You've picked out a costume, but the practical questions are trickier to answer: what time should you head out, and is there a good neighborhood nearby for trick-or-treating? With Halloween 2026 (Saturday, October 31st) coming up, here's everything on timing, location, and what to pack, all in one place.
1. What Time Does Trick-or-Treating Start and End
Trick-or-treating typically starts around dusk, between 5:30 and 6 PM. In one poll, most respondents said 6 PM was the right start time. End times vary by age — younger kids usually wrap up around 8 PM, while older kids go until about 9 PM. Since Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, there's no school the next day, so things may run a bit later than usual. Some municipalities set their own rules (including age limits), so it's worth checking your local town's official schedule ahead of time.
2. Where to Go — Best NYC Neighborhoods
Each NYC borough has its own well-known trick-or-treating streets. On the Upper West Side, West 69th Street (Central Park West to Broadway) is called a "huge party," drawing thousands of visitors, while the Upper East Side's 78th Street (Park to Lexington) has been a beloved spot for decades. In Brooklyn, Park Slope's 3rd Street is considered the best stretch, and Ditmas Park's Albemarle Street is known for its decorated Victorian houses. In Queens, Austin Street in Kew Gardens is billed as "Queens' best place" for trick-or-treating. Worth noting: NYC's Department of Transportation closes and manages over 100 trick-or-treat streets to traffic every year.
3. Where to Go — Best New Jersey Towns
In New Jersey, Alpine (Bergen County) is known for spectacular decorations every year, and Clinton Place in Hackensack is called the "Halloween Highway" because nearly every house gets decked out. Maplewood Village (Essex County) closes its main road entirely for a parade and costume contest. Toms River is known for massive Halloween parade with over 85 years of history, and North Union Street in Lambertville draws thousands with its elaborate decorations.
π‘ Tip: Popular neighborhoods mean tough parking and big crowds — take public transit if you can, or arrive a bit early.
4. What to Prepare — AAP Safety Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has specific safety guidelines for trick-or-treating. Choose costumes in bright, reflective materials, kept short enough to avoid tripping, and use safe face paint or a hat instead of a mask that blocks vision. Prop knives or wands should never be sharp. For pumpkin carving, younger kids should draw a face with markers instead of using a knife, and flashlights or glow sticks are safer than candles. While out walking, young children should always be accompanied by an adult, stick to well-lit streets and sidewalks, and only cross at intersections with traffic signals.
5. Easy to Miss — Checking Candy and Allergies
One step people often skip is checking the candy. The AAP recommends sorting and inspecting treats only after kids are back home, tossing anything that's already opened or looks suspicious. If your child has food allergies, check the ingredient labels on the candy, and consider swapping allergen-containing treats for a toy or something else instead.
Bottom Line
- Trick-or-treating typically runs from 5:30–6 PM to 8–9 PM
- NYC has famous trick-or-treat streets by borough; New Jersey has its own standout towns
- Knowing the AAP's safety guidelines (costume, pumpkin, walking, candy check) ahead of time makes the night much smoother
- Always check candy after kids are home, and double-check allergy labels
If you're out with young kids, wrapping up before 8 PM with an adult along is a must. If older kids are heading out on their own, make sure they're carrying reflective tape and a flashlight at minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What day of the week is Halloween 2026? October 31, 2026 falls on a Saturday. With no school the next day, trick-or-treating may run a bit later than in past years.
What time does trick-or-treating start and end? It usually starts around dusk, 5:30–6 PM, and wraps up around 8 PM for younger kids and 9 PM for older kids.
Are candles safe in a jack-o'-lantern? The AAP recommends flashlights or glow sticks instead. If you do use a candle, keep it on a sturdy table away from curtains and never leave it unattended.
Can kids eat their candy right away? No — the AAP recommends that a parent sort and inspect candy only after kids are back home, discarding anything opened or suspicious-looking.
Personally, I enjoy scouting the neighborhood the week before more than the night itself — spotting the houses with the best decorations ahead of time makes planning the route on the actual night so much easier. Hope this guide makes your Halloween night a little smoother.
Suggested Reading:
-2026 Halloween Trick-or-Treater Prep Guide｜Candy, Decorations, and What to Have Ready
Sources
- Ocean County Tourism: Toms River 87th Halloween Parade
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Halloween Fun & Safety Tips for Kids of All Ages
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