Halloween is on our doorsteps, and so is everything we love about it: frightening decorations, trick-or-treating, and spooky jack-o'-lanterns. Whether you're a pro at carving pumpkins or just starting out, it's almost always easier to have a stencil for your design instead of free-handing your carving. We rounded up our favorite pumpkin carving stencils that range from delightfully magical to downright scary to get you started on your pumpkin carving projects this year.
The Fox and the Hare
Not all pumpkin carvings need to be scary—some can be whimsical, like these fox and hare pumpkins.
Fairy House
If your Halloween decor tends to skew more magical and mysterious than eerie, this Fairy House pumpkin carving stencil adds just the right touch of fairy magic to your Halloween porch display.
Glowing Moth
This glowing moth pumpkin carving is enchanting, giving your carved pumpkin a more elevated Halloween look.
Starry Night Constellation
Look to the stars for inspiration for your next pumpkin carving. This starry night constellation gives your Halloween decor a celestial feel.
Snakes and Frogs
Slimy snakes and frogs take center stage with this woodland-themed carved pumpkin set.
Haunted Houses
A haunted house high up on a hill is the spookiest in the neighborhood. For the most dramatic effect, use tall pumpkins for this project.
Scaredy Cat
This scaredy cat pumpkin carving hisses at passerby who dare to disturb it. Turn your pumpkin on its side for more space to carve the full cat.
Happy Witches
Not all witches are frightening, like these happy witch pumpkin carvings with jolly smiles. Paint your pumpkins black before carving for a dramatically witchy effect.
The Devil
What would Halloween be without a devilish grin? This devil pumpkin carving will spook any goblin or ghoul that dares to cross your threshold.
Wicked Witch
A wicked witch flying off into the Halloween night makes for an appropriately chilling pumpkin display.
Jumping Goblin
Jumping goblins and mushrooms offer a mischievous twist on traditional Halloween pumpkin carvings.
Giant Troll
Straight out of a fairy tale, this giant troll guards the front door with a menacing look.
Glowing Vampire
Perfectly ominous and downright frightening, carve your pumpkin into the likeness of this glowing vampire.
The Headless Horseman
The Headless Horseman rides through the night in this depiction of folklore's spookiest midnight rider.
Frightening Ghosts
Boo! Scary ghosts bound to cause a fright grace these carved pumpkins.