Many families are festive as Halloween approaches, eager to decorate their homes. Imagine a crisp autumn evening, children laughing as they carve pumpkins on the porch while colourful leaves flutter. However, some may feel stuck for ideas, wondering how to create unique and eye-catching designs for contests.
But don’t worry! There are countless fun ways to decorate pumpkins without the stress. With creativity, anyone can turn ordinary pumpkins into winning masterpieces.
In this article, we will explore 25 impressive pumpkin decorating ideas for contest. You’ll find inspiration for every skill level, from no-carve designs to playful themes. Let’s get started on making your Halloween unforgettable!
1. Sweet S’mores Pumpkin for Halloween Fun
The S’mores No-Carve Pumpkin is a deliciously fun decoration that brings the flavours of campfire treats to my Halloween display. This creative design features a pumpkin that looks like a s’more, complete with a marshmallow top, graham cracker layers, and a chocolate drip. It’s a playful twist on traditional pumpkins and will delight kids and adults.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin white to represent the marshmallow. Then, glue on brown felt squares for graham crackers. Next, use dark brown paint to add a chocolate drip around the top. Finally, attach some cotton or white felt to make it look fluffy. This charming pumpkin will be a hit in any contest!
2. Colorful Snow Cone Pumpkin for Halloween
The Halloween Snow Cone Painted Pumpkin is a fun and creative decoration that resembles a colourful snow cone. This whimsical design features bright colours and a dripping effect mimicking flavoured syrup. It adds a playful twist to traditional pumpkin decor, making it a perfect choice for Halloween contests and parties.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin white for the base. Then, develop drips around the top using vibrant colours like orange, green, and purple. Finally, sprinkle glitter for a sparkling finish and add a paper cone at the top. This cheerful pumpkin will surely stand out!
3. Festive Margarita Pumpkin for Halloween Fun
The Margarita No Carve Pumpkin is a fun and festive decoration that mimics a refreshing margarita drink. This playful design features a bright green pumpkin with a salt rim and a cheerful straw. It adds a unique twist to traditional pumpkin decorating, making it an excellent choice for Halloween parties and contests.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin light green. Next, use white paint to add a thick line around the top for the salt rim. Then, glue on a paper straw and a lime wedge for extra detail. This festive pumpkin is sure to impress!
4. Whimsical Cookie Monster Pumpkin for Halloween
The Cookie Monster Pumpkin is a fun and playful decoration inspired by the beloved character from Sesame Street. This design features Cookie Monster’s bright blue fur, big eyes, and a wide-open mouth filled with cookies. It brings a whimsical touch to my Halloween display and will delight fans of all ages.
To create this pumpkin, start by painting it a vibrant blue. Then, use black paint to add two large eyes at the top. Next, cut a semicircle from the front for the mouth, painting it black inside. Finally, glue some fake cookies around the mouth for extra fun!
5. Adorable DEER Pumpkin for Contests
The OH DEER Pumpkin is a cute, creative decoration resembling a friendly deer. This design features large eyes, a sweet smile, and charming antlers. It’s perfect for Halloween and adds a playful touch to any pumpkin display, making it an excellent choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a warm brown colour. Then, use white paint to add big eyes and a small nose. Next, cut out antlers from brown craft foam and glue them to the top. Finally, add white spots on the body for extra detail. This delightful pumpkin will surely impress!
6. Nostalgic Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin Design
The Winnie the Pooh Pumpkin is a charming and nostalgic decoration that captures the beloved character from the Hundred Acre Wood. This pumpkin design features Pooh’s cheerful face and his classic red shirt. It appeals to fans of all ages, making it an excellent choice for Halloween contests and family gatherings.
To create this design, start by painting the pumpkin bright yellow. Then, use black paint to add big eyes and a smiling mouth. Next, paint a red shirt around the middle. Finally, you can add a honey pot with brown paint. This fun project is sure to delight everyone!
7. Magical Unicorn Pumpkin for Halloween Fun
A Unicorn Pumpkin is a magical and colourful decoration perfect for Halloween. It features a whimsical design with bright colours, a shiny horn, and fun details. This enchanting idea appeals to all ages and brings a touch of fantasy to my pumpkin display. Plus, it’s a creative way to stand out in any contest!
To achieve this look, start by painting the pumpkin white. Then, create a gold horn using craft foam or cardboard and attach it to the top. Next, add colourful mane details using yarn or painted paper. Finally, use glitter for sparkle and draw cute eyes. This design is both fun and easy to make!
8. Rustic Mud Musk Pumpkin Nature Decor
The Mud Musk Pumpkin is a creative and unique decoration inspired by earthy colours and natural elements. This design features a pumpkin covered in rich brown paint, resembling mud, and decorated with twigs, leaves, and other rustic accents. It’s perfect for those who love nature and want to add an outdoor vibe to their Halloween display.
To achieve this look, paint the pumpkin a deep brown colour. Next, glue on twigs and small branches around the sides. Then, artificial leaves and moss will be added for texture. Finally, sprinkle some glitter for a sparkling touch. This rustic pumpkin will stand out in any contest!
