1). Social distance trick-or-treating: Very few neighborhoods, if any, feel it safe to open their doors to hundreds of hands digging in the same bowl for candy. As a COVID alternative, some folks are putting bowls in their driveways or front yards with a corresponding bottle of hand sanitizer. If parents deem it safe, children will be asked to sanitize their hands before getting candy out of the bowl. Meanwhile, the homeowner can wave safely from the window while sipping a pumpkin spiced latte. In fact, some neighborhood associations are planning this type of event in a strategic way by getting names of all kids in the neighborhood and making treat bags with specific name tags on them. Each neighborhood child will take his or her respective treat bag without having to touch another child’s candy. 

2). Reverse trick-or-treating: This option is a spin on traditional trick-or-treating. Instead of the child going to various houses and knocking on doors for candy, friends and family leave candy and treat bags on the child’s stoop or porch. Think of it as curbside pickup trick-or-treating. Kids aren’t the only ones who are going to miss a traditional Halloween. People without children at home or with older children will miss seeing all the cute youngsters dressed in their spooky garb. Reverse trick-or-treating allows a select group to visit their favorite families at home and still make a connection on Halloween. 

3). Bubble/pod parties: The words “bubble” and “pod” have been thrown around a lot during this pandemic. And by that, we mean a small group of people who have hung out or been together throughout the pandemic and therefore have already put themselves in close proximity with this group. This involves a very small amount of people such as family and close friends. This type of Halloween party would offer festive fun without exposing guests to too many germs or people. During the bubble/pod soiree, people can play games, enjoy food and dress up in costumes. If you go with this option, still be careful. You don’t want your party to become a super spreader event or a COVID cluster. 

4). Drive-in movies and other community options: During COVID-19, businesses and communities have gotten creative with events and activities. Halloween is no different. Some venues are offering drive-in movies of Ghostbusters and other fun flicks. Other towns are hosting social distanced trunk-or-treating, drive-thru trick-or-treating or small events for limited guests. Check your local Chambers of Commerce and Visitor Centers for more information. Churches, tourist attractions and community centers are also great resources for these types of activities. 

5). Keep it in the family: One final yet special option it to keep Halloween celebrations in the family. If you stay inside your home, you know you will be safe. If this is what you decide, there are a number of festive activities in which you can partake. Some of these include pumpkin carving, baking spooky treats, watching scary movies, telling ghost stories around a campfire or having fun with a Halloween piñata. 

Even though Halloween 2020 will feel different, that does not mean it can’t be fun, festive and memorable. In fact, it’s quite possible we'll look back on this particular October 31 with fondness as the Halloween that was unique from any other.