Ready your costumes, flashlights, and candy bags! Chicago’s Northside is bursting with family-friendly blocks that truly come alive on Halloween night. With Halloween on a Friday this year, trick-or-treating may go later than usual.
Quick Links
Northside Chicago Hot Spots
Andersonville / Edgewater
Best Streets: 1400 block of Farragut Ave & Catalpa Ave between Clark & Ashland
Why Go: Over-the-top décor. Many Andersonville residents coordinate block themes - everything from haunted circus tents to "Harry Potter on Farragut." Because the neighborhood draws so many families with young kids, candy tables are typically at the curb for easy access and minimal street crossing.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Buena Park
Best Streets: The vibe on Alta Vista is straight out of a Hallmark movie. Plus, a spooktacularly interactive trick-or-treat experience, Buena Park's Safe Trick-or-Treating event on Kenmore Avenue, (closed from Irving Park to Montrose), consistently offers a uniquely interactive experience.
Why Go: Even before the pandemic, residents were getting creative with candy distribution, famously using dryer hoses to send treats from upper-level units. Since then, they've only enhanced their efforts, with this year featuring prizes for the scariest and best overall decorated houses. Insider Tip: Head out towards the end of the event for generous handfuls of candy from residents!
Hours/Prime Times: 6pm-8pm
Edison Park
Best Streets: Ozanam Avenue and Olmstead Avenue (between Northwest Hwy and Ozark), Canfield Avenue (near Ebinger Elementary), and Ottawa Avenue and Osceola Avenue (west of Northwest Hwy.)
Why Go: Edison Park feels like a small suburb tucked inside the city. Its tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and strong sense of community make it a top spot for trick-or-treating.Families decorate front yards with classic pumpkins and cobwebs rather than over-the-top displays, creating a friendly, nostalgic Halloween vibe. Insider Tip: Stop along Northwest Hwy before or after trick-or-treating - many local restaurants (like Moretti's, Edison, Park Inn, and Zia's Trattoria) offer kid-friendly specials or treats for families in costume.
Hours/Prime Times: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Lincoln Park
Best Streets: On Halloween night, Burling St., located between Fullerton and Diversey, transforms into a party-like atmosphere, welcoming trick-or-treaters with an abundance of candy and fun. Public transportation via bus or the "L" is highly recommended, as evening parking can be challenging.
Why Go: This is destination trick-or-treating at its best, offering a delightful experience as you witness homes open and inviting, filled with the joyful sounds of children on this spooky and silly night.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Lincoln Square
Best Streets: Winnemac (2400 block), Argyle (2500 block), Wilson & Seely
Why Go: Some of the North Side’s most elaborately decorated homes. It's easy to combine a candy route with a stop at Giddings Plaza, Gene's Sausage Shop, or the nearby Old Town School of Folk Music for live music and hot drinks.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:00pm-7:30pm
Ravenswood
Best Streets: Hermitage (between Montrose & Lawrence), Paulina and Seeley (north of Montrose), Damen (between Wilson & Foster), and Ainslie Street (between Damen and Wolcott.)
Why Go: Ravenswood is renowned for its "full-size chocolate bar houses," attracting children even from neighboring Lincoln Square who eager to find these coveted treats.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Ravenswood Manor
Best Streets: Francisco Ave, Manor Ave, Eastwood Ave (near Francisco Brown Line)
Why Go: Beautiful old homes and neighbors who love to hand out candy. Houses are close together and the streets are safe and calm.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30-8:00pm
Roscoe Village
Best Streets: Roscoe St (between Damen & California) and nearby side streets
Why Go: Roscoe Village, known as one of Chicago's most family-friendly neighborhoods, is an ideal spot to celebrate Halloween. The abundance of single-family homes situated closely together on most blocks allows for a substantial trick-or-treating haul with minimal walking. In this close-knit community, homeowners often gather around outdoor fire pits, enjoying the evening's festivities alongside the children. Compact, friendly, and festive—this neighborhood goes all out with inflatables and creative themes.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Sauganash
Best Streets: Sauganash Ave, Kedvale, and Kilbourn (between Peterson & Devon)
Why Go: Sauganash is legendary among Northside families for its "suburban Halloween in the city" feel. The wide lawns, stately brick homes, and winding streets make it ideal for trick-or-treating - safe for kids,easy parking for visiting families , and tons of candy stops. You can easily fill an entire candy bag without ever crossing a busy street. Insider Tip: Park on a side street like Kedvale or Kostner and walk the loop. If you have very young kids, start on the southern end (near Peterson) where the blocks are shorter and the houses are closer together.
