Spooky And Engaging ESL Halloween Activities For Adults (2024)

Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday that originated from ancient Celtic traditions and has evolved into a fun-filled occasion for people of all ages. While often associated with children going door-to-door for treats, Halloween is not just limited to young ones. Adults can also partake in the festivities and enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed activities.

This article will explore the reasons behind Halloween celebrations, the traditions and customs associated with the holiday, as well as specific activities, decorations, and treat ideas tailored for adults. It will provide ESL learners with Halloween vocabulary and engaging worksheets and games to enhance their language skills in a festive way. Whether you’re looking for ideas to host a Halloween party or want to expand your English vocabulary, this article will provide you with all the information you need to embrace the Halloween spirit as an adult.

Why is Halloween Celebrated?

Halloween celebrates the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, where people believed spirits could cross over into the world of the living. To ward off these spirits, individuals would dress up in costumes and light bonfires.

In addition to honoring these age-old customs, Halloween has transformed into a time of enjoyment and merriment. People throw parties, carve pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, and participate in trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treating involves children dressing up and going from house to house to collect candy from their neighbors. This tradition fosters a sense of community and allows everyone to indulge in delectable treats.

To heighten your Halloween experience, you can organize a costume contest with your friends and family, adding to the festive atmosphere. Another way to celebrate is by hosting a Halloween movie night, where you can watch classic horror films or family-friendly Halloween movies. Alternatively, you can choose to visit a haunted house or attend a Halloween-themed event in your local community, creating a sense of excitement and adventure.

Whether you wish to honor ancient traditions or simply want a night of enjoyment and celebration, Halloween provides the ideal opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season.

Halloween Traditions and Customs

Get ready to dive into the spooktacular world of Halloween! From trick-or-treating to costume parties, haunted houses to pumpkin carving, we’ll unearth the bewitching secrets and thrilling experiences that make this holiday a hair-raising delight. Be prepared for a ghoulish journey through the vibrant traditions and chilling customs that bring Halloween to life for adults. It’s time to enter a realm of jack-o’-lanterns, treats, and wonderfully wicked festivities!

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-Treating is a Halloween tradition where children dress up and go door-to-door asking for candy. Children carry a bag or bucket to collect treats. Neighbors with their porch light on welcome trick-or-treaters. When a child arrives at a house, they say “Trick or treat!” to indicate they want candy. The person at the door gives the child a piece of candy. Some families or neighborhoods organize trick-or-treating events. Trick-or-treating is a fun activity for children to celebrate Halloween and collect candy.

Fun fact: The tradition of trick-or-treating dates back to ancient Celtic festivals when people would dress up and go door-to-door to ward off evil spirits.

Costume Parties

Costume parties are a highly anticipated tradition during Halloween. These gatherings bring people together as they indulge in the whimsical act of donning imaginative outfits that pay homage to beloved characters, historical luminaries, or current fads. Enthusiastic participants engage in lively conversations, fostering a vibrant social atmosphere. Costume contests are often organized to enable attendees to showcase their extraordinary ensembles and have the chance to triumphantly claim enticing prizes. Themed costume parties, such as those centered around zombies or superheroes, inject an added layer of exhilaration into the festivities. Costumes can be readily acquired or ingeniously crafted using a diverse range of materials and accessories. Some costume parties even feature entertainment elements like captivating catwalks or fashion shows, allowing guests to proudly exhibit their meticulously curated attire. It is important to note that costume parties offer amusem*nt to individuals across all age groups. It is crucial to approach these events with cultural sensitivity, avoiding any acts that appropriate or mock specific cultures, races, or religions.

Haunted Houses

Haunted houses, also known as haunted attractions, are incredibly popular during the Halloween season. These spooky establishments aim to both scare and thrill visitors with their immersive and bone-chilling experiences.

Many haunted houses are designed with various themed rooms, such as zombie-infested hospitals or eerie mansions, to add an extra layer of terror. To enhance the spooky atmosphere, these rooms often incorporate special effects like fog machines and strobe lights.