9. Star Wars-Inspired Baby Yoda & BB-8
The Baby Yoda and BB-8 Pumpkins are adorable decorations inspired by beloved characters from the Star Wars universe. This design features a pumpkin painted to resemble Baby Yoda with big ears and expressive eyes, alongside a round pumpkin that looks like the cheerful droid BB-8. Together, they create a charming display that appeals to fans of all ages and adds a fun twist to Halloween.
Paint one pumpkin green for Baby Yoda’s face to create these pumpkins. Then, use black paint for the eyes and brown for the ears. For BB-8, paint a pumpkin white and add orange and grey details to mimic its design. Finally, use black paint to draw BB-8’s eyes. These fun pumpkins are sure to stand out in any contest!
10. Deliciously Fun Cheeseburger Pumpkin Design
The Cheeseburger Pumpkin is a fun, tasty-looking decoration with a playful twist to Halloween. This design features a pumpkin that looks like a cheeseburger, with layers of cheese, lettuce, and a sesame seed bun. It’s a unique and creative choice that will catch the eye of judges and guests at any pumpkin contest.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin brown to resemble the bun. Next, add yellow paint for cheese and green for lettuce. Then, use red paint for ketchup and white paint for sesame seeds on top. Finally, you can add small round candies to mimic pickles. This cheerful pumpkin will be a hit!
11. Colorful Finding Nemo Pumpkin Creation
The Finding Nemo Pumpkin is a colourful and playful decoration inspired by the beloved animated movie. This design features a pumpkin painted to resemble Nemo, the little clownfish, with bright orange and white stripes. It captures the film’s charm and is perfect for fans of all ages, making it a fantastic choice for Halloween contests.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin bright orange. Then, use white paint to add stripes along the sides. Next, paint black outlines around the stripes for detail. Finally, use black paint for the eyes and a small smile. This fun pumpkin will surely make a splash at any contest!
12. Cheerful SpongeBob Pumpkin Decoration Idea
The SpongeBob-Inspired Masterpiece is a lively and creative pumpkin decoration that captures the essence of everyone’s favourite sea sponge. This design features a pumpkin painted bright yellow with SpongeBob’s cheerful face and iconic features. It’s a fantastic choice for fans of all ages and brings fun to Halloween displays and contests.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin bright yellow. Next, use black paint for big round eyes and a wide smile. Then, add red for his tie and white for his teeth. Finally, use brown paint to create SpongeBob’s pants. This playful pumpkin will surely delight everyone!
13. Charming Scarecrow Pumpkin for Halloween
The Scarecrow Pumpkin is a charming and rustic decoration that captures the essence of fall. This design features a pumpkin dressed like a friendly scarecrow, with a straw hat and colourful clothing. It adds a cosy touch to any Halloween display and is perfect for autumn-themed contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin orange for the body. Then, use burlap or fabric to make a hat and glue it to the top. Next, add a straw or raffia around the base for hair. Finally, paint a friendly face with big eyes and a smile. This adorable pumpkin will surely impress!
14. Adorable Pikachu Pumpkin for Halloween Fun
The Pikachu Pumpkin is a fun and lively decoration inspired by the popular Pokemon character. This design features a pumpkin painted bright yellow with Pikachu’s cute face, including large eyes and rosy cheeks. It’s a fantastic choice for fans of all ages and adds a playful touch to Halloween displays.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin bright yellow. Then, use black paint for big eyes and a small nose. Next, add red circles for cheeks and a wide smile. Finally, brown paint created Pikachu’s signature stripes on the back. This cheerful pumpkin will surely brighten any contest!
15. Charming Chick and Eggs Pumpkin Design
The Chick and Her Eggs Pumpkin is an adorable decoration that captures the charm of springtime. This design features a cheerful yellow chick surrounded by white eggs, perfect for Halloween or Easter-themed contests. It brings a touch of warmth and playfulness to any pumpkin display.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin bright yellow for the chick’s body. Then, use white paint to add eggs around the base. Next, paint small eyes and a beak on the pumpkin. Finally, add some green grass at the bottom for a nice finishing touch hearts!
16. Delightful Popcorn Bowl Pumpkin Decoration
The Popcorn Pumpkin is a playful decoration resembling a delicious popcorn bowl. This fun design features a pumpkin covered in white paint with fluffy popcorn kernels glued all over. It adds a cheerful touch to any Halloween display and is perfect for movie nights or carnival themes.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin bright white. Then, use hot glue to attach popcorn pieces around the pumpkin. Next, you can add yellow paint to some kernels for extra colour. Finally, place the pumpkin in a bowl or basket for a fun display. This charming pumpkin is sure to be a hit!
17. Enchanting Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Design
The Glow in the Dark Pumpkin is a mesmerizing decoration that lights up my Halloween night. This design features a pumpkin with special glow-in-the-dark paint, creating an eerie and magical effect. It stands out after sunset and adds a fun twist to traditional pumpkin displays, making it an excellent choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin with a bright base colour like orange or green. Then, use glow-in-the-dark paint to add spooky designs or faces. Next, let the paint dry completely before placing it in a dark area. Finally, charge it under light to see it glow brilliantly at night. This pumpkin will surely captivate everyone!
