, you can use some of our favorite carved pumpkin designs to get an idea of what can be done.

Finding Unique Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Whether you want to try to use the entire shape of the pumpkin or carve on only one specific part of the pumpkin (you can always paint or paint over the shape when it’s completely carved out). The best part is you don’t have to run out and buy the largest pumpkin on the shelf in order to carve a really cool Halloween pumpkin. And the really good news is you can make a ton of these awesome Halloween pumpkin carving materials you already have. Unless you’re trying to recreate some of the really intricate designs, you don’t have to go out and buy a set of carving tools and supplies (unless you really want to, I won’t judge you if you do!). All you need is a pumpkin, some inspiration, and some creativity.

Unique & Creative Halloween Pumpkins

I’m going to be totally honest with you, many of these pumpkins are completely out of my league when it comes to carving skills. Therefore, this will be an inspiration gallery, not a DIY tutorial.

But I have to say that I love the range of designs, from ones that are still relatively simple while providing a nice impact, to ones that are so intricately carved that they barely resemble a pumpkin anymore.

The Great Pumpkin Face Off

Image Source: Pinterest

See what I did there? This carved pumpkin is delightfully creepy, showing a fun and friendly face being pulled off to reveal its creepy insides. The best part is that it is one of the easier pumpkins to carve as the actual “face” is pretty easy. The most challenging part is creating the teeth that are revealed once the face is removed.

The Buried Alive Pumpkin Carving

This design is one I think I could actually pull off, carving-wise. The carving itself is very simple, but the way that it’s been buried in the ivy gives it a uniquely delightful look.

Dias de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Carved Pumpkin

This one, however, I could not even hope to replicate. I love the Day of the Dead design, but I don’t think I could handle the intricacy of the design. Maybe with a Pumpkin Carving Stencil, but even then… it would be pushing it.

Zombie Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Pinterest

I can’t even begin to imagine how this was achieved. All I can say is WOW!!! I’m guessing this artist used The Walking Dead to generate theircarving ideas. But that’s just a guess.

Braced for Halloween

I love the use of some hardware to create braces for this fun but easy-to-carve pumpkin.

Green Goblin Carved Pumpkin

It isn’t a complicated design, but the use of green LED lights instead of candles make this a fun and creepy pumpkin for Halloween.

Haunted House Carved Pumpkin

I like the details in this pumpkin, including how it looks like the haunted house is screaming.

Kitty Whiskers Carved Pumpkin

If you like cute kittens, you’ll love this fun and family-friendly carved pumpkin that won’t scare the bejesus out of the neighborhood children.

Get Off My Lawn

I feel like this pumpkin represents that grumpy old man in the neighborhood yelling “Get off my lawn, you young whippersnappers!!!” Although, really, does anyone say that anymore??

Pumpkin Toad

Ok, so maybe this is technically more of a gourd toad, but you get the point.

Creepy Eyeball Pumpkin

Image Source: Facebook

A white pumpkin is painted to resemble an eyeball and then carefully inserted inside a larger, orange pumpkin. The result is extraordinarily creepy.

The carving skills required are fairly rudimentary, but the painting skills are off the chart!

BOO! Pumpkins

Image Source:Home BNC

This one looks like it would be easy enough to replicate, although also easy enough to mess up completely. I’d have to have some spare pumpkins on hand just in case I messed up somewhere on the B. Or the O. Or the other O. I think I could executive on the exclamation mark. I think. I definitely need some morepumpkin design ideas that rely on the simple use of power tools and less on artistic sculpting capabilities!

Pumpkin Pegs

Image Source: PLAID

Oh,a pumpkin carving that requires a single cut. That, I think I could handle! This design only requires one to cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the insides, and use pre-bought Halloween-themed pumpkin pegs to create a silhouette spacer. Genius!I think even I could handle this one!

An Intricately Carved Pumpkin

To me, this is reminiscent of Cinderella’s coach, although it really isn’t. Given that her coach was originally made from a pumpkin, this particular carving is quite appropriate. This pumpkin looks as lovely with and without the inside lighting.

