Trick-or-Treating in Boston (By Neighborhood)

Trick-or-treating is a multi-day celebration in Boston. We made a map to help you take advantage of everything our city has to offer.

Below are the 2024 dates, we will update our site as Halloween 2025 approaches.

Please confirm details before heading out with your little one(s). 

How Does Boston Celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is a pretty big deal in Boston. Businesses and schools do not close, but there are activities in almost every neighborhood in the city. This includes Halloween Block Parties (also known as Spooky Streets). They are resident-led, car-free events that allow families a safer way to roam the streets.

There are also indoor events at Boston libraries, community centers, museums, and more. Residents also decorate their doors and front lawns with lights, webs, scarecrows, skeletons, and other seasonal items. Grocery stores also fill their storefronts with pumpkin stands, carving kits, and sweet potato pies.

When Does Halloween Start in Boston?

Family-friendly activities start as early as the first week in October. Activities on Halloween start as early as noon and run as late as 10:00pm.

What If Halloween Falls On A Weekday?

Festivities continue! This year Halloween is on Thursday. Almost 40% of the events we've listed happen on that day. Many end around 8:00pm. If this is too late for your family, there are plenty of events planned the weekend before.

Which Events Stand Out?

We love that Jamaica Plain has a lantern walk that features upcycled containers and a relaxing walk around Jamaica Pond. The Ohrenberger encourages families to make a costume with what they already have. The Museum of Science has a sciency twist with themes on brains, brooms, and more. The Lot is a fairly new space that hosts a Halloween Fest in South Boston. Roslindale is known to have a house that hands out full-sized (instead of kid-sized) candy bars. And PruBoo at the Prudential Center is pretty popular every year.

Are There Spook-Free Events in the City?

While many enjoy spookiness, if you or your little one(s) aren't into scary masks, and spooky music, sticking to events for younger kids at the library can be a better bet. Churches also offer Halloween alternatives that encourage dressing up as biblical characters. Finally, fun seasonal events at home include baking pumpkin seeds and playing dress up.

How Late Can You Order Costumes Online?

You can order costumes as late as 3 days before Halloween. We do not recommend this approach in case the costume doesn't fit or isn't what you were expecting. If you're a last-minute shopper, Amazon does a great job labeling whether or not the package will arrive before or after the holiday. Here's a popular Halloween store online. And below are some family-friendly ideas:

• fire chief (outfit can also be used for pretend play)

• inflatable unicorn costume (popular funny costume for adults)

• teenage mutant ninja turtles (each family member can be a different turtle)

• barbie car (inflatable costume for kids)

• car seat costume (for little ones)