Halloween Hours: Massachusetts towns set windows for trick-or-treating

Kids in Massachusetts can check their town's specific window before heading out for candy this Saturday, October 31. Dozens of local governments released recommended hours for trick-or-treating to help families plan their routes. The schedules vary widely, with some towns starting as early as 4 p.m. and others ending as late as 8 p.m.

Not every municipality set a fixed time. Waltham stated on social media that it does not designate specific hours. The city added that the event is celebrated rain or shine, but the timing is under the discretion of parents. Boston also lacks official hours, though the Boston Police Department guidelines from last year suggest that activities should conclude by 8 p.m. at the latest.

Communities with earlier cutoffs include Brockton and Charlton, both of which list a 4 p.m. start. Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen suggest a 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. window. Other towns like Andover and Barre also recommend finishing by 7:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. respectively. These earlier windows may help parents avoid the dark hours when visibility drops.

In contrast, several towns allow trick-or-treating until 8 p.m. Auburn, Boxford, and Holden all suggest a 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. window. Fitchburg, Lowell, and Littleton recommend starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Hull offers the widest range, suggesting a 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. window for residents.

Officials also shared safety advice for the evening. They recommend that children wear brightly colored outfits so drivers can see them. Parents should inspect all candy before kids eat it. The list covers towns across the state, including Amherst, Athol, and Ayer, ensuring most residents have a local guideline to follow.