Hours/Prime Times: 5pm-8pm
Uptown
Best Streets: 4800 block of Magnolia Ave
Why Go: Known for blockbuster Halloween displays — it’s Insta-worthy! Uptown offers a theatrical take on Halloween with extravagant decorations. Families come from all over the city to stroll through and snap photos. Insider Tip: Park a few blocks away and walk in. If you want calmer viewing for young kids, arrive around 5:15pm.
Hours/Prime Times: 5:30pm-8:00pm
 |
Nearby Suburbs with Great Trick-or-Treating
Evanston
Best Streets: Central St and Ridge–Green Bay corridor.
Why Go: Walkable, well-lit, and packed with families. Plus the City of Evanston promotes safety patrols.
Official Hours: 4pm-7pm
Niles
Best Streets: Around Milwaukee & Oakton, near Notre Dame College Prep.
Why Go: Go early - streets quiet after sunset. It's actually one of the first suburbs to get going so it is perfect if you want to start early and end early, or still make it back to Chicago neighborhoods before dark. Insider Tip: Stop by Niles Park District's "Trick or Treat Trail" earlier in the afternoon. It's a fun warm-up with games and candy before the neighborhood rounds begin.
Official Hours: 3pm-7pm
Park Ridge
Best Streets: Touhy Ave corridor, Courtland Ave, and side streets near Maine South High School.
Why Go: Classic 'Main Street Halloween' atmosphere. Families often host block gatherings with fire pits or music. Downtown Park Ridge also gets in the spirit with some local shops handing out candy earlier in the day.
Official Hours: 3pm-8pm
Rosemont
Best Streets: West of River Rd (Barry St & Rose Ave area).
Why Go: Rosemont's residential pocket is small but mighty - a close knit community where nearly every house participates. It's one of the safest, most convenient trick-or-treating options near O'Hare. Because Rosemont also hosts large-scale public Halloween events, it's great for families who want to mix neighborhood trick-or-treating with entertainment. Parkway Bank Park usually features family-friendly festivities.
Official Hours: 4pm-7pm
Skokie
Best Streets: Floral Ave, Oakton Park area, and streets near Skokie Blvd & Main St.
Why Go: Friendly residents and easy walking. Skokie's Village atmosphere makes it especially safe for younger kids, and sidewalks are wide enough for strollers and wagons. Insider Tip: Head to Oakton Park around 4pm. Families often meet up there and nearby cafes like Kneads & Wants offer seasonal treats and hot cocoa.
Official Hours: 3pm-8pm
Wilmette
Best Streets: Lake Ave. east of Green Bay Rd. The neighborhoods around Central Elementary and Downtown Wilmette are especially lively.
Why Go: Grand historic homes transform into spooky haunted houses adorned with spider webs, ghosts, and goblins. This spot lives up to the "big houses, big candy haul" theory. The village's tree-lined blocks and historic architecture create a magical fall backdrop, and many families have long-standing traditions that make the night feel nostalgic and community-driven.
Official Hours: 4pm-8pm
 |
Safety & Sanity Tips
- Use glow sticks or reflective tape for visibility.
- Stay on sidewalks—avoid lawns and décor setups.
- Dress for the chill!
- Pack an extra tote—these neighborhoods are generous.
- Check local chamber or park district pages for updated hours.
For more Pre-Halloween Trick-or-Treat Events, check out our 2025 Halloween Happenings Guide.
Did we miss your spooky street? Email debraf@macaronikid.com
*This article was written with the help of Chat GPT.
