My mom has joked with me for years that I always seem to be a year ahead of the trends for Halloween...and I guess 2019 was no different.
Last year instead of a large party, I hosted a series of micro parties – gatherings for 10 or less friends – to celebrate the Halloween season.
And, well, here we are. 🤷♀️
Sorry?
Jokes aside, while a large Halloween party might be out of the question for 2020, I still think you can find a way host a party by making your gathering small or simply going virtual. In today’s blog post, you’ll find 17 ideas for both!
But first, the fine print…
Before we jump into talking 2020 Halloween parties, I think we need to take a minute to address the unwelcome guest crashing this year’s party season: COVID-19.
I want to be clear that while I am sharing party ideas in this post, this is NOT me advocating you host a party despite our current circumstances. We all live in different parts of the country/world and have different health concerns, comfort levels and safety practices in place. You are an adult. What type of party you host – or whether you host one at all in 2020 – is 100% your decision alone.
If you aren’t sure what you should/can do, I encourage you to continually review the CDC guidelines and/or WHO guidelines as well as guidance from your city, country or state officials about the types of gatherings allowed.
And don’t forget…this is only one year. We WILL have Halloween parties again. 🎃🎉

Ideas for a Micro Halloween Party
So if you’re still thinking about an in-person party, might I suggest a micro party for your family, a few close friends or your favorite neighbors? I hosted two smaller parties in 2019 in place of one large one, and I have to say I think I may have enjoyed them more than Halloweenie Roast. It gave me the opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a couple different ways (movie night and game night) over a longer period of time. Who doesn’t want more Halloween celebrations in their season?
Here are a few ideas for a micro Halloween party:
- Halloween craft afternoon (I’ve got some DIY ideas and so does Your Best Halloween Ever)
- Halloween movie night outside (The Spooky Vegan has tons of recommendations)
- Halloween game night (Maybe one of these?)
- Pumpkin carving party (Wow everyone with this smoking pumpkin)
- Pumpkin beer tasting party – for the adults, of course (Need tasting cards?)
- Wine and candy pairing tasting party – also for the adults (Here’s how to pick spooky wine)
- Backyard bonfire/weenie roast – my fave! (See why…)
- Halloween treat exchange (Use one of these recipes)
- Witches tea (Need some ideas to get you started?)
- Photo scavenger hunt (Ideas for what to hunt for)
Ideas for a Virtual Halloween Party
Of course, in-person won’t be an option for all or might not be possible at the last minute. I think you could still have a blast hosting a party virtually while inviting most of your guest list. (I’m actually considering hosting a virtual party or two myself!)
Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Houseparty, Google Meet or Facebook Rooms are great options for groups.
Here are a few ideas for a virtual Halloween party:
- Halloween happy hour (Send a cocktail recipe ahead of time for everyone to make!)
- Virtual costume contest (Need ideas?)
- Halloween charades night (Here’s a printable one!)
- Lip sync battle – Halloween tunes only! (Need a playlist?)
- Pumpkin carving contest (Get creative ideas over here)
- Pumpkin beer tasting – have each guest pick 1-2 to try for everyone OR provide a list upfront
- Wine and candy pairing – have each guest pick 1-2 to try for everyone OR provide a list upfront
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What ideas would you add to the list?
Share them in the comments, and let me know if you might be hosting a Halloween party this year – and whether I can crash your virtual parties. 😉
Looking for more ideas for Halloween 2020? Check out my list of Halloween traditions to start this year, and stay tuned for more ideas like how to make costumes from your closet, trick-or-treating alternatives and more.
Happy haunting,




Kristen
Hey Miranda,
I am thrilled that you’re addressing virtual party ideas; your list is so inspiring and I am HERE for it!
I’d suggest adding in some Google Doc escape room examples! I’ve found a few Harry Potter themed ones that I’m using as inspiration for making my own this year! Just cause we shouldn’t get together in person, doesn’t mean we can’t still party!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Oooh, I love that idea!
Supersylph
Playing scary video games and watching a scary movie could be done virtually with others!
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Love those suggestions!
heiyaa
thankyou so much for ideas i organize parties but as a teen i was confused what to do
Miranda | Spooky Little Halloween
Hope this was helpful!
Bridget
I’m having just my husband and brother over for a safe Halloween night.
I plan to make a Jenga truth or dare Halloween edition game.
Patricia Kellogg
Justine Halloween has had virtual Halloween parties in the past but this year We teamed up to throw a big one. Hosted By Justine and me and sponsored by Scare Tissue and Ghoulia Childs come join us on Twitter or instagram
@patriciakellogg @justine_oct31 on twitter
or
@pmetalgoddesskellogg
@justines_halloween on instagram
Post your pic and tag our handles and we will get you on the party with food from Ghoulia Childs
SEE YOU AT THE PARTY #Halloween2020
Natalie
Hi Miranda! Camp Supernow is hosting free virtual Halloween parties! http://www.campsupernow.com/halloween
Patricia Kellogg
Hey Natalie
Is CampSuperNow party just for kids? Because I did get some kids to my party and can send them to your party too!
Patricia Kellogg