Decorate cookies or cupcakes : It’s not Halloween without an abundance of sweets, right? Gather your kids, invite over neighbors, or host a bunch of your friends for a night of decking out cookies or cupcakes (or both!) with icing spiderwebs, candy corn graveyards, and marshmallow ghosts. Keep it outdoors and/or masked if your group includes both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Paint (or Carve) Pumpkins : It’s never too late to decorate pumpkins—even on Halloween night. If you’re stuck inside (or prefer to stay inside), spend the spookiest night of the year trying some no-carve pumpkin ideas. Kids love it, and it’s way less messy than carving pumpkins.
Host a Wine and Candy Tasting Party : Oh, yes, you read that correctly. We know exactly which wines to pair with which classic Halloween candies, and you’re going to want to invite over some friends for a very serious, very sophisticated wine-and-candy tasting, fit for a sommelier (well, maybe).
Have a Halloween Movie Marathon : Whatever your pleasure—funny, nostalgic, or absolutely bone-chilling—Halloween movies on Netflix are definitely in order if you’re staying in this October 31.
…or Go to the Movies : No need to watch a scary or festive movie if you’re not interested. You might just want to get away from the Halloween mayhem altogether—in which case, head to the movies (we might suggest a drive-in this year). Plus, even if you’re not a Halloween fanatic, you can still take advantage of the annual excuse to enjoy gobs of candy at the theater.
Curl Up With a Scary Book : On your own this Halloween? Set the mood by lighting a bunch of candles, grabbing a glass of mulled wine or hard cider, and curling up with a blanket and spooky page-turner. Need book recommendations? Here are a few of our favorite psychological thrillers and mysteries to inspire your Halloween read.
Mix Up Some Halloween Cocktails : Who says Halloween can’t be for the grownups? You may be living on your own now and wondering how to celebrate Halloween last-minute, right from your own house or apartment. Invite your pals over (or set up a virtual happy hour) and whip up a batch of Halloween-themed cocktails everyone will love. (They’re perfect for sipping on while the kids decorate cookies and pumpkins, too!)
Make S’mores : There’s nothing like toasting marshmallows over an open fire on a cold, October night (read: s’mores aren’t just for summer campfires!). If you and your family aren’t all sugared out by the end of the night, this iconic fall activity is the perfect thing to do on Halloween. No campfire handy? You can easily make s’mores in your oven.
Hand Out Candy to Other Trick-or-Treaters : You can still get in on the trick-or-treating action if you’re not going door to door yourself. Make sure you’re stocked up on Halloween candy and pass out goodies to the little neighborhood ghosts and goblins who ring your doorbell.
Have a Game Night : Whether you’re with the kids or adult friends, game night is always a good idea—but especially on Halloween. It could be as simple as playing a favorite board game, word game, or card game, but you could also hop on the Fright Night train and host your own Murder Mystery game night or plan a spooky scavenger hunt around the house, backyard, or neighborhood.
Costume Fashion Show : If you and the kids can’t make it around the block to trick-or-treat this year, let them wear their costumes at home anyway to keep the Halloween festivities alive. (We even have ideas for Halloween costumes with masks if you’re celebrating with a small group at someone’s home.) Set up a Halloween costume fashion show right in the living room or yard so your kids still get to show off their outfits, take photos, and get in the spirit.