Actors dressed as monsters, ghosts, and other horror characters are strategically placed throughout the haunted house, jumping out to frighten unsuspecting visitors.

In addition to the traditional haunted house experience, some establishments offer additional attractions like escape rooms or mazes, providing a more interactive and thrilling experience. These haunted houses can be found in various locations, including amusem*nt parks, abandoned buildings, and specialized attractions dedicated solely to horror and the supernatural.

Visiting a haunted house can be an exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping experience, particularly for horror enthusiasts and those who enjoy being scared. It’s essential to check age restrictions and be prepared for a truly frightful encounter.

So, brace yourself and embark on a spine-tingling journey through one of these haunted houses for an unforgettable Halloween experience.

Pumpkin Carving

To master the art of pumpkin carving, follow these steps:

1. Begin by carefully selecting a large pumpkin with a smooth surface.

2. Take a sharp knife and cut a perfect circular hole around the stem of the pumpkin.

3. Next, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside using a spoon or scraper.

4. With the help of a marker or pencil, draw your desired design onto the surface of the pumpkin.

5. Using a pumpkin carving knife or a serrated knife, cautiously cut along the lines of your design.

6. To enhance the intricate details of your design, gently remove any excess pumpkin flesh.

7. Illuminate your masterpiece by placing a tea light or LED candle inside the carved pumpkin.

8. Proudly display your carved pumpkin on a sturdy surface to showcase your creativity.

The fascinating tradition of pumpkin carving finds its roots in an Irish legend surrounding a man by the name of Stingy Jack. According to the tale, Jack outsmarted the devil and was thereafter denied entry into both heaven and hell upon his death. Consequently, he was condemned to wander the earth with only a hollowed-out turnip containing a lit coal to light his way. This practice of carving frightening faces into turnips eventually shifted to pumpkins when the Irish immigrated to the United States. It quickly became synonymous with Halloween and remains a beloved holiday activity to this day.

Halloween Activities for Adults

Looking to celebrate Halloween as an adult? Get ready for an amazing lineup of activities that will keep you entertained throughout the spooky season. From a thrilling Halloween movie marathon to engaging Halloween themed party games, not to mention costume contests and spine-chilling storytelling sessions, we’ve got it all covered. So grab your popcorn, put on your scariest costume, and prepare to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Halloween activities for adults.

Halloween Movie Marathon

To have a spooktacular Halloween movie marathon, here are some must-watch films for you:

1. Halloween (1978): Directed by John Carpenter, this classic horror film is the perfect choice for your Halloween night. Join the masked serial killer, Michael Myers, as he terrorizes a small town, sending chills down your spine.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Directed by Tim Burton, this unique and whimsical animated musical combines the magic of Halloween and Christmas. Follow Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, as he discovers the wonders of Christmas.

3. Hocus Pocus (1993): This family-friendly comedy takes you to Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween night, where three witches are resurrected. Join Max, Dani, and their talking cat, Binx, in their mission to stop the witches from achieving immortality.

4. Trick ‘r Treat (2007): Get into the Halloween spirit with this clever anthology horror film. It weaves together four Halloween-themed stories set in the same town on Halloween night, capturing the true essence of the holiday.

5. Coraline (2009): Delve into an eerie and visually stunning stop-motion animated film. Follow Coraline as she discovers a secret door that leads to an alternate reality in her new home. It’s the perfect spooky adventure for Halloween night.

These movies are just a few options for your Halloween movie marathon. Choose the ones that suit your taste, whether you prefer horror, comedy, or something in between. Grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for a hauntingly delightful movie night!

Halloween Themed Party Games

When hosting a party with a Halloween theme, it is crucial to have entertaining and engaging games that will keep your guests entertained. Here are some amusing Halloween themed party games you can consider:

1. Bobbing for Apples: Fill a large bucket with water and place apples inside. Participants must attempt to grab the apples using only their mouths, without using their hands.

2. Mummy Wrap: Divide the guests into pairs and provide each pair with a roll of toilet paper. One person becomes the “mummy” while the other person wraps them up in toilet paper to create a mummy costume. The duo who creates the most impressive-looking mummy wins.

