Why the Face? Get Pumpkin Perfection with Our Guide to Carving a Killer Jack-o’-Lantern
If tomorrow happens to be Halloween and creativity is haunting you – don’t panic.
There’s still time to carve a pumpkin that turns heads, lights up your flat, and maybe even wins over your grumpy neighbour.
Whether you’re based in Vienna or Graz, we’ll show you how to create a Jack-o’-Lantern that’s anything but basic – with local tips, 2025-approved styles, and a step-by-step that works even if you’ve never held a carving knife in your life.
Listen to our Podcast
What’s this all about? Let’s turn your WG into the Haus of Pumpkin! A fast, fun guide to carving your own Halloween pumpkin – from choosing the right type to cutting like a boss and lighting it up in your city flat.
Important facts summarized:
- Classic carving pumpkins are best – Hokkaido is cute, but a pain to cut
- You can grab carving kits at Tiger, Müller, or IKEA for under €10
- LED tea lights are safer than candles (and last longer)
- Vienna has markets – Graz has charm. Both have pumpkins
- Paint works too – if you’re not ready to commit to a knife
The Right Pumpkin (and the Right Mood)
Pumpkin shopping is where the vibe starts. In Vienna, head to the Naschmarkt or Brunnenmarkt. In Graz, try the Kaiser-Josef-Markt or any local Biohof on the weekend. What you want is size, shape, and attitude.
Carving pumpkins – sometimes labeled as Halloween pumpkins – are hollow, smooth, and just begging for a face. Hokkaido might look artsy, but the thick skin will test your patience. Muskat pumpkins are beautiful and big, but need solid knife skills. Baby Boos? Perfect for painting or lining your WG hallway like a spooky runway.
Listen to your pumpkin. If it feels right, it probably is.
Pumpkin Cheat Sheet – Pick Your Fighter (but not for free)
| Pumpkin Type | What it Looks Like | Best For | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Pumpkin | Big, round, classic orange | Carving faces & patterns | Hollow inside = easier to cut |
| Hokkaido | Small, firm, deep orange | Painting or small carvings | Too tough for detailed designs |
| Muscat | Large, ribbed, earthy tones | Stylish cuts or statement pieces | Needs sharp knives and patience |
| Baby Boo | Tiny, white, cute | Painting, table decor | Skip the knife – go full acrylic |
| Butternut | Long and smooth | Abstract carvings, painted faces | Unusual shape = cool for minimalism |
But one final tip: Don’t steal pumpkins. Seriously. In Austria, picking a pumpkin off someone’s field – even if it’s “just lying there” – is considered theft. Farmer Hans is not messing around. Instead, buy one, bond with it, carve it, name it, and watch it glow.
Carving – No Panic, Just Pumpkins
Let’s keep it chill. This isn’t heart surgery. The steps are simple:
- Slice off the top in a gentle zig-zag (prevents lid from falling in)
- Scoop out the insides – yes, it’s gross, but also kinda fun
- Draw your face or pattern with a marker
- Start carving slowly from the center outwards
- Pop in your light and give that beauty a name
Pro tip: If you’re worried about the mess, layer your table with old (Colivi) flyers. Sustainability meets spooky.
Tools & Tips – Graz vs. Vienna Edition
Wherever you are, don’t overthink it. Carving kits are cheap and way safer than winging it with your steak knife.
- In Vienna, check Flying Tiger, Müller, or even Thalia.
- In Graz, Libro, TEDi, or the city’s smaller craft stores usually have great seasonal supplies.
- Candle? Skip it. LED tea lights or fairy lights are brighter, safer, and reusable.
And yes – you can keep your pumpkin on your windowsill, balcony, or even inside your flat (just don’t forget it there until Advent).
2025 Trends – Carving Is the New Personality
This year, it’s all about Witchcore. Think crescent moons, stars, mysterious eyes. Less horror movie, more enchanted art student. Painted pumpkins are also huge again – minimalist lines, pastel skulls, or meme references like “404: Face Not Found”.
And of course, the classic jack-o’-lantern still slaps. There’s nothing wrong with triangle eyes and a toothy grin. Bonus: everyone recognizes it, even in Graz where Halloween still feels a bit exotic. Feeling brave? Try carving your roommate’s initials. Or their ex’s. Just saying.
Fazit
So you’ve carved a pumpkin. Maybe two. You’ve made your flat smell like autumn and your roommates slightly concerned. You’ve won Halloween – or at least claimed your throne as the creative one in the WG.
And if your current kitchen doesn’t have space for pumpkin guts or your balcony is more “sardine can” than spooky scene, you’ll find a comfortable room: Check out our student apartments in Vienna. You are in Vienna and need accommodation besides your studies? ➟ Vienna apartments for rent: comfy, central base for all your city adventures – nature breaks included. Book early, and come back with leaves in your hair and think about the option of Flatshare in Vienna or short term rentals in Vienna.
Looking for Graz apartments for rent that won’t eat your entire budget? Done. Colivi offers cheap apartments for rent. And if Vienna is calling your name, Flatshare Vienna could be your next move – because Austria’s too fabulous to stay in just one city.
freepik and birgit and nanobanana: thank you for the pics!
