20 spooky songs matched with the perfect ballroom and Latin dances to keep your Halloween party moving all night long.

Are you throwing a Halloween party this year? You’ve probably planned everything: scary zombies lurking in corners, fake spider webs hanging from the ceiling, and Halloween-themed treats for everyone to enjoy. But have you thought about the music you’ll be playing?

Sure, you could type “Halloween” into Spotify and hope for the best, but you might end up with cheesy sound effects and un-danceable tracks. What you really need is a curated playlist that keeps the spooky theme alive while getting everyone moving on the dance floor.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together the ultimate Halloween party playlist with suggested dances for each song. Whether your guests are experienced social dancers or complete beginners, these tracks will keep the Halloween spirit alive while creating a dance floor that nobody wants to leave.

Setting the Mood: Opening Your Halloween Dance Party

1. Halloween Movie Theme Song

Let’s be honest—you can’t really dance to this one, but it absolutely sets the mood for your party. Play this as guests arrive to establish the spooky atmosphere before the dancing begins.

Dance: None (mood setter)

2. Thriller by Michael Jackson

You cannot throw a Halloween party without this Michael Jackson masterpiece. If you know the iconic Thriller choreography, now’s your moment to shine! If not, the song works perfectly for Cha-Cha or Hustle.

Dance: Cha-Cha, Hustle, or the Thriller Dance

3. Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett

This one should never be overlooked when creating a Halloween playlist. Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s an absolute classic! The slower tempo makes it perfect for Rumba, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath after Thriller.

Dance: Rumba

Spooky Classics and Dance Floor Favorites

4. The Addams Family Theme Song

While we’re celebrating classics, let’s not forget The Addams Family. Tango is generally considered a passionate dance, but when you channel it with a macabre theme, you’ll create a dance that would make Morticia and Gomez proud.

Dance: Tango

5. Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Time to cool down the passion and kick the party into high gear! This edgy track is perfect for Cha-Cha and keeps the Halloween theme going strong.

Dance: Cha-Cha

6. Superstition by Stevie Wonder

Keep the momentum going with this Stevie Wonder classic. It’s perfect for West Coast Swing and maintains the Halloween theme with its superstitious lyrics.

Dance: West Coast Swing

7. Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin

Every party needs a good Foxtrot mixer, and this one is perfect! Bobby Darin’s classic somehow manages to make dark subject matter sound classy and sophisticated.

Dance: Foxtrot

Eerie Elegance: Waltz and Dramatic Moments

8. Dark Waltz by Hayley Westenra

This beautiful Waltz is just eerie enough to maintain the Halloween theme while showcasing elegant movement. Every party needs a good waltz, and this one will have the “ghosts” floating gracefully across your floor.

Dance: Waltz

9. Aha by Pentatonix

If you haven’t discovered Pentatonix, look them up! They’re known for Christmas albums, but this zombie-themed cover takes Tango from passionate to dramatically creepy. For more on this topic, check out Why Your Arthur Murray Teacher Recommends the Swing.

Dance: Tango

10. Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show

Want to make sure everyone at your party is happy? Don’t overlook your Rocky Horror enthusiasts! This song is fun, keeps with the Halloween theme, and works perfectly for Lindy Hop. Get everyone sweating!

Dance: Lindy Hop

Keeping the Energy High

11. Disturbia by Rihanna

Keep everyone moving with this Cha-Cha by Rihanna. It’s hip, it’s creepy, and it’s guaranteed to fill your dance floor.

Dance: Cha-Cha

12. Five Nights at Freddy’s by The Living Tombstone

This newer song will make the younger crowd at your party happy. Dance Hustle to this track by The Living Tombstone and watch the energy level soar.

Dance: Hustle

13. Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon

It’s time for some Swing dancing! This Warren Zevon classic fulfills all the requirements for your Halloween party while keeping feet moving across the floor.

Dance: Swing

14. I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

As you near the latter part of your party, keep things upbeat without playing too many of the same dances in a row. This Viennese Waltz by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins is perfect for mixing things up.

Dance: Viennese Waltz

Winding Down (But Not Too Much)

15. Season of the Witch by Donovan

This song doesn’t sound particularly scary, but it was featured in American Horror Story and appears on Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows soundtrack. It makes a great Bolero and creates a fun opportunity to quiz guests on scary movies and shows.

Dance: Bolero

16. Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell

This Rockwell hit from the 80s is definitely a crowd pleaser. As you near the end of your party, this versatile track works for either Hustle or Cha-Cha.

Dance: Hustle or Cha-Cha

17. Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.

Who you gonna call? This 80s classic gets everyone singing along while dancing Hustle. Perfect for keeping the energy up as the night continues.

Dance: Hustle

18. This Is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton fans will love this addition to your playlist. The quirky rhythm works well for a playful Jive or East Coast Swing.

Dance: Jive or East Coast Swing

19. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads

Add some new wave flavor to your Halloween dance party with this Talking Heads classic. It works beautifully for Hustle or freestyle dancing.

Dance: Hustle

20. Don’t Fear the Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult

End your party on a classic rock note with this iconic track. The tempo is perfect for a slow Nightclub Two-Step or Rumba, giving couples a romantic moment before the evening ends.

Dance: Nightclub Two-Step or Rumba

Tips for Hosting a Halloween Dance Party

Create the Right Atmosphere

• Lighting: Use colored bulbs, candles, and string lights to create a spooky but danceable environment
• Space: Clear enough floor space for dancing—at least 10×10 feet for a small gathering
• Fog Machine: Low-lying fog adds drama without obscuring vision for dancers

Encourage Participation

• Award prizes for best costumes that are also danceable
• Play dance mixers early in the evening to get shy guests moving
• Demonstrate simple moves during the first few songs to build confidence

Consider Your Guests’ Skill Levels

• Mix easy dances (Hustle, basic Swing) with more challenging ones
• Include songs where people can freestyle if they don’t know specific styles
• Keep Foxtrot and Waltz songs shorter for beginners

Building Your Dance Skills Before the Party

Want to impress everyone at your Halloween party? There’s still time to learn some moves! The dances featured in this playlist include:

• Cha-Cha: A fun, flirty Latin dance perfect for upbeat songs
• Hustle: A versatile partner dance that works with many songs
• Swing: Energetic and playful, perfect for party atmospheres
• Tango: Dramatic and passionate, ideal for spooky themes
• Waltz: Elegant and flowing, adds sophistication to any event

At Arthur Murray, we can help you prepare for any social dancing situation—Halloween parties included! Our first lesson introduces you to the basics of multiple dance styles, giving you the confidence to hit any dance floor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween Dance Parties

What if my guests don’t know how to dance?

Include songs like Thriller where everyone can do the iconic choreography, or play popular hits where freestyle dancing feels natural. Mixers and group dances are also great for getting non-dancers moving.

How long should my Halloween dance playlist be?

For a 3-4 hour party, plan about 60-80 songs. Not everyone will dance to every song, and you’ll want variety throughout the evening.

What’s the best time to play the slow songs?

Save slower dances like Waltz and Bolero for the middle or end of your party. Start with high-energy songs to get people moving, then vary the tempo throughout the evening.

Make Your Next Party Unforgettable

Whether it’s Halloween or any other occasion, knowing how to dance transforms any party from ordinary to extraordinary. Find an Arthur Murray studio near you and start learning the moves that will make you the star of every dance floor.

Happy Halloween and happy dancing!