18. Vibrant Sugar Skull Painting Pumpkin Decor
The Sugar Skull Painting Pumpkin is a vibrant decoration inspired by traditional Dia de los Muertos art. This design features a pumpkin beautifully painted with colourful patterns, resembling a sugar skull. It celebrates life and remembrance, making it a stunning choice for Halloween contests and festive displays.
Paint the pumpkin white to resemble the sugar skull base to create this look. Then, use bright colours like pink, blue, and yellow to add intricate designs and flowers. Next, outline the features with black paint for contrast. Finally, let the paint dry to showcase a gorgeous, eye-catching pumpkin. This artistic design will surely impress!
19. Serene Garden of Zen Pumpkin Design
The Garden of Zen Pumpkin is a calming decoration inspired by peaceful Japanese gardens. This design features a pumpkin decorated with natural elements like stones, sand, and small plants. It creates a serene atmosphere and brings a touch of tranquillity to Halloween displays, making it a unique choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a soft colour, like light green or beige. Next, use sand or fine gravel to cover the top, mimicking a zen garden. Add small stones and tiny succulents for detail. Finally, place a miniature rake beside it for a finishing touch. This peaceful pumpkin will surely impress!
20. Cute Holy Cow Pumpkin Decoration Idea
The Holy Cow Pumpkin is a fun and humorous decoration that resembles a cute cow. This design features a pumpkin painted white with black spots and a friendly face and horns. It adds a playful touch to any Halloween display and will bring smiles, making it a fantastic choice for contests.
To create this look, start by painting the pumpkin white. Next, use black paint to add irregular spots all over. Then, paint big eyes and a cute smile on the front. Finally, attach small cardboard horns at the top. This charming pumpkin will surely stand out in any contest!
21. Cozy Pumpkin Spice Latte Decoration Idea
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Pumpkin is a cosy decoration inspired by the famous fall drink. This design features a pumpkin painted to look like a coffee cup, complete with whipped cream and colourful sprinkles. It brings the warmth of autumn and the joy of pumpkin spice to any Halloween display, making it a delightful choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a light brown to resemble a coffee cup. Then, use white paint or whipped cream for the top. Next, add colourful sprinkles using tiny beads or paint. Finally, paint a cute logo or name on the side for a finishing touch. This delicious-looking pumpkin will surely impress everyone!
22. Whimsical Pinocchio Pumpkin Decoration Idea
The Pinocchio Pumpkin is a charming decoration inspired by the beloved wooden puppet. This design features a pumpkin painted to resemble Pinocchio’s face, complete with a big smile and a long nose. It captures the magic of the story and adds a whimsical touch to Halloween displays, making it a fantastic choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a warm brown colour for Pinocchio’s skin. Next, use blue and red for his collar and hat. Then, paint big eyes and a wide smile. Finally, add a long, pointed nose using a piece of cardboard or paper. This playful pumpkin will surely delight everyone!
23. Galactic UFO Pumpkin Decorating Idea
The UFO Pumpkin is a creative decoration inspired by flying saucers. This design features a pumpkin painted to look like a colourful UFO, with glowing lights and an alien peeking out. It adds a fun sci-fi twist to Halloween displays, making it an exciting choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a shiny silver or metallic colour. Next, use bright colours like green and blue to add glowing lights around the edges. Then, attach small alien figures or craft eyes to the top. Finally, place the pumpkin in a dark area to highlight its glowing effects. This out-of-this-world pumpkin will surely impress!
24. Spooky Little Shop of Horrors Pumpkin
The Little Shop of Horrors Pumpkin is a spooky decoration inspired by the famous musical about a man-eating plant. This design features a pumpkin transformed into a giant plant with a wide mouth and sharp teeth. It captures the essence of the story and adds a fun fright to Halloween displays, making it a unique choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin green to resemble the plant. Next, carve a large mouth and add sharp teeth using white foam or paper. Then, use fake leaves and vines to decorate the pumpkin’s base. Finally, add eyes or quirky features for a playful touch. This creative pumpkin will surely stand out!
25. Charming Apple Core Pumpkin Decoration Ideas
The Apple Core Pumpkin is a fun and creative decoration that resembles a half-eaten apple. This design features a pumpkin painted to look like an apple core, complete with a bite taken out. It adds a playful twist to Halloween displays, making it a unique choice for contests.
To create this look, paint the pumpkin a bright red colour to mimic an apple. Next, carve a bite mark on one side to show the core. Then, paint the inside of the bite white and add tiny brown seeds. Finally, attach a green leaf at the top for a finishing touch. This charming pumpkin will surely catch everyone’s eye!
Conclusion
These 25 winning pumpkin decorating ideas will inspire creativity and fun this Halloween for kids. Each design offers a unique way to celebrate the season and showcase your artistic skills. Whether you choose a cozy pumpkin spice latte or a spooky Little Shop of Horrors, there’s something for everyone. We would love to hear your thoughts! Please share your favourite ideas or any tips you have for decorating pumpkins. Your insights can help others get inspired, too. Happy decorating!
Read Next: 21 Easy Scary Halloween Pumpkin Painting Ideas 2024
