Trick-or-Treating Guide: Hours, Safety Tips and Etiquette

What time is trick-or-treating?

There is no national rule. In most American neighborhoods trick-or-treating happens on October 31, starting around dusk and winding down by about 8:00–8:30 p.m. A common window is roughly 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Younger kids usually go out first, right after school or at sunset; older kids and teens tend to go later.

Many cities, towns and counties publish official hours each year, and some move the date when Halloween falls on a Sunday or school night. To find yours:

• Check your city or town website, police department or local news station in mid-October.
• Look for neighborhood association or HOA posts and local community groups.
• When in doubt, the porch-light rule applies everywhere: porch light on means treats welcome; light off means please skip this house.

Trick-or-treat safety tips

• 1Be seenAdd reflective tape to costumes and bags, and give every child a flashlight or glow stick.
• 2Choose safe costumesMake sure costumes fit so kids won’t trip, use face paint instead of masks that block vision, and look for “flame resistant” labels.
• 3Walk smartUse sidewalks, cross at corners and crosswalks, and never dart out between parked cars. Put phones away while walking.
• 4Go with an adultYoung children should always trick-or-treat with a parent or trusted adult. Older kids should go in groups and agree on a route and return time.
• 5Check the candySort treats at home before eating. Throw away anything unwrapped, torn, homemade from strangers, or that looks tampered with. Watch out for choking hazards for little ones.
• 6Drivers, slow downKids are out at dusk. Drive slowly through neighborhoods, especially between 5 and 9 p.m., and watch for children in dark costumes.

The Teal Pumpkin Project

Millions of American kids live with food allergies, and many popular candies contain peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy or wheat. The Teal Pumpkin Project, promoted nationally by the nonprofit Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) since 2014, invites households to offer non-food treats and place a teal pumpkin on the porch as a signal.

Easy non-food treats: glow sticks, stickers, pencils and erasers, bubbles, bouncy balls, small toys, temporary tattoos and spider rings. Keep them in a separate bowl from the candy.

Trick-or-treat etiquette

For trick-or-treaters

• Only visit houses with porch lights on or decorations out.
• Say “trick or treat!” and “thank you.” Take one or two pieces unless offered more.
• Stay on sidewalks and paths — don’t cut across lawns or step on decorations.
• Be kind about other kids’ costumes, ages and abilities. Some children may be nonverbal or have sensory needs.

For households handing out candy

• Clear your steps and walkway of tripping hazards, and light the path.
• Keep pets inside and away from the door.
• If you’re out of candy or done for the night, turn off your porch light.
• Teens in costume are still trick-or-treaters — a little generosity goes a long way.

What is trunk-or-treat?

A trunk-or-treat is a community event where people park in a lot — often at a church, school or community center — decorate their open car trunks, and hand out candy. It’s popular in rural areas where houses are far apart and with families who want a well-lit, contained space for small children. Many are held on the weekend before Halloween; check local event listings.

Keeping pets safe on Halloween

• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, especially dark and baking chocolate. Sugar-free candy and gum containing xylitol can be deadly for dogs. Keep candy bowls and kids’ stashes out of reach.
• Constant doorbells and strangers in costumes stress many pets. A quiet room with a radio on can help.
• Make sure pets wear ID tags — open doors lead to escapes.
• If your pet wears a costume, make sure it doesn’t restrict breathing, movement or vision.
• Keep pets away from lit candles and jack-o’-lanterns.

If you think your pet ate chocolate or xylitol, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline right away.