But, since I mentioned it, here is – also – an actual Cinderella’s Coach Carved Pumpkin.

Image Source: Pinterest

A Ghostly Doggy Trio

Ok, fine… the pumpkin itself is nothing to write home about. But the dogs dressed up in classic ghost costumes were too adorable to ignore! And who can resist cute puppies?

Starry Night Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Southern Living

Turning to the art word for pumpkin carving inspiration provides a lot of material to work with. In this example, Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night served as inspiration for this delightful pumpkin. This is likely not a pumpkin for a novice, but if you have some good knife skills (and artistic skills) this could be a fun project.

The Melting Monster Pumpkin

It’s difficult to even tell that this was – once upon a time – a normal old pumpkin. Whoever carved this beauty has some SERIOUS skills, and is not lacking in unique pumpkin carving abilities!

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil Carved Pumpkin Statue

Image Source: Woman’s Day

I love the look of this pumpkin statue which represents the whole saying “Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil”. The carving itself is pretty straightforward, what makes this special is the use of Jack Be Little pumpkins with black thumbtacks to represent the eyes, and costume skeleton arms to mimic the visuals for each statement.

Bad Hombre Carved Pumpkin

This carved pumpkin is bad to the bone. Or bad to the pulp. Whichever way works for you. The carving isn’t really difficult, but the black hat and the scar really set this pumpkin apart.

Drip Painting No Carve Pumpkins

Source: Momdot

Yes, I know, these aren’t actually carved. But they are so cool, I figured it was worth letting that slide just this once.

Angler Fish Carved Pumpkin

Image Source:davidarsenault.deviantart.com

Of all the places to look for pumpkin carving inspiration, I would not have pictured the deep blue sea as a source for a creative idea. But I love the unique use of the two pumpkins, plus some outdoor mini-lights, to create this delightfully creepy Angler Fish carved pumpkin.

Scream Face Pumpkin

If you like the movie Scream, you’ll love this pumpkin that was inspired by the killer’s mask.

Carved Tree Pumpkin

Image Source: Pinterest

This intricately carved, and somewhat disturbing, tree is stunning too look at. I also like how they left some of the sinewy insides intact as they just add to the overall feeling of this carved pumpkin tree.

The Jailbird Pumpkin

You can almost hear the little pumpkin inside yelling “Let Me Out! I’m Innocent!!!” Where do these brilliant pumpkin carving ideas come from???

If You Dare Carved Pumpkin

Trick or treaters be warned, approach this house ONLY if you dare!!!

Pumpkins don’t have to be just orange spheres with a face carved into them. With the help & inspiration from some very talented pumpkin artists, you can create pumpkins over-flowing over with creativity in order to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve!

So go ahead and continue browsing – if you dare – and check out even more fantastic, spooky, and fun Halloween pumpkin carving ideas that will surely inspire your own designs this Halloween!

Skeleton Hands Carved Pumpkins

Image Source: Country Living

I love this design, which uses two pumpkins… a tall one to represent the arm bones, and a rounded one to carve the skeleton hands. The gravestone behind makes it look likes this glowing skeleton hands are reaching up from the ground. So creative and wonderfully executed!

Evil Face Pumpkin

Deft carving skills were used to create this mask of evil, carved right into a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Hanging from a Tree

You have to appreciate when someone carves a pumpkin into a pumpkin.

Scared Pumpkin

This guy looks like he’s afraid of the mini pumpkins that are creeping up on him.

The Squash Alternative

Image Source: Woman’s Day

Ok, so – technically – this is not a carved pumpkin, so it probably doesn’t belong is this list of creative pumpkin carving ideas, but it was so adorable that I couldn’t help myself. Look closely and you’ll see that they used artificial nails for the teeth, so this one would be relatively easy to carve. And, you could probably use some of these tricks on a regular old pumpkin as well.

Candy Corn Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Woman’s Day

This pumpkin is less spooky and morewonderfully cute, but still in keeping with the Halloween spirit. Especially if you’re a fan of Candy Corn.

