Mars looks to sweeten this year’s Halloween celebrations
According to Mars Canada’s second annual Spooktacular Trends Report , 2-in-3 Canadians plan to celebrate Halloween this year, with 80% of gen Z and millennials leading the charge.
“At Mars, Halloween is core to our business, with planning starting years in advance to capture the excitement and evolving traditions Canadians love,” says Ellen Thompson, minister of Trick-or-Treat and general manager, Mars Wrigley Canada. “Halloween is about bringing communities together, and we want every host to feel confident creating celebrations where everyone feels welcome, people and pets alike. With thoughtful considerations, we make the holiday inclusive, accessible, and even more magical for all.”
The 2025 Spooktacular Trends Report highlights that more than half of Canadians planning to celebrate Halloween (54%) will be handing out candy. That said, while many hosts recognize the importance of accessibility, only 20% currently feel fully confident in creating set-ups that meet the needs of guests with physical and sensory barriers. Pets can also experience jitters too, with nearly half of pet parents (47%) saying their furry friends get spooked by loud noises, like doorbells.
Mars Canada is supporting Treat Accessibly to help make Halloween celebrations extra inclusive for all Canadians. VCA Canada Animal Hospitals is also sharing tips and tricks to ensure pets can join the Halloween fun.
READ: What will Halloween scare up this year for candy sales
To bring this vision to life, Mars is donating 11,000+ pounds of candy and pet treats to Treat Accessibly’s annual Halloween Villages, which will welcome over 25,000 visitors nationwide. This will mark the first-year pet treats favourites such as Pedigree and Temptations will be provided, ensuring that furry friends including service animals can enjoy the festivities too.
“Thanks to Mars’ donation, we’re ensuring this year’s Halloween Villages will be our most inclusive yet,” says Rich Padulo, co-founder of Treat Accessibly North America. “From barrier-free trick-or-treating to treats for pets, we’re thrilled to help communities experience the magic of Halloween together.”
