How can I safely celebrate Halloween?

Here are activities to enjoy—and avoid—in a pandemic

Like most things in 2020, Halloween will look different for many people this year. That doesn't mean you can't still have fun. Use this list of activity ideas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure your celebration is safe and spooktacular.

Low-risk activities

• Carving pumpkins with your family
• Getting in the Halloween spirit by decorating your house
• Creating a Halloween scavenger hunt for your family; kiddos can be given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for and walk around their neighborhood admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Holding a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Watching Halloween movies with your family
• Hiding treats around your home for your family to find, similar to an Easter egg hunt

Moderately risky activities

• Carefully trick-or-treating (while wearing a face mask and socially distancing) at homes that offer individually wrapped goodie bags you can pick up at the end of a driveway or on a table
• Attending a small outdoor costume parade where people can stay at least 6 feet away from each other and wear masks
• Going to an outdoor, walk-through haunted forest where people are required to wear masks, walk in the same direction and remain 6 feet apart

High-risk activities to avoid

• Participating in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating
• Attending crowded costume parties or trunk-or-treat events
• Going to an indoor haunted house
• Enjoying hayrides or tractor rides with people who do not live in your house
• Taking part in any group activity where it's difficult to socially distance

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween, or any other upcoming holidays, it's important to follow your local health department's guidance and to stay home if you feel sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention