Halloween 2025: When To Trick-Or-Treat In Arlington Safety Tips

ARLINGTON, VA — Trick-or-treating doesn't have a set time in many Northern Virginia communities, which means you can expect little ghosts and ghouls to show up to your doorstep during the evening hours of Halloween.

That applies to Arlingvton, where families typically trick-or-treat on Halloween. This year, Halloween falls on Friday, Oct. 31.

If you live within a homeowners association or apartment complex, check with them on trick-or-treat times, as they may be different from Oct. 31.

Here are some safety tips released by Arlington County police for trick-or-treaters:

• See and be seen! Select bright costumes, add reflective tape and/or carry flashlights and glow sticks.
• Plan your trick-or-treat route in advance. Stick to familiar neighborhoods and well-lit streets.
• Check out the Nextdoor app's Treat Map!
• Only visit homes with exterior lights on.
• Never send children out alone. Younger children should be with a trusted adult. Ensure older children take friends and stay together.
• Check candy before eating. Consider bringing treats from home so children don’t snack on candy before it is inspected.
• Walk on sidewalks and cross at corners, using traffic signals and/or crosswalks.
• Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween. Slow down, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic, and turn on your headlights earlier in the evening to spot children from greater distances.

Insuranceopedia has provided other safety tips for drivers as part of its Halloween guide:

• Slow your speed down in residential areas. Expect unpredictable movement from kids.
• Take extra looks at intersections, medians, and curbs. The NHTSA recommends that drivers use headlights earlier in the day, to improve visibility and to spot children at greater distances.
• Put your phone away when driving, so you can concentrate on your surroundings.
• Enter/exit driveways with extreme caution (driveway back-overs are a known risk).
• The most popular time for trick-or-treaters is between 5:30-9:30pm. Drivers should be hyper-vigilant during this time window.
• Plan a sober ride if celebrating. Alcohol impairment spikes crash risk on Halloween.

For residents celebrating Halloween with alcohol, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program will offer its Halloween SoberRide program from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on the evenings of Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The program seeks to keep DC area roads safe from would-be impaired drivers during high-risk holidays. Residents 21 and older can receive a free Lyft ride up to $15 using the Lyft app. The promo code will be posted at 3 p.m. on Oct. 31 at www.SoberRide.com.