A COVID-Friendly Halloween

As the Town of Winthrop approaches its most “frightful” night of the year, while still being in the high-risk RedZone for COVID cases many are wondering what, if any, Halloween festivities will take place. Although this season’s activities may look a bit different, for good and safe reasons, that doesn’t necessarily mean no fun can happen on the most playfully chilling night of the year for people of all ages.

Trick or Treating:

The ancient tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween night is a tradition that doesn’t have to die in the wake of COVID-19 if done properly and safely. However, due to this activity being more socially involved, many may not be that comfortable with participating. Whether you are participating, or are turning to other celebratory methods, all residents are advised to keep some sort of porch light on or off to signify if they are accepting trick or treaters. If you are giving out the treats this year, the Town of Winthrop is advising you to make individually wrapped candy bags that can be left on the edge of a porch or driveway for children to take a safe distance. However, if you are going out and about on the town in search of candy follow the Town of Winthrop’s Social Distancing Guidelines and always make sure to wear a face-covering (costume masks do not count), carry 6o% alcohol hand sanitizer, social distance if you come into contact with other parties, never touch your face, and please stay home and watch movies if you are feeling unwell as an alternative.

Although traditional trick-or-treating can be done socially distant and safe, those who may be at higher risk may feel uncomfortable with participating, but luckily, there are plenty of more safe and fun festivities you can partake in!

Virtual Halloween Costume Party

Halloween costumes are traditional to the season, and just because COVID is here, doesn’t mean you still can’t dress up and show off your outfit! For a 100% safe and socially distanced party idea, meet up with your friends via Zoom, or other streaming platforms to show off your DIY costumes and vote for your favorites.

Movie Marathon

If dressing up and partying isn’t necessarily your thing, there is still great fun to be had to put you in the Halloween spirit. Rather than going out, pick out a bunch of Halloween related movies and some addictive sweets and snack the night away.

Some Movies Ideas include:

Those who Scare Easily: Corpse Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline, Paranorman, Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Casper, Ghostbusters, The Harry Potter Series.

For Those Looking for more of a Scare: It, Sinister, Anabelle, Poltergeist, The Ring, Hereditary, Scream, Get Out, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Us.

Pumpkin Carving meet-up

If you find yourself to be a more hands-on and crafty person, a pumpkin carving and painting “party” may be more up your alley. Pick up some miniature pumpkins, and carving tools or paint and spend the night decorating your pumpkin with your family or a small group of friends. For more fun, put out a prize for the scariest or most uniquely decorated pumpkin. 

Halloween scavenger hunt

For kids who may be confined to their homes for Halloween this year, a fun scavenger hunt may be the perfect substitute for a typical night of trick or treating. Gather a bunch of Halloween candy or small toys and carefully hide them throughout your house or your backyard. Then, grab your typical trick-or-treat basket and hunt for as many treats as you can find! 

Small indoor/outdoor celebration

Most people traditionally celebrate Halloween with a party with all their friends. Due to Winthrop being high risk this year, big parties (10+ people), both indoor and outdoor should be strictly prohibited. However, meeting up with no more than 10 people, preferably outside, with proper social distancing and masks could be a more safe option to show off costumes, watch movies, decorate, eat candy, etc. in place of your traditional large gathering.

Halloween Baking Competition

If the typical October chill makes Halloween 2020 particularly cold, an indoor baking alternative may be more optimal. Run to your nearest grocery store and get needed baking items to have a Halloween-themed bake-off with family or a small group of friends for a safe, practical, and warm holiday.

With Halloween finally landing on a Saturday, it may be pretty disappointing that we can’t celebrate in the fashion that we normally do. However, there are plenty of safe and fun alternatives to huge Halloween parties that will be just as much fun and much more safe for the time being. No matter which way you decide to celebrate, always remember to wear your mask and social distance so Halloween 2021 can be double the fun!