CDC Guidelines for Halloween

With fall festivities in full swing and Halloween fast approaching, physicians in North Texas have broken down traditional activities into low, moderate, and high-risk categories according to CDC guidelines. “Some traditional Halloween festivities need to be modified this year to avoid high-risk activities involving close contact, but there are still plenty of fun holiday activities to enjoy with your kids,” said Dr. Beth Kassanoff, Vice-Chair of the North Texas Medical Society Coalition and President-Elect of the Dallas County Medical Society. “Continue to stay physically distanced, wear a cloth or disposable surgical mask, and wash your hands, but have fun with the holiday.” As with all activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants should wear a cloth face covering, maintain physical distance, and wash their hands frequently while participating in any of these activities. Additionally, wearing a cloth face-covering along with a traditional costume mask over or under it should be avoided.

Low-Risk Activities:


  • Carving and decorating pumpkins with members of your immediate household or with friends at tables 6-10 feet apart, separated by household
  • Halloween scavenger hunts with members of your immediate household
  • Decorating your home
  • A virtual Halloween costume contest with your school, friends, and/or family
  • A physically distanced Halloween movie with an outside screen and projector, or a family movie night inside with the members of your immediate household
  • A piñata at home with members of your immediate household


Moderate-Risk Activities:


  • A small group (less than 10 people) outdoor costume parade while maintaining physical distance and wearing a cloth face covering
  • Individual goody bags set up on an outside table for grab-and-go trick or treating. Consider leaving hand sanitizer for added safety
  • Visiting pumpkin patches while maintaining physical distance and wearing a cloth face covering


High-Risk Activities:



  • Traditional trick or treating door-to-door
  • ‘Trunk or Treat’ events and Fall Festivals and carnivals
  • Haunted Houses
  • Hayrides
  • Outdoor gatherings that do not allow for physical distancing or any indoor parties or events with individuals outside your immediate household
  • Some steps you can take to mitigate concerns might include:
  • Get your flu shot at least two weeks before Halloween
  • Use hand sanitizer regularly and avoid touching your face
  • Wear a cloth face covering if you are participating in any Halloween activities with people other than those living in your home
  • Wash your hands well before eating
  • Do not participate in activities with other people if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19


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