How to Celebrate Halloween During the Pandemic

Halloween is the time for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, visiting haunted houses, and going to costume parties. But how do you celebrate Halloween during the pandemic this year? Traditional activities – like trick-or-treating – may not be happening in your town and can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19.

Here are some steps to make Halloween safer and some alternative ideas for fun activities.

Making trick-or-treating safer

If you are participating in door-to-door trick-or-treating:

• Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters and their parents or other adults
• Give out your treat outdoors
• Set up individually bagged treats for kids to grab and go

As always, wash your hands before handling treats and wear a mask.

As a trick-or-treater:

Stay at least six feet away from those who do not live with you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

Bring hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol) and use it after touching objects or other people. Parents should supervise your children using hand sanitizer.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds once you get home and before you eat any treats.

Wearing a mask during Halloween

Speaking of masks, you can make a cloth mask as part of your costume for Halloween. Just remember that a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Also, do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask as it can make breathing more difficult.

Masks do not have to be worn by children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing.

Enjoying other Halloween activities

If trick-or-treating is not an option for your family, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Halloween during the pandemic.

Decorate your house

Decorate your home for Halloween and then walk through your neighborhood admiring other decorated houses from a distance. Maybe have a contest with your neighbors for the spookiest or most creatively decorated home.

Carve pumpkins

Carve pumpkins, which can become part of your Halloween decorations. Get together with neighbors and friends and have a pumpkin carving party outside and socially distanced.

Visit an orchard, haunted forest, or corn maze

Wherever you go, be sure to stay socially distanced, wear a mask, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching pumpkins, apples, and common surfaces.

Go on a scavenger hunt

Make up an outdoor Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Or hide treats in and around your house and have a Halloween hunt with members of your family.

Host a movie night

Stay in with your family or set up a movie night outside with friends and neighbors.

Hold a costume parade or contest

Let everyone show off their costumes and have fun with an outdoor parade through your neighborhood. Have a contest for the best, scariest, or most creative costumes.

Need more ideas?

7 Fun Halloween Activities to Do at Home – PBS for Parents

16 Moms Share How They Plan on Spending Halloween This Year – Cafe Mom

Halloween & COVID-19: Have Fun While Staying Safe – HealthChildren.org

6 Safer Ways to Celebrate Halloween During COVID-19 – Healthline

Tips to celebrate Halloween safely during the COVID-19 pandemic – USA Today

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