It may feel like it’s still summer, but Halloween is just around the corner. And if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait to decorate your house, get your costume together, and eat all the sweet treats. Of course, this Halloween is going to be a little different than other years — most people won’t be attending Halloween parties, going trick-or-treating, or taking part in normal Halloween events. But just because this Halloween may be unusual, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Check out these great ideas for new Halloween traditions to start this year — they’re so fun you’ll probably want to do them even when things are normal again!
1. Have a neighborhood costume parade
Although most people won’t be going trick-or-treating this year, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still get a chance to show off your costume. Stay safe and socially distant by having a neighborhood costume parade! Gather all the kids (and adults) on the sidewalks outside their houses and walk around to show everyone your awesome costume.
2. Have a Halloween movie night
If you’re spending Halloween at home, you have to watch Halloween movies. Looking to stream your favorites? HBO Max has tons of great options, from horror movies like The Invisible Man (HBO) and Ready or Not (HBO) to family-friendly movies like Scooby-Doo and The Witches (coming to HBO Max 10/22), there’s truly something for everyone!
3. Go on a Halloween scavenger hunt
Just because we can’t hang out in crowds doesn’t mean we can’t go outside — instead of trick-or-treating, go on a Halloween scavenger hunt as a family! Dress up in costume, then go outside and start your scavenger hunt. Look for things like blow up lawn decorations, Halloween door wreaths, jack-o-lanterns, Halloween lights, spiderwebs, tombstones, and more!
4. Have a spooky Halloween dinner
Halloween is one of the only holidays not known for formal dinners. Just think about it — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter — they’re all known for formal dinners. This year, have a Halloween dinner! Start the meal with pumpkin soup, then move onto pumpkin-shaped hand pies, jack-o-lantern stuffed peppers, and spiderweb pizza. Don’t forget to drink something creepy, like blood orange spritzers.
5. Make boo baskets for friends and neighbors
This year, boo baskets are going to be everywhere. What are boo baskets, you might ask? Well, they’re Halloween baskets filled with all sorts of goodies — candy, decorations, snacks, etc. Make boo baskets for your neighbors, drop them off at their doorsteps, then watch from a few feet away as they open them! It’s the perfect replacement for trick-or-treating.
