halloween toronto 2020

These are the rules for celebrating Halloween in Toronto this year

Halloween in Toronto just won't be the same in 2020. If you're still a bit confused about what's allowed and what's not allowed, here is what officials have said about celebrating the spooky season in Toronto during the pandemic. 

Is trick-or-treating allowed?

The Ontario government is recommending that those living in the province's COVID-19 hotspots - Toronto, Peel, Ottawa, and York Region - avoid traditional, door-to-door trick-or-treating.

"Given the high transmission of COVID-19 in the modified Stage 2 public health unit regions of Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and York Region, traditional door-to-door trick or treating is not recommended," said the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, in a statement last week.

Is there still a party on Church St.?

The annual Halloween party on Church St. has been cancelled and the local BIA wants everyone to know they shouldn't show up for an impromtu gathering. Instread, they'll be hosting a virtual Halloween where people can connect and show off their costumes via Zoom.

What can you do instead?

If you're still looking for a fun (and safe) way to celebrate the day, don't fret because there are a bunch of socially-distanced things to do in Toronto this year.

Officials also suggest celebrating at home by throwing virtual parties, scary movie nights, backyard scavenger hunts or carving pumpkins.

Another way to get into the Halloween spirit is to decorate your home and there are many places in Toronto to get some great decorations

Of course, Halloween is all about the costumes and you definitely don't need to go out to dress up. 

Who can you celebrate with?

Toronto residents are encouraged to only celebrate the holiday with people in their households and to avoid large gatherings, which sadly means no big Halloween bashes this year, including outdoor ones.

In fact, Toronto residents are being asked to avoid non-essential trips outside the home entirely.

It's also important to remember that social gathering and organized public event limits are still set at 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors and those who, perhaps, choose to party anyway could be fined up to $10,000 for hosts and $800 for attendees.

"My friends, we all know that this isn't going to be a regular Halloween," Doug Ford said in a press conference last week. 

"The steps we take now will determine what the holiday season looks like this year."

Lead photo by

Jason Cook


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Toronto just got a new waterfront park that's been years in the making

Here's why swarms of giant birds are being seen in Ontario skies right now

A parasitic fungus is turning Ontario creepy crawlies into suicidal zombies

Three different Ontario LRT lines are now in major trouble

Shocking hit-and-run video shows Ontario driver try to flee in totalled truck

Canada now has universal pharmacare here's how it will affect you

Alleged drunk driver crashes then tries to flee through Ontario police station

Northern Lights took over Ontario skies in rare show and the photos are out of this world