Halloween is a very social time, and obviously this year many social activities are off-limits. But more than ever this year we need to find joy where we can and reach out (safely!) to our communities to support and care for one another. Sure, celebrating a silly festival isn’t going to change the world, but it’s a great opportunity to connect with our friends and neighbours and let loose a little.
While we can’t have big parties, concerts or indoor events, there are still lots of ways to have fun for Halloween… and stay safe doing it. After all, we’re all already wearing masks!
So how do we celebrate in the age of coronavirus?
- Trick or treat! It’s outdoors, can be done in small groups — and you can make a mask part of your costume. Obviously we’ll have to wait and see what the rules are closer to Halloween, but under London’s current Tier 2 restrictions (no indoor household mixing and the “rule of six” for socialising outdoors) it’s still possible.
- Carve jack-o-lanterns! And when you’re done, use them to…
- Decorate! Pumpkins, spider webs, spooky pictures in the front window for neighbourhood kids (and adults) to enjoy.
- Spooky scavenger hunts! In your house or around your neighbourhood. We’ll post some sample scavenger hunts here in the next couple weeks…
- Scary film night! Gather your bubble, pop some popcorn (or make some creepy treats) and get in the Halloween mood with classic scary movies.
- Zoom costume party! Okay, it’s not the same as the real thing, but a virtual party with ridiculous costumes, cheesy music and Halloween cocktails or mocktails is still fun.
- Or take your costumes out into the real world! Stay safe and keep your distance, of course, but why not show off your creative genius (or bad puns) to spread some Halloween cheer!
- Some traditional Halloween events are still on! Watch our list — we’ll add more as we find them.
- If you feel like you need a little help getting up to speed with costumes and jack-o-lanterns and such, we’ve put together a little Halloween How-To guide.
What are others saying?
Don’t just take it from us. Check out media coverage of Halloween plans for 2020. (Note: some of these sources are, perhaps unsurprisingly, American.)
Coronavirus and Halloween: Can you go trick or treating? “From trick or treating to apple bobbing, the traditions of 31 October aren’t things you would immediately consider to be ‘Covid-safe’. So does that mean Halloween is cancelled this year? Not necessarily, according to Dr Chris Smith, a virologist at the University of Cambridge.” [BBC]
Can Halloween Be Saved? Yes, Experts Say. Here’s How. “You can still safely celebrate the ghoulish season, but trick-or-treating and other celebrations may have to be modified to protect against coronavirus infection.” [The New York Times]
What Halloween Could Look Like This Year “Many Halloween traditions are still safe, and others — possibly even trick-or-treating — could be adapted to our changing times. We can even take a cue from traditions from other holidays for new ways to keep Halloween fun and festive.” [Readers Digest]
Parents don’t have to cancel Halloween with these creative ideas “Trick-or-treating might look different during the pandemic, but kids can still have scary-good fun.” [National Geographic]
Halloween 2020 and COVID-19: What is changing this year? “Health experts are urging caution and care during Halloween, asking that people avoid large parties and events and stay safe while trick-or-treating. Some organizations have already canceled their October events, while others are working to move the fun online.” [Today]
When is Halloween 2020 and what day of the week does the event fall on this year? “The annual celebration of all things scary is expected to run in line with current social distancing laws such as the rule of six’.” [The Sun]
Trick-or-What? Pandemic Halloween is a mixed bag all around. “The family holiday so many look forward to each year is going to look different in the pandemic as parents and the people who provide Halloween fun navigate myriad restrictions and safety concerns.” [Washington Post]
Halloween 2020: how Celtic trick-or-treating and Gaelic turnip-carving led to the US celebration “The spookiest day in the calendar is fast approaching, but it may feel a little different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” [The Telegraph]
Halloween 2020: When is Halloween? Is the spooky holiday cancelled? “Halloween is nearly here, but fears of more local lockdowns and harsher restrictions has led people to believe that celebrations will be impossible. Is the spooky holiday cancelled?” [Express]
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