Carved Gray Gourd Pumpkins

This pair has all sorts of uniqueness built in. The carvings are exquisite. The use of Gray Gourds instead of the traditional orange pumpkin is delightful. And the addition of gnarly limbs make these pieces exceptional.

Another Haunted House Pumpkin

Source: muminawe.com

This is a pretty standard Haunted House carving, but the two tone usage of some full cuts to create light in certain windows adds an extra dimension to this piece.

Blooming Roses Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: deepeningmindfulness.org

Perhaps one of the most beautiful pumpkins I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure how in keeping with the Halloween Spirit it is, but it would certainly be lovely for a fall tablescape.

Attack of the Killer Pumpkin

Image Source: This Old House

There are so many disturbing details inside this carved pumpkin duo. The smaller (but much more evil looking) pumpkin is in the process of hacking away at the larger, thoroughly frightened, pumpkin. I can’t tell if the pumpkin seeds are supposed to represent blood, sweat, or tears… but I’m not sure if it matters.

The String Theory Pumpkin

Image Source:Pinterest.com

This pumpkin looks like it’s been stitched together by some ghoulish scientist.

Stitched Up Pumpkin

Another pumpkin to use the stitching motif, but this one is for the far less carving-skilled (like me), and utilizes toothpicks to create the creepy grin, which look AWESOME at night.

The Carved Pumpkin Diorama

Image Source: Country Living

This must have taken HOURS to create. The carving part is pretty easy, but what was built inside is incredible!

Carved Pumpkin Beanbag Toss

Image Source: Country Living

This is a delightful and fun idea. Carved pumpkins become a family-friendly game of Beanbag Toss. Of course, don’t put real candles inside… as that would quickly become a fire hazard.

Hannibal the Cannibal Pumpkin

Image Source:Home BNC

This one is cute, in a scary and disturbing way. I’m not sure who comes up with these pumpkin carving ideas, but they do have very active imaginations!

Carved Black Pumpkin

I love the way this black pumpkin has been carved to reveal the orange pulp inside. It looks cool, even without a candle inside.

Franken-Pumpkin

I love the creativity it took to design and carve this Frankenstein inspired pumpkin carving.

Thorny Vines Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Country Living

I love the intricate detailing on this smaller pumpkin, plus the additional thorny vines placed underneath, which really play off the design of the plate. This one was used as part of a Halloween Table Setting to create a dramatic effect. This pumpkin also reminds of me Kintsugi pottery.

Spaced Out Pumpkin

This super-fun pumpkin looks like it has enjoyed a few too many Halloween treats!

The Wood-burning Carved Pumpkin Stove

Image Source: Country Living

This pumpkin carving idea creates a complete vignette with a wood-burning stove, table, and more to create a cozy country retreat. I love the smaller gourds used as feet for the stove-pumpkin.

The Toothy – and Toothless – Carved Pumpkin

What big teeth you have there, Mr. Pumpkin. Well, most of them… the ones you still have that is. This might be a great idea for creating and placing inside a Dentist’s office… especially as a gentle reminder during the Candiest time of the year.

Volkswagen Bus Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Car Crushing

Somebody obviously loves a good old VW Bus. Can’t say that I blame them!

The Grumpy Pumpkin

To me — this one looks like that typical grumpy old man, and you can almost hear him yelling at those Young Whippersnappers to get off his lawn!!

Goofy Green Goblin Pumpkin

In all honesty, the carving on this pumpkin isn’t super impressive. Fun, but not super impressive. It’s the added layer of the green paint and the green light that make this pumpkin worthy of inclusion in this list.

The Pixie Dust Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Instructables

This delightful pumpkin will delight all of the neighborhood children. The iconic image of Tinkerbell spreading her pixie dust is created using a Tinkerbell cutout and a drill with a small drill bit to create the trail of pixie dust.

