Safely Celebrate Halloween in University City

An image from the Spruce Hill Tot Parade
Oct 26, 2020 3 years ago

Halloween will undoubtedly look different this year, but there are still plenty of local virtual and in-person ways to celebrate. Below, we have compiled some of the ways to celebrate here in University City. For a more robust list of local event offerings, visit our community calendar.

  • Through November 1st:
    • Spruce Hill Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
      • Children aged 17 and under are invited to participate in a local scavenger hunt! Follow the clues to find the locations of all 10 letters that spell "SPRUCE HILL". The first 100 entries with all 10 correct locations will receive a small prize supporting one of our local businesses after the hunt closes. Learn more by clicking here.
    • Spruce Hill Virtual Halloween Parade
      • This year, the annual Spruce Hill Halloween Tot Parade is going virtual! Submit photos of your Halloween costumes or decorations via email to [email protected], or tag your Instagram or Twitter posts with #SHCAHalloween from October 30 to November 1 and you’ll appear in the virtual parade at www.sprucehillca.org! 

 

  • Friday, October 30th:
    • 7 PM: (Virtual) Give Yourself Goosebumps with the Walnut Street West Library 
      • Children ages 8-13 are invited to join the Walnut Street West Library's Echo Philips for a spooky online reading of R.L. Stine's Please Don't Feed the Vampire!, from the "Give Yourself Goosebumps" series. Email Echo Phillips to reserve your spot…if you dare! Costumes are encouraged.
    • 7 PM: Monsters, Myths, and Legends: Spirits and Storytelling with the Penn Museum
      • Curious about the origins of legendary creatures like vampires and werewolves? How would you protect yourself against snake-haired or intestine-faced demons? On this virtual storytelling adventure presented by the Penn Museum, staying close to the Narrator is strongly advised. Unlock the origins of what makes a monster, and discover the tools you’ll need to face off with some special guests that go bump in the night. Get your tickets here.

 

  • Saturday, October 31st
    • 2 PM: Community and Family Harvest Fest Grab and Go
      • Join the Church of the Holy Apostles and Mediator at 260 South 51st Street on Saturday, October 31 from 2 pm - 4 pm for a Community and Family Harvest Fest Grab and Go - offering candy, school supplies, children's coats, and painting. Covid-19 Safe practices, including social distancing, will be in effect, and masks will be supplied. Questions? Call church staff at 215.308.3273 or 215.291.8375.
    • ​​​​​​​Trick-or-Treating

 

The City of Philadelphia has released a set of guidelines for safely celebrating Halloween this year, arguing "there's nothing scarier than a surge of COVID-19 cases." While trick-or-treating has not officially been restricted, the City is urging people to take extra care and consider alternative ways of celebrating at home. Everyone collecting or distributing candy is encouraged to wear masks, maintain safe distance, frequently wash their hands, and limit contact to others in their household. People distributing candy are also encouraged to leave treats on a table, wall, or fence for children to take.