We have a spooky feeling that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new guidelines for Halloween is just the beginning of reimagining how we celebrate the holiday season. To the disappointment of many, trick-or-treating and other popular Halloween traditions are considered high-risk activities. But here’s a list of Halloween ideas to enjoy in 2020 during COVID.
Decorate the Freak Out of Your Living Space
Go for it and go all out! (This is applicable for the entire holiday season — not just Halloween.)
In the home, front yards, back yards, front doors, balconies, garage doors, windows — go to town, especially getting the littles in the spirit. Your living space will more than likely be your holiday backdrop, so have fun. There are tons of small businesses that offer decor and halloween decorations.
Not prepped for decorations? Party Hop Shop has a “Boo Box” to Get your house and kids ready for Halloween.
Neighborhood Fun
These ideas will get the family excited and in on some competitive action to show your Halloween spirit. Nominate neighbors for the judging panel and get a few traveling trophies for the winners.
Best Halloween Decorations or Haunted Yard
Neighbors can bike or drive through in their costumes to check out the friendly competition.
Neighborhood Family Costume Contest
The family gathers in the front yard or driveway to show off this year’s family Halloween themed costumes.
Halloween Table Contest
The traditional trundle or treat is considered high-risk but the CDC says one-way trick-or-treating — in which individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for people to pick up while maintaining social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard) — is a moderate-risk activity.
Every house participating sets up a themed table where trick-or-treaters can have some socially-distanced fun, participate in one way trick or treating, while keeping the contact to a minimum.
If you plan to participate, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags, the CDC says. A table should be stationed 6 feet away from the front door with individual bags of candy for children to grab on their own.
Drive-Thru Haunted House
This isn’t a competition, but it is one of the most fun Halloween Ideas for 2020 during COVID. The simplist is to visit a drive-thru haunted house if one is happening in your area.
Another option? Create your own drive-thru neighborhood haunted house that you and the neighbors decorate with inflatables, decorations, lights and themed settings. Each neighbor is responsible for their section of the street. The whole block can be related thematically, or each area can have its own — it’s up to you. You can also get a few adults or older teenagers to dress up and jump out at cars along the way.
Pumpkin Carving, Painting & Decorating
This is a fun, creative, and candy-free activity. You can do the traditional carving, just make sure there is an adult supervising young kids. For a decorating party, use markers, glitter, and stickers to keep it a low-stress mess. Use craft paper underneath for easy cleanup.
Haunted Halloween Hunt
Think Easter but for Halloween celebrations. Turn your Backyard into a glow in the dark haunted egg hunt extravaganza. You can get these amazing Halloween Eggs on Amazon to hide small treats in as well as or if you’re planning the hunt for when the sun goes down get some glow in the dark eggs!
If those aren’t available, you can get plain white Easter Eggs or orange Easter Eggs and decorate them yourself with a marker.
Host a Virtual Halloween Costume Contest
Throw a Halloween Zoom party with friends and family. Put on your Halloween playlist, your best costume, set up a great backdrop, pour some Hallowine for the adults, and enjoy. It’s easy to throw a costume contest for prizes.
You can also use LYFETYMES, the free digital party planning platform and marketplace to easily add your guests and send out a virtual link.
Remote Party / Gifting Ideas
Boo-lloons Bouquets
Balloons are a very popular way to celebrate any occasion. And they have come a long way. It is a booming business right now with contactless delivery and helping support small businesses. One In A Melon Party & Balloon services in Camas, Washington is a personal favorite.
Create a Spooky Basket
Think an Easter basket for Halloween. This spooky basket is a gift basket filled with all the goodies. Include their favorite candy, some activity books, toys — whatever they love. This is a great idea for grandparents to send to grandchildren if they can’t physically be together.
Ghosting
Another Popular Halloween idea is “ghosting.” (No, this isn’t the act of slipping away at a party without being seen.) Think of this as the Secret Santa for Halloween. A friend purchases or puts together a Halloween-themed goody bag, then drops it off or ships it to someone’s home. Make sure everyone participating sticks to the same budget. The gift reveals can happen over a Zoom party link.
Halloween 2020 is big this year. There will have a full moon, a blue moon, daylight savings time change will happen on Saturday night, AND it’s all happening in unprecedented times. But you can still have fun!
However you decide to celebrate Halloween 2020 during COVID, remember to try a few ideas, take a ton of pictures, have fun, and be safe. And don’t forget to check out the moon!