Consumers Still Planning to Celebrate Halloween Despite Pandemic

The pandemic may have led to the delays and cancellations of weddings and graduation ceremonies, but it’s not putting a crimp in Halloween. In fact, only 15% of consumers won’t be celebrating Halloween this year, according to a survey by online retailer HalloweenCostumes.com.

While 32% of adults surveyed were unsure whether COVID-19 would affect the way they celebrate Halloween this year and 40% said it would influence their celebrations, the majority of respondents will still be going forward with the party in some capacity.

Some consumers taking COVID-19 precautions

Throughout the pandemic, some consumers have been looking for ways to follow social distancing guidelines while continuing their day-to-day activities — and Halloween seems to be no different.

Nearly one-fifth of respondents — 19% — said they would put out self-serve candy for those who are trick-or-treating this year. A small percentage of respondents — 5% — said they would be taking their celebration online by attending or hosting a virtual party. Others won’t be venturing too far, as 42% said they would decorate and celebrate Halloween at home.

According to the findings, 44% of adults plan to wear protective face masks to decrease their risk of exposure to the coronavirus on Halloween, and 9% said they would wear masks under their Halloween mask. Not all consumers feel the need to distance themselves from others though:

• 13% said they would be going to a trunk-or-treat event, in which trick-or-treaters get candy from the trunks of decorated cars in a central location

• 12% said they would be hosting or attending an in-person Halloween party

Pandemic-related changes to the way consumers celebrate may lead to savings for some. Among respondents, 34% said they would spend less on Halloween this year than they did last year. That finding is in line with an earlier survey that found that consumers were saving money this year due to cancelled plans and other life adjustments caused by the pandemic.

Still, not everyone will be saving on their celebrations, as another 34% expected to spend the same amount this Halloween season as last year, while 8% expected to spend more. Nearly one-fourth — 24% — said they weren’t sure how their spending this year would compare to years past.

Many believe you never outgrow Halloween

The HalloweenCostumes.com survey also looked at consumer perceptions around the holiday in general, and found that 37% said there is no age limit to trick-or-treating. Meanwhile, some respondents did think there was a point when you were simply too old for trick-or-treating:

• 28% said those 17 and older were too old for trick-or-treating

• 24% said those 15 and older were too old

• 9% said those 13 and older were too old

• 2% said those 11 and older were too old

Pets, however, appear to be exempt from age restrictions. Some consumers are getting their pets involved in the fun, with more than 1 in 5 pet owners — 23% — planning to dress their pets in a costume this year.

Methodology: HalloweenCostumes.com surveyed 1,505 adults between the ages of 18 to 54 from Sept. 8-10, 2020.