Halloween is a cultural holiday that is known around the world. Yet, no other country embraces and celebrates Halloween with quite as much enthusiasm as the USA. Across the country, Americans take joy and pride in attending the cultural celebrations associated with this spooky holiday. If you're a newcomer to the country, then here are two fun and festive events that you and your family might like to take part in.
1. Visit a pumpkin patch
Most locations around the country will have a pumpkin patch that is open to visitors during the Halloween period. These are often found on local farms or ranches and can also be set up on municipal sites in larger towns and cities. A visit to a pumpkin patch is a fun and traditional outing for the whole family.
As the name suggests, the pumpkin patch will have a large range of different pumpkins on display, which is a great spot for a Halloween themed photo opportunity. You can also buy a pumpkin to take home and carve into your own unique Jack O'lantern.
Many pumpkin patches also have other entertainment on offer. Petting zoos, hay bale rides, craft activities, and musical performances are common events. Some pumpkin patches will also host a cookout or provide carnival-style food, and many also allow you to take along your own picnic food.
2. Trick-or-Treating
Another essential Halloween tradition is taking your children out trick-or-treating on Halloween night. This involves dressing up in spooky or creative costumes and collecting candy from neighborhood houses. Trick-or-treating is increasingly popular in other countries, but in the US, it's a ubiquitous and much-loved part of Halloween.
As well as taking your children out to trick-or-treat, it's important to be prepared for the candy-seeking visitors that will inevitably come knocking on your own door. In the interests of health and safety, it's best to choose candy that is individually wrapped or comes in small, sealed packs to distribute to your spooky visitors.
If you don't have candy, you may find that you'll fall victim to the trick element of trick-or-treating. Generally, these are just harmless and amusing pranks, but occasionally an older child or group of teenagers may take things a little too far and hurl eggs at your home or car.
Whether you've celebrated Halloween before in your home country or if it's your first experience with the occasion, you'll find it a wonderful community event that your children will love.