3. Pumpkin Bowling: Set up an outdoor bowling alley using mini pumpkins as bowling balls and empty water bottles as pins. Players take turns rolling the pumpkins and try to knock down as many pins as possible.

4. Monster Freeze Dance: Play Halloween-themed music and have the guests dance. When the music stops, everyone must freeze. Any player who moves is eliminated. The last person standing wins.

5. Haunted House Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of Halloween-themed items or tasks for the guests to find or complete within a designated area. The first person or team to find or complete everything on the list wins.

These Halloween Themed Party Games will surely add excitement and enjoyment to your party.

Costume Contests

• Costume contests are a popular and enjoyable activity during Halloween celebrations.
• Participants in these contests compete for prizes by dressing up in imaginative and intricate costumes.
• Judges assess contestants based on their creativity, originality, and attention to detail.
• Contestants dedicate time and effort to design and create their costumes.
• Costume contests can take place at parties, events, or even online on social media platforms.
• They provide a platform for people to display their imagination and talent in costume design.
• Contestants have the opportunity to dress up as their favorite characters, monsters, or any other Halloween-themed ideas.
• The winners of costume contests are typically rewarded with prizes, which can range from small tokens to cash, gift certificates, or other incentives.
• Participating in a costume contest can be an exhilarating and satisfying experience for Halloween enthusiasts.
• It allows individuals to express their creativity and immerse themselves in the festive ambiance of Halloween.

Scary Storytelling

Scary Storytelling is a widely loved activity during Halloween. People enthusiastically gather to share spine-chilling tales that aim to create an atmosphere full of thrill and suspense. This long-standing tradition not only provides entertainment but also serves as a means to connect individuals through the shared experience of fear and excitement. Scary Storytelling allows individuals to delve into their imagination and explore their creative abilities as they come up with eerie and haunting narratives. The storytellers employ various active techniques to captivate their audience and keep them fully engaged throughout the narrative. Through their craft, they skillfully use descriptive language and vivid details, effectively instilling a sense of fear and anticipation within their listeners. Often, these stories incorporate supernatural elements, take place in haunted locations, and feature mysterious characters, all of which serve to intensify the frightful atmosphere. The beauty of scary storytelling lies in its versatility, catering to people of all ages, with the level of intensity tailored to suit the preferences of the audience. Whether it is around a campfire or in a dimly lit room, the overall ambiance further enhances the entire experience. So, gather your friends and family, dim the lights, and prepare yourselves for a night of bone-chilling scary storytelling that will undoubtedly leave you teetering on the edge of your seat.

Decorating for Halloween

Photo Credits: Rickyshalloween.Com by Mason Scott

Ready to set the eerie mood this Halloween? Let’s dive into the world of decorating for Halloween and discover the chilling delights that await. From the mystical glow of spooky Jack-o’-Lanterns to the bone-chilling ambiance of haunted house decorations, we’ll explore it all. Get ready to transform your space into a creepy haven with our guide to mastering the art of Halloween décor.

Spooky Jack-o’-Lanterns

Spooky Jack-o’-Lanterns are a popular Halloween tradition. To create one, start by selecting a large pumpkin.

Cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Draw a spooky face or design on the front using a marker or pencil.

Use a pumpkin carving tool or a sharp knife to cut out the design. Be careful when handling the knife and supervise children if they are participating.

Once the design is carved, place a small candle or LED light inside to illuminate it. Lighting the candle or LED will give your Jack-o’-Lantern a spooky glow.

Display it on your porch or in your window to add a festive touch to your Halloween decorations.

Haunted House Decorations

When it comes to haunted house decorations, you can enhance the eerie atmosphere with a few spooky elements:

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Ghostly drapes: Hang tattered white fabric from the ceiling or walls to create a creepy ghostly effect.

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Cobwebs: Stretch fake cobwebs across corners, doorways, and furniture for a haunted and abandoned look.

