when does trick or treating start

just now 1
Nature

Trick-or-treating generally starts around sunset and runs through the evening, with most neighborhoods kicking off between about 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and continuing until around 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m., depending on local customs and daylight savings. A common safe window is 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but many families begin earlier for younger children and wrap up sooner if there aren’t many houses participating. Always check your local town or neighborhood guidance, as some communities publish official hours for Trick-or-Treating.

  • General timing: start around sunset or shortly after, typically 5:30–6:00 p.m., with activities winding down by 8:00–9:00 p.m. [web results indicate consensus around these times, vary by locale].
  • Local variations: some cities publish official hours or suggested windows (e.g., 5 p.m.–8 p.m. in certain districts), while others leave it flexible. Always verify with your local police department, city website, or HOA for the year’s recommended times.
  • Age considerations: there’s no universal age limit for Trick-or-Treating in the U.S., though many communities encourage participation for younger children (roughly ages 12 and under) and leave older kids to decide with guardians. Always prioritize safety and supervision for all ages.

If you want, specify your city or neighborhood and I can pull the latest local guidelines or typical hours for 2025.