Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, so for the most part, trick-or-treating will begin as parents return from work in the evening.
There are some advantages to trick-or-treating in the city.
- Homes are closer together so you can fill your treat bags quickly and don't need to walk nearly as far as you might in a spacious suburb.
- There are numerous trick-or-treating events held prior to October 31st, so with what can be unpredictable weather, you can hedge your bets and get in on the fun a little early in case it happens to blizzard on Halloween (it certainly wouldn't be the first time.)
- People go all out! Many neighborhoods ban together to make trick-or-treating the event of the year, with interactive installations, over-the-top decorations, live music, and more.
So get those costumes ready, and check out some of the best areas to take the kiddos.
Top Neighborhoods on Halloween Night
Buena Park
Long before the pandemic inspired candy givers to get creative with their distribution tactics, the Booena Park Safe Trick-or-Treating event always went above and beyond to make trick-or-treating uniquely interactive. Since the pandemic they have only upped their game and have been encouraged to do so again this year with prizes for the scariest house and best overall house. Kenmore Avenue is closed to traffic from Irving Park to Montrose from 6pm-8pm on the 31st.
Gold Coast
Visit the over-the-top, professionally decorated mansions on Goethe Street from Dearborn to Astor. Here you will find full-size candy bars and even plush toys as the generous treats being passed out.
Hyde Park
Year-round, Hyde Park has that East Coast autumn vibe, and Halloween is when it really shines. The setting of hordes of kids going mansion door to mansion door of the tree-lined streets could be taken straight out of a Hollywood movie. Check out Harper Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets. Go early to avoid the crowds!
Lincoln Park
Burling St., located between Fullerton and Diversey, blocks itself off "party-style" on Halloween night, offering visiting trick-or-treaters a night of fun and candy galore. Your best bet is to hop on a bus, or jump on the "L" as evening parking can be tricky. This is destination trick-or-treating at its finest.
Logan Square
Bernard Street between Fullerton and Wrightwood might as well be deemed the honorary Halloween-town. Families go all out in decorating their homes for the season. People travel in from far and wide on the 31st to admire the spectacle and get in on all that candy!
Roscoe Village
One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago, Roscoe Village is the perfect place to spend Halloween night. Most blocks are lined with side-by-side, single-family homes, making it easy to earn a handsome loot without too much walking. You'll find the owners of said houses, gathered together by outdoor fire pits in this tight-knit community, enjoying the evening as much as the kids.
Wilmette
From near and far, people flock to Wilmette, specifically Lake Ave., east of Green Bay Rd., to see huge historic homes transformed into haunted houses with spider webs, ghosts, and goblins. The trick-or-treat theory of big houses equals big candy haul is certainly the case here. Trick-or-treat hours in Wilmette are 3pm-7pm on the 31st.
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Neighborhoods that Get the Party Started Early
Andersonville
Aville-o-Ween
Oct. 26th from 12pm-3pm,
Kids are welcomed to trick-or-treat at the businesses along Catalpa. Go online for a map of who is handing out what.
East Lakeview
The Little Monsters Crawl
Oct. 26th, from 12pm-3pm
Little ghouls and goblins will embark on a thrilling trick or treat adventure, strolling through the neighborhood (mostly Clark St. and Broadway) in their finest costumes. Local businesses will set up stations with various treats for both kids and parents.
Edison Park
Edison Park Trunk or Treat
Oct. 24th from 4:30pm-6:30pm
Collect candy from 60 different decorated vehicles at this free neighborhood event. The first 350 kids will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag, and each goodie bag will contain a dining coupon to a local restaurant to be used that night only. There will also be bounce houses, face-painting, and a balloon artist.
Lakeview
Trick-or-Treat on Southport
Oct. 28th from 4pm-7pm
In addition to trick-or-treating at local businesses on Southport (from Roscoe to Grace), there will be other family-friendly activities including a DJ, inflatables, and a pumpkin patch. There's even a craft beer tent and lots of business discounts for the well-deserving parents!
Lincoln Park
Spooktacular
Oct. 26th and 27th from 1pm-4pm
Lincoln Avenue and Clark Street businesses will embrace the spooky season and transform into trick-or-treat stops. Join the haunted fun each day to celebrate Halloween and collect delicious treats while exploring the neighborhood.
Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
Lincoln Scared Ravenswoooood
Oct. 27th from 11am-1pm
Ravenswood has become known for its "full-size chocolate bar houses." Even kids from neighboring Lincoln Square flock to the streets of Ravenswood to score these rare finds. Check the week's weather forecast, and if its not looking too good for Halloween night, head to Lincoln Scared Ravenswoooood on Sunday, Oct. 27th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. when participating businesses in both Lincoln Square and Ravenswood will be passing out candy. Check the Chamber of Commerce's website for maps for both neighborhoods.
NorthCenter
Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Oct. 26th from 10am-1pm
Put on your funniest, spookiest, most creative Halloween costumes and join for a morning of Trick-or-Treating and holiday fun! Stop at Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N Damen Ave, pick up a treat bag and a map before visiting local businesses along Lincoln/Irving/Damen and in Northcenter Town Square, that will be handing out candy and other fun prizes.
Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party
Oct. 20th from 12pm-6pm
Roscoe Street will be closed to traffic while businesses between Damen and Hoyne will be handing out candy to all the costumed creatures. You'll also find kid's activities in the center of the road.
Wicker Park/Bucktown
Halloween Trick or Trunk Market
Oct. 27th from 10am-2pm
Families are invited to the Halloween Market at Josephinum Academy, which will also be the ultimate trick-or-treat destination for families! Bring the little ghosts and goblins for a fun, safe, and candy-filled night of games, goodies, and Halloween fun. Kids can explore the grounds in their best costumes and enjoy a worry-free trick-or-treat experience!
