Halloween 2025 brought out costumed kids and candy-seeking families across the U.S., but the question on every parent’s mind was the same: When exactly are trick-or-treat hours this year? The answer, as always, depends on where you live—and sometimes, even which neighborhood you’re in.
No National Standard—Just Local Traditions
Unlike some holidays with fixed schedules,
trick-or-treat hours are set by local governments, neighborhood associations, or simply by tradition. In many cities, there are no official hours at all, leaving families to follow the crowd or rely on the classic porch-light rule: if the light’s on, it’s candy time.
For example, in
Jacksonville, Florida, there are
no official trick-or-treat hours, and families typically head out at dusk on October 31. The same is true in much of
Lakeland and Polk County, Florida, where trick-or-treating starts as early as 5 p.m. but most kids are out between 6 and 7 p.m., wrapping up by 9 p.m. or when porch lights go dark.
Cities with Official Trick-or-Treat Times
Some municipalities do set
official trick-or-treat hours to help keep things orderly and safe. Here’s a snapshot from around the country:
-
Flint, Michigan: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 31, with extra police patrols and a city-sponsored Harvest Fest for families seeking a safe, festive environment.
-
Grand Rapids & West Michigan: Most communities recommend 6–8 p.m., but times can vary. For example, Lowell and Rockford run from 5:30–8 p.m., while Zeeland wraps up earlier at 7 p.m.
-
Metro Detroit: Northville, Taylor, Trenton, and Woodhaven all set hours from 6–8 p.m., while Wyandotte starts a bit earlier at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
-
Normal, Illinois: Official hours are 5–8 p.m. on Halloween night.
-
Waterford, Michigan: Suggested hours are 6–8 p.m., but neighborhoods may set their own schedules.
Sunset and Safety: The Unofficial Guide
In cities without official hours,
sunset is the unofficial starting gun. Nationally, local news outlets and parenting guides suggest trick-or-treating typically begins around dusk—usually between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.—and ends by 8 or 9 p.m., especially on school nights.
Safety remains a top concern. Cities like Flint and others ramp up police presence, encourage reflective costumes, and remind drivers to watch for children crossing streets. Many communities also host “trunk-or-treat” events in parking lots or at churches for a more controlled environment.
What This Means for Families
-
Check your city or neighborhood website for official hours, if any.
- If there are no set times, plan to head out around sunset and wrap up by 8 or 9 p.m.
- Look for porch lights as a sign that a house is participating.
- Prioritize safety: use reflective gear, supervise young children, and inspect treats before eating.
The Bottom Line
Trick-or-treat hours in 2025 were as varied as the costumes on display. Whether your city sets official times or leaves it up to tradition, the spirit of Halloween remains the same: a night of fun, community, and—of course—plenty of candy.
Sources
1. 2025 Trick or Treat Times for Grand Rapids & West Michigan
2. Jacksonville Trick-or-Treat Times 2025: What Parents Need to Know
3. City of Flint Announces Official Halloween Trick-or-Treat Hours and ...
4. 2025 Times for Trick or Treat in Lakeland + Polk County FL
5. What Time Does Trick-or-Treating Start and End on Halloween 2025?
6. Halloween spending set to break records as Green Bay stores ...
7. Metro Detroit trick or treat times 2025: When to head out on Halloween
8. News Flash • Baton Rouge, LA - BRLA.gov
9. Halloween 2025 - Suggested Trick-or-Treat Hours - Waterford, MI
10. City News Releases - North Bend
11. 2025 Trick-or-Treat Times: Plan Your Candy Run in 18 ... - kzookids
12. News Flash - Normal, IL
13. When is Ann Arbor Trick or Treat in 2025? We've Got Answers
14. News Flash • Hanover Park, IL • CivicEngage
