Creating a COVID-Friendly Halloween | Hospitality in the News

Every week we comb through the news to find employment trends affecting the hospitality industry so you don’t have to. This week’s (spooky) topic: how you can create a COVID-friendly Halloween and make it feel special amidst the pandemic.  

Because of the coronavirus, Halloween looks a little different this year. Unfortunately, many cities have ‘canceled’ Halloween due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 and whether it’s possible to uphold health and safety related requirements during a pretty hands-on holiday.  

Fortunately, there are other ways to celebrate a COVID-friendly Halloween that can still create the memories many of us hold dear. In this special issue of Hospitality in the News, we’ll be looking at a couple ways for families or businesses to make a COVID-friendly Halloween fun and provide a little normalcy in our lives.  

Creating a COVID-Friendly Halloween

Go all out with Halloween decorations
Create a creepy Halloween-scape by giving your decorations a boost. Even though Spirit Halloween stores didn’t open this year, places like Target or Amazon have great options – or, make your own! Jazzing up your store front or front yard can spice up a normally dull walk around the neighborhood and keep people talking for years to come. Just make sure you don’t create something so scary that neighbors call the cops. 

Make your own driving or walking tour
Grab your kids or your friends and check out the decorations in your neighborhood. Be sure to bring some Halloween treats, and don’t feel like you can’t wear a costume! Or, check out a haunted place near you. But be mindful that you don’t bring home and unintended guests… 

Take it outside
If weather permits, set up an outdoor movie marathon filled with Halloween classics. Or host a mini-costume contest or (socially distanced) parade. 

Candy scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunts are versatile enough that anyone can do it. Consider creating clues or hints on how to find candy you’ve hidden around your home or business – like an easter egg hunt. We promise, even adults will want to get in on the fun.  

Socially distanced trick or treating
Although official Halloween is ‘canceled’ in many places, there are still people who plan on throwing on their masks and hitting the streets for traditional trick or treating. If you’re one of those people, or someone who wants to be a trick or treating-friendly house, keep these options in mind:  

• Make a candy chute (or catapult, if you’re so inclined). Here’s some inspiration if you need it. 
• Provide individually bagged treats. 
• Wear a spooky mask.  

Although our COVID-friendly Halloween won’t be exactly what we hoped it would, there are still lots of ways to create some of the spooky magic we feel throughout October. Remember, there are tons of ways to make memories whether they’re traditional or not. Happy Halloween!