How to Celebrate Halloween in 2020

Strut your most ghoulish costumes, put up your jack-o’-lanterns, and boast your most delicious pumpkin pies. Halloween is just around the corner! But 2020 seems to be raining on everyone’s parade, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey, almost 70 percent of Americans celebrated Halloween in 2019. And it’s no surprise why everyone gets giddy when they feel the hair-raising Halloween air and spirit. But how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 despite the pandemic?

They say it’s not the destination; it’s the journey. In this case, it’s not the location nor huge parties; it’s all about creativity. You can still have fun this Halloween and celebrate it like COVID has nothing on you. Here are a couple of ideas.

Hang treats

Let’s start with the basics — Trick or Treat. You surely can’t go about Halloween without the traditional Trick or Treat. But since we’re on to a “zero to minimal contact” rule, homeowners can still be generous with treats by hanging them. Try to hang candies and chocolates from your fence, so kids can quickly grab them. 

Drive-in movie night

Although Halloween organizers would prefer doing everything indoors, nothing like a good scary movie in the open air. Just remember not to share bowls of popcorn or glasses. If you miss hosting events, you can organize a scary movie night in an open lawn, drive-in style, just like how they do it in the 50s. Put up a projector and instill rules on car parking, which should be at least two meters apart. 

Indoor games

Staying at home is still the topmost priority despite the pandemic. And while it’s recommended to avoid mingling with other people in big crowds, you can always have an intimate gathering with your family at home. Think of indoor games for the entire family. You and your kids can still have fun through a pumpkin carving contest. Make sure you have a special treat waiting for the winner. Or you can also do a mummy wrap content. Pick two representatives and let your kids wrap them in tissue paper. The one with the spookiest mummy wins. 

Amp up decorations

Since Halloween parties are canceled this year, there’s no time to mope. Don’t let this break your Halloween spirit. Try to amp up your Halloween decorations at home so you won’t feel like Halloween is skipped this year. Then bake some Halloween-themed goodies for the entire family. 

Scary stories

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 with some friends without breaking the social-distancing rule, share some scary stories and do it COVID style. Set up a stage in an open space (your lawn is a good idea). Then put up some chairs, which should be at least a meter apart. Invite some friends over to share their scariest stories or experiences. Make sure you put on some eerie music to go well with the story-telling event. Entice the story-tellers with a special treat so everyone will be compelled to share. 

Bake and drop

Sharing the Halloween spirit has always been the tradition. Unfortunately, this year, sharing can be in different ways. If you don’t want to miss out on Halloween, but are still willing to share this moment with friends and family, you can “bake and drop.” Bake some Halloween-themed cupcakes and drop them off at your friends’ doorsteps. This way, you’re still letting them know you guys are in this together — pandemic or no pandemic. 

Facebook live party 

We know you miss being in huge crowds and meeting new people during special events and parties. But if you’re wondering how to celebrate Halloween in 2020 with familiar and random people, do it virtually. Social media has the power to bring everyone together. It’s all boils down to your creative juices. Host a Facebook live party for friends and everyone who likes to join. If you’re a musician, you can do a Facebook live performance. 

If you know your way through the kitchen, whip up some Halloween-inspired dishes and do everything live. Anything you can offer to the audience that’s entertaining will genuinely be appreciated, especially during this time where everyone is bored at home.

Zoom parties

We won’t be surprised if Zoom will be seeing a surge in video group calls for Halloween this year. Halloween advocates will be turning Zoom video group calls into an all-out Halloween blowout. You can put on the boldest or scariest makeup and organize Zoom events. You can see who has the eeriest backdrop, host costume parties, share ghost stories, or arrange a Halloween-themed trivia event. 

Wrap Up

The COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably holding off everyone’s plans this year. Of course, the topmost priority is everyone’s safety. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun — safely. If you’re still in a pickle about how to celebrate Halloween in 2020, try these simple and exciting ideas. Halloween events may be canceled, but nothing should ever break one’s Halloween spirit.