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Creepy portraits: Add mystery and foreboding by hanging old, aged portraits of eerie figures on the walls.

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Flickering candles: Create a haunting ambiance by placing flickering LED candles in candelabras or sconces.

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Gravestones: Use foam or plywood to create realistic-looking tombstones in your yard or entrance area.

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Spider webs: Hang giant spider webs and oversized spiders in corners, doorways, or window frames to elicit fear.

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Spooky lighting: Cast an eerie glow throughout the haunted house with colored light bulbs or string lights.

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Bloody handprints: Add an eerie touch by placing red handprints on windows and mirrors, as if they are ghostly apparitions.

For an authentic touch, consider incorporating historical elements into your haunted house decorations. Ancient Celtic beliefs associated Halloween with the transition between light and dark halves of the year. It was believed that spirits from the otherworld could walk among the living on this night. This belief gave rise to the tradition of decorating with symbols of death and the supernatural to ward off roaming spirits. By bringing a historical perspective to your decorations, you can add layers of intrigue and mystery to your haunted house experience.

Creepy Indoor Decor

• Hang fake spider webs in corners and doorways to create a spooky atmosphere. This indoor decor will make your home feel haunted.
• Cut eye shapes from colored construction paper and tape them inside windows. When the lights are turned off, these glowing eyes will add an eerie touch to your decor.
• Create bloody handprints on windows, walls, or mirrors using red paint or fake blood. This indoor decor will give your home a gruesome and unsettling atmosphere.
• Place cauldrons and potion bottles on shelves or tables to create a witch’s lair. Fill the cauldrons with dry ice or colored water for a more mystical effect. This indoor decor will add a touch of dark magic to your Halloween decorations.
• Use LED or battery-operated candles to create a flickering effect. Place them in candle holders or candelabras throughout your home. This indoor decor will add an eerie and haunted glow to your Halloween setting.

Halloween Treat Ideas for Adults

Photo Credits: Rickyshalloween.Com by Gregory Flores

Looking to add some spooky delights to your adult Halloween gathering? Look no further! In this section, we’ll explore tantalizing Halloween treat ideas that will elevate your party to the next level. From the bewitching Vampire co*cktail to the sinister Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs and the mysterious Witches’ Brew Punch, get ready to enchant your guests with these delectable concoctions. Get ready to embrace the spirit of Halloween with these delightful treats!

Vampire co*cktail

The Vampire co*cktail is a spooky and delicious drink for Halloween parties. Here are key elements to consider when making a

1. Ingredients: You need vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and grenadine syrup.

2. Preparation: Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, and 1 ounce of lime juice. Shake well.

3. Serving: Strain the co*cktail into a chilled glass. Drizzle about 1/2 ounce of grenadine syrup down the sides of the glass for a blood-like effect.

4. Garnish: Complete your Vampire co*cktail with a festive garnish like a lime wheel or plastic vampire fang.

5. Enjoyment: The Vampire co*cktail offers sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of citrus. It is a visually impressive drink that will delight your guests at Halloween gatherings.

Whether you’re a vampire enthusiast or looking for a Halloween-themed co*cktail, the Vampire co*cktail is a hit. Serve it up at your next Halloween party and enjoy the spooky festivities!

Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs

Serve hot dogs in a fun and creative way with this Halloween treat idea. You’ll need Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs, refrigerated crescent roll dough, and mustard or ketchup for the eyes.

Prepare the Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs by boiling or grilling them until cooked.

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.

Wrap each Mummy Wrap Hot Dog with a triangle of dough, leaving a small gap at the top for the eyes.

Place the wrapped Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs on a baking sheet and bake according to the instructions on the crescent roll dough package, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Once baked, use mustard or ketchup to create eyes on each Mummy Wrap Hot Dog.

These Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs are not only delicious but also add a festive touch to your Halloween party. They are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

If you’re looking to add some spooky and fun treats to your Halloween menu, try making Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs. They are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Serve them alongside other Halloween-themed snacks and beverages for a memorable and festive celebration. Enjoy the deliciousness and the Halloween spirit with these tasty Mummy Wrap Hot Dogs!

