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15 Extra-Fun Ways To Safely Celebrate Halloween 2021 At Home

If going out isn't your thing, listen up.

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the halloween party is ready
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While some people consider Halloween one of their annual outings to hit up parties, parades, and celebrations galore, others are just not into that kind of thing. No judgement! There are so many ways to make Halloween memorable at home, so no worries if going out isn't really your Halloween vibe. To make October 31 feel special and just as festive, try out some of these ideas that will make you the host with the most. Hint: Candy and costumes are always encouraged.

1

Taste test all the best Halloween candies

halloween tray
Lisa Stokes//Getty Images

Start your holiday on an extra-sweet note and put all of this season's candies to the test—taste test, that is. There are tons of new treats this year, like glow-in-the-dark chocolates and green KitKats. And do let us know: Does anyone like candy corn?!

SHOP HALLOWEEN CANDY

2

Carve pumpkins.

cutting into the pumpkin
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It's a classic Halloween activity for a reason. Grab pumpkins for the whole family (groceries stores tend to sell them if you don't feel like venturing out to a patch). Then you can either free-hand a design or print out one of the many templates floating around the interwebs.

GET PUMPKIN CARVING INSPIRATION

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3

Have a scary movie marathon.

asian chinese couple watching scary horror tv show at night during weekend in living room sitting on sofa
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Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown are great to get you in the Halloween mood, but you should spice it up with some seriously scary movies if you're into that kinda thing. These classics are a good place to start...but don't say we didn't warn you!

STREAM SCARY MOVIES

4

Make a festive cocktail.

drunken peanut butter cups   delishcom
Parker Feierbach

Bottoms up, witches! Halloween calls for a boozy drink for all those 21 and older. This Drunken Peanut Butter Cup cocktail is not only a great photo opp for Instagram, but it's a great use for your Halloween candy, too. The vodka is Reese's infused.

GET HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL RECIPES

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5

Wear your costume—yes, still!

father and daughter playing superhero and superwoman
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Just because you're at home doesn't mean you shouldn't step out in your funniest, spookiest, or cutest costume. Cat ears are highly encouraged.

SHOP HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

6

Play Halloween music nonstop.

children in halloween costumes jumping for joy
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There's never a bad time for a dance party, and streaming services like Spotify always curate Halloween playlists that feature throwbacks like "Thriller" and newer jams like "Midnight City."

FIND YOUR HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST

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7

Prepare a Halloween dinner.

jack o lantern peppers
Jonathan Boulton

The only thing scary about trying a new recipe is not knowing where to start. This recipe helps you out with step-by-step instructions. Jack-O'Lantern stuffed peppers are filled with beef, rice, and more, but you can use any protein or toppings you please.

GET HALLOWEEN DINNER RECIPES

8

Decorate the house.

the halloween party is ready
kokouu//Getty Images

Nothing will get you more in the Halloween spirit than decking out your house in all things black, orange, and yellow. Throw in a couple of decorative pumpkins and you're all set.

SHOP HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

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9

Go apple picking.

african woman and her son picking apples in orchard an autumn
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Apple picking is a staple fall activity, and there are so many places offering safe, socially distant visits to the orchard. Check out our running list of best orchards to visit across the nation, and get ready to bake some apple pie.

FIND AN ORCHARD NEAR YOU

10

Play Halloween games.

two older children playing halloween bobbing for apples game
Elva Etienne//Getty Images

No party, no problem. All of the classic Halloween party games can be just as fun with only your family, like bobbing for apples—using all the ones you picked up from the orchard!

SHOP HALLOWEEN GAMES

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11

Go Hocus Pocus crazy!

hocus pocus pops vertical
Jonathan Boulton

Celebrate the holiday movie in the biggest way ever: Whip up these Hocus Pocus S'mores along with these Jell-O shots that'd surely please the Sanderson sisters. Then, find a movie-themed "ugly" Halloween sweater to wear while watching the movie. We'll save you the legwork of searching for it, btw. It's on Disney+.

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12

Make fall crafts.

cropped image of boy stacking decoration at table during halloween party
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To keep kids entertained, pick up some supplies to make themed crafts. You can make Halloween specific ones, or get prepared for Thanksgiving with some DIY activities, too.

GET FALL CRAFT IDEAS

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13

Go "ghosting."

smiley faces on paper bags by siblings making art at table during halloween party
Cavan Images//Getty Images

Ghosting has become a popular tradition over the years, and it's a great way to show people you're thinking of them even if you can't hang out in person. Here's how it works: You make a bag of Halloween-themed goodies and leave it on a friend's or neighbor's doorstep with a note that encourages them to "ghost" someone else.

SHOP GHOSTING SUPPLIES

14

Paint your faces.

child applying halloween face paints
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Face painting is always the most fun part of a Halloween fair, but you can easily do it at home with some safe to use paint and creativity.

SHOP FACE PAINTING KITS

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15

Order takeout from your favorite restaurant.

ordering takeaway meal at home
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Ordering takeout from your favorite restaurant can make any day an extra special occasion, and some of your favorite places are probably offering killer Halloween food deals.

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