How to have a fun, spooky and safe halloween in your Munich neighborhood
Halloween has grown increasingly popular in Munich and the rest of Germany. It’s not surprising; it’s a time for creativity, fun, and community. Both kids and adults can get into the spooky spirit of the season.
Whether you're trick-or-treating, hosting a party, or decorating your building, here are some ways to make sure your Halloween night is both fun and safe.
Halloween Costume Saftey
When it comes to Halloween costumes, the possibilities are endless. Keep in mind to make sure costumes are safe for trick or treating in your Munich neighborhood. Here are a few tips:
Visibility: Make sure your kids costumes allow for clear vision and mobility. Some masks can obstruct sight. If that’s the case it might be better to opt for face paint or makeup. If you choose a mask, make sure it has large eye holes for better visibility.
Flame-Resistant Materials: Costumes, wigs, and accessories should be made from flame-resistant materials, especially since candles and jack-o'-lanterns are often part of the Halloween décor. Check the labels to see if the costumes materials are safe.
Fit: Avoid costumes that are too long or loose, as they can cause tripping hazards, especially in dimly lit neighborhood streets in the evening or streets with cobblestones, which can be found in many Munich neighborhood streets.
Reflective Elements: If trick-or-treating after dark, it's important to stay visible to drivers. Adding reflective tape to costumes, carrying glow sticks, or using a flashlight can help make children and adults alike more visible on the streets.
Trick-or-Treating Guidelines
Trick-or-treating is a highlight for many families, but it’s essential to take precautions to ensure everyone stays safe:
Supervision: Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult. For older kids, ensure they stick to familiar neighborhoods, travel in groups, and have a planned route. Establish a curfew to ensure they’re back home safely.
Small Groups: Trick or treating works best in small groups of 5 or less. It’s a lot to have a swarm of 20 kids show up at your door and causes trick-or-treat traffic jams.
Inspecting Candy: Before indulging in Halloween treats, it's a good idea to inspect candy for any signs of tampering. Only eat factory-wrapped candies and avoid homemade treats from people you don’t know personally.
Home Décor and Safety
Halloween decorations can transform your home into a spooky masterpiece, but safety should always be a priority:
Well-Lit Pathways: If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters, ensure that your yard and walkways are well-lit and clear of obstacles like garden hoses or decorations that could cause trips or falls.
Pumpkin Placement: Place a jack-o-lantern in front of your window or your building. Displaying orange balloons work too (similar to how balloons are displayed during Hofflohmarkt season). If you live in a Rückgebaude put the Jack-o-lantern out on the street where it can be seen
Pet Safety: Halloween can be stressful for pets, with constant doorbell ringing and strangers in costumes. Keep your pets in a secure room away from the front door to prevent them from getting frightened or running outside.
Extra tips
Where to get Halloween candy in Munich: There’s usually an abundance of Haribo candy, so mix it up! You can find packs of mini mars chocolates online (Amazon). Aldi, Rewe and Edeka are starting to also carry a larger assortment of halloween candies
Non-sugary treats: If you don’t feel good about giving out tons of sugar on Halloween here are some low cost suggestions: Stickers, spider rings, bouncy balls, glow sticks and temporary tattoos or glow sticks
Whether you live in Au, Haidhausen, Schwabing or Maxvorstadt, or any other part of the city, following these best practices—focusing on safety, fun and community—you’ll have a Halloween that’s memorable for all the right reasons. Happy Halloween!