Halloween is officially cementing its place on the calendar, with 74 per cent of families getting ready to embrace the spooky season this year. But while some people simply step out their front door to find a street buzzing with activity, others face a very different reality. New data reveals a growing postcode divide in how the event is celebrated, turning the traditional neighbourhood stroll into a dedicated road trip.
The Spooky Season Commute
It turns out that for an estimated 1.46 million families, securing a Halloween haul requires travelling five kilometres or more. Even more surprisingly, over 200,000 parents will find themselves driving 20 kilometres or more just to find a welcoming trick-or-treat route. It is less of a trick-or-treat and more of a “trick-or-trek” for those living outside of major metropolitan hubs.
The research, commissioned by M&M’S, highlights the distinct differences between city and country celebrations. For families in regional and rural areas, homes are often spread much further apart. Because of this, regional parents are almost twice as likely to drive between individual trick-or-treating stops compared to those living in the city. Furthermore, they are five times as likely to pack up the car and travel to an entirely different neighbourhood to join in the festivities.
City Streets Versus Country Roads
Despite the extra mileage required, regional and rural households are leading the charge when it comes to getting into the spooky spirit. Over half of these families plan to turn their properties into Halloween hotspots, with 54 per cent decorating their houses and 55 per cent dressing up for the occasion.
While the costumes and chocolate are the main attraction for the kids, parents are finding a deeper value in the yearly tradition. Over three in four parents agree that Halloween provides a rare opportunity to connect with neighbours they would not normally speak to during the rest of the year.
However, for those who do not plan to celebrate, the reasons are mostly logistical. Nearly half of non-celebrators point to a lack of local events, while others cite the cost of decorations or the simple fact that the houses in their area are too isolated. When asked what would change their minds, parents noted that more family-friendly activities and clearer, organised trick-or-treat routes would encourage greater participation.
