2023 Highland Park Trick-Or-Treat Hours, Halloween Events

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — With Halloween weekend just around the corner, Highland Park residents who need to head to the store for some candy or who have little ones headed out to trick-or-treat are finalizing their preparations.

For those who choose to participate in the holiday on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the city's official trick-or-treat hours run from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Residents welcoming trick-or-treaters during that time should turn on exterior lights, while those that do not wish to take part are encouraged to turn their porch lights off or put up signs notifying visitors that they are not participating in trick-or treat.

For the days ahead of All Hallow's Eve, here are some other community events scheduled to be held in Highland Park.

Downtown Highland Park Candy Stroll
Friday, 3 to 6 p.m., downtown Highland Park
Participating downtown businesses will be welcoming trick-or-treaters, and live music, face painting, balloon artists and Halloween decorations are planned at Port Clinton Square and Renaissance Place. Participants can pick up a free candy bucket while supplies last at First Bank of Highland Park, 1835 1st St. New this year is a dog costume contest.

Ravinia District Candy Stroll
Friday, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Ravinia district business representatives will pass out candy to trick-or-treaters as they enjoy the festive decorations installed the area. Participants may pick up a free bag at the Viaggio patio where there will be music, goodies, and more. Read more...

"Hocus Pocus" Drive-In
Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., 1207 Park Ave W.
The the Recreation Center of Highland Park is hosting a drive-in movie screening of the 1993 film "Hocus Pocus." Attendees may view the movie from inside cars or bring lawn chairs and sit outside. Audio will be come from a loudspeaker rather than an FM transmitter. Tickets are $30 per car.

Highland Park city staff also shared the following Halloween safety advice:

Visit homes that have their porch lights on during Trick or Treat hours; this lets everyone know who is passing out treats.

Children should stay on the porch or front steps for their treat; do not go into any home.

Children should cross the streets at intersections and not in the middle of the street or between parked cars. Be sure to put electronic devices down; keep your head up while walking and crossing the street.

Don’t Trick or Treat alone. Stay in a group and communicate to an adult where you will be going.

Teach children how to obtain help or call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

Walk on the sidewalk, not in the street.

Only cross the street at designated crosswalks.

Look both ways. Listen and watch for cars before crossing the street.

Don’t hide or cross the street from between parked cars.

Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing or try to affix reflective tape on costumes or treat bags to be more visible.

Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. If you wear a mask, make sure that the eye-holes are large enough that your vision won’t be affected.

Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to light your way.

Visit homes that have inside and outside lights on.

Accept your treats at the door and never go into a home.

Always have an adult inspect the candy before eating. Don’t eat candy if packaging has been opened. Remember that small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.

Be cautious around pets that may come to the door or be outside.

Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and around your property.

Always keep lit Jack O’Lanterns away from drapes, decorations or areas where children will be standing or walking.