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

ALEXANDRIA, 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 the City of Alexandria, where families typically trick-or-treat on Halloween. This year, Halloween falls on Friday, Oct. 31. One of the favorite traditions is the returning Lee Street Halloween. 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 Alexandria Police for trick-or-treat:

For homeowners

• Light up your walkway and porch so children can see clearly and avoid tripping hazards.
• Remove obstacles such as garden hoses, decorations, or uneven pavement that could cause falls.
• Consider using battery-powered candles or glow sticks inside pumpkins instead of open flames to prevent accidental fires.
• Keep pets indoors during trick-or-treating hours. Even friendly animals can become frightened by costumes and loud noises.
• If you’re handing out candy, make sure to offer only store-bought, sealed treats and keep allergen-friendly options in mind.

For trick-or-treaters

• Map out a trick-or-treat route through well-lit, familiar neighborhoods and agree on a return time. If you need help planning your route, check out the Nextdoor Treat Map to see who’s giving out candy, hosting haunted houses, or decorating for Halloween.
• For younger children, adult supervision is essential. Older kids should go in groups, stay together, and keep phones charged for quick contact.
• Establish rules about crossing streets, visiting only homes with lights on, and avoiding shortcuts through alleys or backyards.
• Encourage open communication—children should know never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Remind everyone that neighborly fun should stay lighthearted—damaging property or frightening neighbors can have serious consequences.
• Choose light-colored or reflective costumes to help drivers see trick-or-treaters after dark. Add reflective tape or glow accessories for extra visibility.
• Make sure costumes fit properly and don’t drag on the ground to prevent trips and falls.
• Avoid masks that block vision; consider face paint or makeup instead.
• Select soft, flexible props like foam swords or plastic wands rather than metal or hard plastic.
• Look for costumes labeled “flame resistant” and keep them away from candles or open flames.
• Walk—don’t run—between houses and use sidewalks or crosswalks whenever possible.
• Put phones and devices away while walking to stay aware of surroundings.
• Carry identification or a contact card with your name and emergency number, especially for children.
• If you see something that doesn’t seem right—such as suspicious behavior or unsafe activity—contact the Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency line at 703.746.4444 or call 911 in an emergency.

For drivers

• Slow down in residential areas and be ready for children who may cross mid-block or between parked cars.
• Turn on headlights early, even before sunset, to increase visibility.
• Avoid distractions—put away phones and stay alert for unpredictable movements.
• Never drive impaired by drugs or alcohol, and plan for a sober ride home if you’re attending a party.
• When pulling in or out of driveways, take extra care—small children can be difficult to see, especially in dark costumes.

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.