Witches’ Brew Punch

Edited

• Witches’ Brew Punch is a popular Halloween beverage that adds a spooky touch to any party or gathering.
• This punch combines ingredients to create a flavorful and visually appealing drink that suits the Halloween theme.
• The punch typically includes fruit juices, sodas, and green food coloring.
• One recipe for Witches’ Brew Punch includes orange juice, pineapple juice, green limeade soda, and lemon-lime soda.
• To enhance the Halloween experience, you can add gummy worms or plastic eyeballs as garnishes.
• The punch is served chilled and can be enjoyed by all ages.
• For adults, a twist can be added with a splash of vodka or rum.
• Witches’ Brew Punch is a refreshing drink that adds to the Halloween atmosphere.
• You can adjust the ingredient quantities based on the number of guests.
• It’s important to provide a non-alcoholic version for those who don’t consume alcohol or for younger guests.

ESL Halloween Vocabulary and Activities

Photo Credits: Rickyshalloween.Com by Kevin White

Get ready to embrace the spooky spirit with ESL Halloween Vocabulary and Activities! Unveiling a treasure trove of engaging and educational materials, this section offers you a journey into the world of Halloween. From discovering Halloween vocabulary words that will send chills down your spine, to interactive ESL Halloween worksheets and games that will ignite excitement in your English class, and not to forget, a round-up of online Halloween activities that will keep the learning alive. Get ready for a frightfully fun language-learning adventure!

Halloween Vocabulary Words

When it comes to Halloween, there are vocabulary words associated with this spooky holiday. Here is a list of Halloween vocabulary words:

• Costume
• Candy
• Trick-or-treat
• Pumpkin
• Jack-o’-lantern
• Ghost
• Witch
• Vampire
• Haunted
• Monster

These words are commonly used during Halloween to describe costumes, decorations, and the overall atmosphere of the holiday. Whether you’re dressing up, carving a pumpkin, or trick-or-treating, these vocabulary words capture the essence of Halloween.

True story: I remember as a child, my friends and I eagerly anticipated Halloween. We spent weeks planning costumes and exploring the neighborhood for the best houses to trick-or-treat. As we walked, Halloween vocabulary words filled the air, from the excitement of seeing haunted decorations to the joy of receiving candy. It was a magical time, where the words “costume,” “candy,” and “trick-or-treat” took on new meaning. These words became synonymous with fun, creativity, and community as we celebrated Halloween together.

ESL Halloween Worksheets and Games

Engage your students in the festive Halloween spirit with a variety of ESL Halloween worksheets and games. These educational resources provide an opportunity to incorporate Halloween-themed vocabulary words and activities, making learning English both informative and engaging. Design worksheets that encourage students to match Halloween words with corresponding pictures, allowing them to strengthen their word recognition skills. You can create crossword puzzles or word searches using Halloween vocabulary, further enhancing their language abilities.

To reinforce grammar concepts, include exercises focused on identifying parts of speech, verb tenses, and sentence structures. Utilize Halloween-themed sentences as examples, making the learning experience more enjoyable and relatable. You can promote speaking skills by introducing Halloween-themed conversation or role-playing games. This interactive approach will encourage your students to practice their oral communication abilities.

Consider organizing a Halloween-themed spelling bee or spelling relay race, in which students must correctly spell Halloween-related words to earn points for their team. This not only helps improve spelling skills but also fosters teamwork and healthy competition. Another activity to enhance listening skills and vocabulary recognition is creating Halloween-themed bingo cards with words or images. Students can listen closely and mark the corresponding space, developing their listening comprehension skills.

Incorporating Halloween-themed reading comprehension exercises can also be beneficial. Provide short passages about Halloween traditions and ask questions related to the text to assess comprehension. Offer Halloween-themed writing prompts to encourage students to practice their writing skills. For example, they can write a spooky Halloween story or describe their favorite Halloween costume. These prompts will inspire creativity and give students an opportunity to showcase their imagination.

