We’re two days away from Halloween and for some — mostly newcomers — there may be questions about the local trick-or-treating customs in Arlington.
Unlike some places in other parts of the country, Arlington does not designate an official day and time for trick-or-treating. Instead, the annual, costumed candy-gathering spree takes place on Halloween — Thursday, Oct. 31 this year — and starts shortly before sunset.
That typically means a trick-or-treating start time of around 6 p.m., though some youngsters and parents head out earlier than that. The door knocking usually ends by 8 p.m. or earlier.
In Arlington, some streets end up becoming de facto trick-or-treating destinations, while others end up with few if any trick-or-treaters. Popular streets include N. Jackson Street in Ashton Heights and 38th Street N. in Old Glebe.
This year, Halloween is taking place on a weekday, so trick-or-treaters and evening rush hour traffic will mix on local roads. Arlington County urges caution for anyone out Halloween night.
Below are some Halloween tips for trick-or-treaters and drivers, from a 2023 Arlington County press release.
As Arlington’s younger population takes to the streets, keep in mind these trick-or-treating tips from our friends at the Arlington County Police Department:
- See and be seen! Select bright costumes, add reflective tape and/or carry flashlights and glow sticks.
- Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance. Stick to familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets. For those on the Nextdoor app, check out its annual Treat Map, which allows people to share how they will be celebrating Halloween – whether it’s decorating one’s home or taking part in the neighborhood trick-or-treating by giving out candy.
- Only visit homes with exterior lights on.
- Never send children out alone. Younger children should be with a trusted adult. Ensure older children take friends and stay together.
- Check candy before eating. Consider bringing treats from home so children don’t snack on candy before it is inspected.
- Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners, using traffic signals and/or crosswalks.
- Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. Slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.
For those seeking other ideas for Halloween-related revelry this week, ARLnow’s event calendar includes the following scheduled activities.
- Oct. 30 (Wednesday): Storytime on the Plaza: Halloween Fun at GMU Arlington campus
- Oct. 30 (Wednesday): Halloween Mystery Author Panel at One More Page Books
- Oct. 31 (Thursday): Water Park Trick-or-Treat in Crystal City
- Oct. 31 (Thursday): Halloween Paint Party at GMU Arlington campus
- Nov. 1 (Friday): Candy Buy Back at VK Pediatric Dentistry
- Nov. 1 (Friday): Dia de los Muertos — Evening Picnic at Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
