7 Safe And Spooky Ways To Celebrate Halloween This Year

This year’s Halloween night is sure to be frightful – but not just because of Halloween ghosts and goblins. This year, we all have to make sure that we don’t spread COVID-19, so we can’t let down our guard, even if it’s a holiday. Many towns and cities have recommended against, or even banned, trick-or-treating and normal Halloween festivities. But don’t despair, because you can still celebrate safely in spooky style! If you’re still looking for something spook-tacular to do this Halloween, here are seven ways to celebrate: 

1. Go to a Halloween drive-in. 

Check your local news and social media to find information about themed drive-in events in your area. Where I live, you can attend a haunted hayride or drive through an exhibit full of thousands of jack-o-lanterns, all from the safety of your own car. What’s more, drive-in movie theaters are making a come-back and featuring some beloved Halloween films. 

2. Join a car parade. 

If you really want to get into the Halloween spirit, you can decorate your car and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Start a caravan, and drive around some local neighborhoods to look at decorated homes. For extra fun, make a Halloween playlist with all of your favorite spooky songs to listen to on the ride. You’ll have fun seeing your friends and family in a festive, socially-distant way. Plus, anyone who sees your car parade will certainly think it’s a treat! 

3. Have a Zoom costume party. 

One of my favorite Halloween traditions is hand-making Halloween costumes with my boyfriend. Although we can’t go out this year, we can still show off our new costumes via video chat. If you’re sad that your annual costume party is cancelled, make it virtual instead! You can even ask everyone to bring their favorite Halloween-themed snacks and drinks onto Zoom! 

4. Have a movie night. 

Prepare your favorite Halloween snacks, put on your comfiest pants, and watch some scary movies. Cuddle up with other members of your household, and get ready to scream! You can also invite friends and family to join you via video chat or Teleparty! 

5. Pick the perfect pumpkin. 

Many pumpkin patches are still open, albeit with restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit a pumpkin patch during their off-hours to avoid the crowds, take some cute fall photos, and pick the perfect pumpkin to take home with you. If there isn’t an open pumpkin patch near you, many local grocery stores sell pumpkins, so you don’t have to miss out on pumpkin carving this year! After you finish carving, admire your masterpiece and cook up some pumpkin seeds. 

6. Trick-or-treat at home. 

Trick-or-treat from the safety of your own home. Have each member of the house hand out candy to all of their other housemates. If you have kids in your home, have them knock on doors to different rooms in the house, and pass out candy that way. For extra fun, set up a candy scavenger hunt in your home or backyard. If you do choose to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, please remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask. Chances are, you’ll have plenty of treats left over to munch on later! 

7. Decorate your home. 

Even during COVID-19, you can still decorate your home for everyone to enjoy. Put out some of your favorite Halloween decorations, or buy new decor on Etsy to support small businesses. You can also bring your favorite fall scents into your home with fall-themed scented candles, air fresheners, or soaps.

Although Halloween will look a little different this year because of COVID-19, there’s no reason that it can’t still be full of ghoulish delights! With a little bit of creativity and a positive attitude, you’ll definitely get into the spooky spirit. When you incorporate these safe takes on classic Halloween activities, you may even make some new traditions, which is the best part of the season!

Featured Photo by Julia Raasch on Unsplash.