Peek-a-Boo Pumpkin

Image Source: Woman’s Day

This creation is so charming, and looks relatively easy to recreate using a large serrated knife, a mellon baller, a few wooden shishkabob skewers, some googley eyes, and skeleton arms.

The Carved Pumpkin Fireplace

Image Source: Country Living

I love the total looks this provides, using a set of pumpkins… each carved with some distinct flames. The orange candles add a nice touch to the complete display.

Squirrel Pumpkin

Image Source: Twitter

From Twitter User @KKmieske comes this entry from Hamilton, Ontario. As she writes, and I would agree,

Pumpkin carving in Hamilton today is amazing!

Two Hearts Carved Pumpkin

A super-cute alternative to your traditional scary pumpkin.

The Check Engine Light Pumpkin

Image Source: Reddit

Possibly the scariest pumpkin ever made! Ever!

Fire Breathing Dragon Pumpkin

I love the dragon carving, including the deeper cuts that create the illusion that this dragon is breathing fire.

Bloody Eyeball Carved Pumpkin

Image Source: Pinterest.com

This combination of pumpkin carving and painting creates a surreal and scary effect.

The Bass Violin Made of Pumpkins

Although technically not a “carved” pumpkin, this idea – featuring a bunch of Jack Be Little pumpkins – was to creative to ignore.

The Owl on a Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Another example of a pumpkin being carved into a pumpkin, this time accompanied by an owl.

Angry Pumpkin Face

Another Cannibal Pumpkin Carving Idea

Another Cannibal Pumpkin Carving Idea

Pumpkin Totem

This intricately carved pumpkin looks like it belongs at the top of a totem pole.

The Zig Zag Smile Pumpkin

Carved Clown Pumpkin

Angry Owl Carved Pumpkin

This owl gives give scowl, don’t you think?

Sculpted Pumpkin Face

Carved Pumpkin Welcome Sign

Creatively Carved Dancing Monkey Pumpkin

Carved & Dried Pumpkin

Simple Box Carved Pumpkins

For those with limited carving skills (like me) these are simple box carvings with mostly straight lines… but it still creates a fun display.

Carved Fish Pumpkin

This intricately carved fish pumpkin might not be the best display for Trick or Treating, but it would be delightful for a fall dinner party.

Frankenweenie Pumpkin

Big Grin Pumpkin

Curls and Swirls Pumpkin

This carved pumpkin is the headliner in this pumpkin patch presentation.

The Eyeless Creepy Smile

This pumpkin focuses all of the carving skills on the large, creepy smile. The complete lack of eyes actually adds to the creepy factor for this pumpkin.

Love, Joy, and Peace Pumpkins

Popping Eyeball Small Pumpkin

Actually not much carving going on here, but the creative use of accessories makes for a unique end result.

The Classic Jack O’ Lantern

This is the face that launched The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The Pumpkin Inside a Pumpkin

I love the fact that this pumpkin has a pumpkin carved into it. So Meta.

This Little Piggy Pumpkin

Just. So. Cute.

Carved Swan Pumpkin

Full Scarecrow Pumpkin

Sculpted Face Pumpkin

Smoking Dry Ice Pumpkin

The use of a bit of dry ice, or – with a large pumpkin – one of those small “smoke machines” can take a simple pumpkin carving and make it extraordinary.

The Carved Pumpkin Family

The Carved Pumpkin Family, Part II

White Ghost Pumpkin

More Pumpkin Carving Ideas for 2021

As I continue to be impressed by some of the most amazing pumpkin carving skills, I am ALWAYS finding new designs to inspire. This is especially true when it comes to my moderate (but under control) Pinterest addiction.

Here are some amazing pumpkin designs I’ve spotted on Pinterest this year. And, of course, we invite you to check out our entire Spook-Tacular Halloween board on Pinterest!

My Approach to Pumpkin Carving Ideas

Instead of dealing with my less-than-optimal carving skills that would likely leave me disappointed with the end results, I think might go for one of these Pumpkin Luminaries instead.

However, given my DIY skills (or lack thereof) even these could turn into a disaster.

Wish me luck!