The hot, stuffy weather that has been here for too long is finally leaving, and foggy, cold weather is starting to make an appearance. You know what that means? It’s fall y’all.

Pumpkin spice lattes, cinnamon scented candles, and Uggs are commonly associated with fall, but above all, Halloween remains the fan favorite. 

Some people look forward to celebrating Halloween for the whole year. It’s easy to spot these kinds of people because they are usually the ones in a neighborhood with the 10 foot tall inflatable pumpkin and king sized candy bars. 

But whether you are a Halloween fanatic or a yearly celebrant, there are things you need to know.

When planning to go trick-or-treating in the Los Angeles area, some of the best neighborhoods to consider are Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Toluca Lake, Montana Avenue, and Silver Lake. These areas are renowned for their extravagant decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Additionally, they are considered safe and family-friendly, primarily due to their low crime rates, excellent schools, and ample green spaces. 

So, you’ve decided to go trick-or-treating. Remember that safety should be a major concern, even if you are visiting a traditionally safe neighborhood. Many different people will be visiting those neighborhoods on Halloween night, so you must remain cautious. 

Have fun, but pay attention to the people around you, and be prepared to report any suspicious people or objects. Also, don’t forget that you will be going to strangers’ houses at night and trusting that they are giving you safe candy. Being given Fentanyl or other drugs in your candy is a credible threat, but if you are vigilant, you can be safe. 

One way you can avoid these types of problems is by checking your candy before eating it. Although it may seem like the obvious thing to do, some people do not check if their candy is open before eating it, because they are just too excited or gullible.

So, the next time you or your friends eat a piece of candy, make sure to remind yourself and your friends to check what you are eating beforehand.

If you are going trick or treating with your friends without any adult supervision, make sure to keep your phone handy so you can call your parents in the case of an emergency, and use a flashlight so you are aware of your surroundings. Also, make sure to wear a smart costume, meaning that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes, so you can run quickly in the case of an emergency.

Lauren Prieto ‘27 said “To stay safe this Halloween while trick or treating, I would go out with a group of friends in a safe neighborhood.” 

Because remember, there is always safety in numbers!

 If you do not want to go trick or treating, there are still so many other things you can do to get in the Halloween spirit. 

Halloween Horror Nights is a big hit among teenagers and young adults. But, tickets can be pretty pricey, as they cost about $150.

Some things you can do at home, while saving money, is having a movie marathon with your friends or having a pumpkin carving competition. 

Invite some of your friends over, pick a few movies that get you in the Halloween spirit, buy some snacks and candy, and have a cozy night in. Some movies you can watch are Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Beetlejuice.

Sophomore Madeleine Khammar said,  “My favorite movie to watch to get in the Halloween spirit is Smile because it makes me smile. I do hate horror, but it’s a funny movie to watch.”

Or, you can gather some of your friends, buy some pumpkins along with a kit for carving pumpkins, and compete to see who is the best pumpkin carver. 

Both of these activities won’t cost you more than $20. So much better than the tickets for Halloween Horror Nights! 

There are so many fun, affordable, and safe ways to have fun this Halloween. Make sure to consider these tips the next time you plan on celebrating Halloween.