Are mild falls extending Halloween? See how Canada's spooky season is changing
Recent Halloween seasons have been warmer, but is this driving the trend of larger, bolder decorations on Canadian homes?
Halloween has expanded from a single night to an entire season for many Canadians, with warmer fall weather allowing people to embrace the festivities earlier and longer. Last October broke records in cities like Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, each experiencing their warmest Halloween on record.
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The Retail Council of Canada revealed that nearly half of Canadians purchased Halloween decorations two to four weeks ahead of the event during last year’s unseasonably warm stretch. This marked a significant increase from previous years.
Experts believe mild weather is encouraging more elaborate outdoor displays, but it’s not the only factor. According to Sheri Fletcher of Party City Canada, evolving trends and changes during the pandemic also played a role.
"Customers never really used to decorate the outside of their house for Halloween like they are now. It really started during the pandemic...It’s a trend that continues to grow year after year," Fletcher explained.
As Canadians continue embracing extended Halloween celebrations in this mild-weather trend, bold decor and early preparations seem here to stay.
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Advancements in technology have also contributed to Halloween's growth, with manufacturers creating more animatronics and weather-resistant materials to elevate outdoor displays.
"All of our outdoor décor items have been tested for life in Canada," Fletcher adds. "They’re really quite durable. In fact, a lot of our customers leave them up through to December."
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Thumbnail image courtesy: Getty Images