A rainy weekend and chilly temps in the forecast for Halloween in Champaign-Urbana
Get our tips on how to survive a wet Halloween and find out which events are happening indoors on the days leading up to and including the big day
Weather on Halloween in Champaign-Urbana can certainly be unpredictable. In 2019, there were snow flurries on Halloween!
And way back in 2013, forecasted rain meant a few towns outside of Champaign-Urbana actually rescheduled trick-or-treating. We don’t predict anything of the sort for 2024.
RELATED: Find 2024 trick or treating times in and around Champaign-Urbana HERE.
This year, the weather forecast seems like it will be rainy on Halloween. You can still wear the costumes, get the candy and enjoy the Halloween season with family and friends, without even having to go outside.
The sun will set just before most Champaign-Urbana area families go out to trick or treat; most places start at 6 p.m.
Regardless of what the weather is at the moment you head out the door, you might want to grab the umbrellas, rain boots, or raincoats and do what you can to waterproof their costumes. Best to be prepared when there’s a 50 percent chance of rain. But it does mean more stuff for the grown-ups to carry around while following kids, sigh.
Our List of Things to Do if It’s Cold or Wet on Halloween
WEATHERPROOF COSTUMES
Let’s be real – no one really cares if your kids wear their coats to trick or treat. Or if they have an umbrella. If your child doesn’t want to wear a coat, equip them with layers under their costume. Hand warmers, which can be found at any local hardware store, are also a great idea. Another idea? Get a clear plastic poncho, which will keep them dry(er) but also will allow people to see their costumes. These can be found at big box stores.
BRING HOT DRINKS
A toasty thermos or two of hot chocolate or cider will not only help you get through the night; your kids will appreciate the pit stops for some liquid warmth.
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEFROST OR DRY OFF
Plan out a route where your kids can take breaks in a cozy home base during trick-or-treating. They can start with one small area of your neighborhood, and after a warmup at home, they can venture out again. Or pick out a neighbor’s home as a warming station. Trick-or-treating may last longer than usual this way, so be sure to plan for that, or perhaps set an end time for your kids.
HAVE YOUR KIDS PASS OUT CANDY
… where it’s nice and warm and dry. Your kids might enjoy passing out candy to the hardcore trick-or-treaters. The kids can still wear their costumes while staying dry and see many other costumes, which is half the fun. This is especially true for little ones. They can also set some candy aside for themselves.
PLAN A FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT HOME
Give your kids the option to trick or treat until they’re cold, with the promise of special fun waiting for them at home. Chances are they’ll appreciate having an “out” after about, say, 5 minutes into the fun.
Perhaps you can promise a Halloween-themed movie, or a Halloween night edition of family game night. Whip up a special Halloween snack for the family to share too.
VENTURE OUT TO AN INDOOR OR DRIVE-THRU EVENT
Take a drive past a pumpkin glow (check to confirm before heading out) or one of our favorite spooky house displays, or head to an indoor trick-or-treating event where participants go inside for treats. We will feature a few events below that are happening this week; check out our Halloween guide or our events calendar for more ideas, especially if you’re not bothered by cold.
No Events