To promote teamwork and creativity, assign group projects such as creating board games or designing their own worksheets. Students can collaborate to develop these resources and then share them with their classmates, fostering a sense of community and active participation.

Utilize online resources and interactive games to supplement your classroom activities. Numerous websites and apps provide Halloween-themed quizzes, puzzles, and interactive activities specifically designed for ESL students. These resources can add an extra layer of engagement and excitement to your lessons.

By incorporating ESL Halloween worksheets and games into your curriculum, you can create a fun and dynamic learning environment for your students. This approach not only immerses them in the festive Halloween spirit but also makes the process of learning English enjoyable and interactive.

Halloween Activities for English Class

When it comes to Halloween activities for English class, there are many fun and educational options to engage students. Here are some ideas:

1. Incorporate Halloween-themed words into word games like word searches, crosswords, or flashcard matching. This will help students expand their vocabulary while having fun.

2. Encourage students to create their own scary stories or adapt famous Halloween tales. This activity will enhance their creativity, storytelling skills, and English language proficiency.

3. Assign students different Halloween characters and have them act out short skits or engage in dialogues related to Halloween. This will boost their speaking and listening skills.

4. Provide students with Halloween-themed writing prompts, such as “Describe your favorite Halloween costume” or “Write a spooky Halloween story.” This will cultivate their writing proficiency and encourage imaginative thinking.

5. Use online resources like interactive quizzes or video lessons with Halloween themes to engage students in digital learning. This will enhance their computer literacy skills while reinforcing English language concepts.

These activities offer a blend of language learning and Halloween-themed fun, making them ideal for English classes during the Halloween season.

Online Halloween Activities

Here are some online Halloween activities:

• Participate in virtual costume contests to showcase your creative outfits and compete for the best Halloween outfit.
• Test your knowledge of Halloween trivia with fun and interactive quizzes found on websites and social media platforms.
• Create and share your pumpkin designs with others through online communities and platforms offering virtual pumpkin carving tools and templates.
• Explore virtual haunted house tours on websites or through virtual reality experiences to experience the thrill of haunted houses from home.
• Challenge yourself with virtual escape rooms that have Halloween themes. Solve puzzles and riddles to escape spooky scenarios.

Enjoy these online Halloween activities for entertainment and engagement while ensuring safety and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some ESL Halloween activities specifically designed for adults at an advanced level?

Some ESL Halloween activities for adults at an advanced level include a Halloween history quiz, reading and discussing ghost stories, finding words within themed words, talking about favorite Halloween movies, and describing traditions in their home countries.

2. How can ESL teachers incorporate grammar into Halloween activities for their adult students?

ESL teachers can incorporate grammar into Halloween activities for adult students by using Halloween as an example to teach about different traditions and cultures. This can involve discussing grammar rules and structures while talking about Halloween customs and traditions.

3. Are there any online resources available for ESL Halloween activities?

Yes, there are online resources available for ESL Halloween activities. Websites such as ESLgames.com and LearnHip.com offer a variety of Halloween activities and worksheets, including half crosswords, sounds of Halloween quiz, fortune telling, Halloween taboo, Halloween picture taboo, Halloween conversation cards, and Halloween scatter sheet.

4. What are some Halloween activities that can help ESL students practice their writing skills?

Some Halloween activities that can help ESL students practice their writing skills include filling in the blanks in scary stories, drawing their costumes, writing Halloween-themed short stories, and participating in a haunted house writing activity.

5. How can ESL teachers make Halloween activities interactive and engaging for their adult students?

ESL teachers can make Halloween activities interactive and engaging for their adult students by incorporating competition and discussions. This can involve organizing Halloween-themed games, such as Halloween bingo or a true or false game, and encouraging students to actively participate and share their opinions.

6. Are there any Halloween activities suitable for intermediate level ESL students?

Yes, Halloween activities suitable for intermediate level ESL students include vocabulary matching, crossword puzzles, writing activities, short stories, printable board games, and PowerPoint presentations with safety tips and information about pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns. These activities can help students improve their vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar skills.