Welcome to Time Out Boston's official guide to a trick-or-treating in Boston on Halloween. We’ve scoured the city's nooks and crannies to unearth the best, most family-friendly trick-or-treat destinations that Boston has to offer. Whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident, this is your one-stop resource for planning the perfect Halloween night for your little goblins, witches or warlocks. From the charming cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the vibrant neighborhoods of Dorchester, our list covers every corner of the city. We'll walk you through the must-visit streets where residents go all out to create spooky, enchanting over the top displays, ensuring that your children experience the true spirit of Halloween. To help you navigate the city with ease, we've included essential information, such as safety tips and nearby attractions for post-trick-or-treating fun. So, grab your costumes, load up on candy bags and plastic pumpkin buckets, and prepare for a bewitching adventure in Boston.
Where to go trick-or-treating in Boston
Back Bay: Marlborough Street from Berkeley Street to Fairfield Street will be closed from 5:30-8:30pm on October 31
Beacon Hill: Most streets will be closed from 4-8pm on October 31 for trick-or-treating
Charlestown: “Trick or Treat or Bust” on Tuesday, October 31 from 4 – 7 p.m. at BCYF Charlestown. And the area around Monument Square will be closed to cars from 4-8pm on Halloween.
Dorchester: “Trails to Treats Boo Fest” on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. from Dorchester YMCA to BCYF Perkins.
East Boston: Halloween Party on Monday, Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. at BCYF Pino.
Hyde Park: Halloween Party on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. at BCYF Hyde Park.
Jamaica Plain: Haunted House on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at BCYF Curtis Hall.
Mattapan: Halloween Party on Monday, Oct. 30 from 3-7 p.m. at BCYF Gallivan.
Mission Hill: “Halloween on the Hill” on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 4 – 8 p.m. at BCYF Tobin.
North End: Annual neighborhood Halloween event on Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 2-6:30 p.m. at BCYF Nazzaro.
Roslindale: Trick or treat until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at BCYF Menino.
Roxbury: Halloween Party on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at BCYF Shelburne.
South Boston: Pumpkin Decorating on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. for ages 5 and under, or 4 p.m. for ages 6 and older at BCYF Curley. Also, Beckler Avenue from K Street to the end will be closed to traffic from 2-8 pm on Halloween for trick or treating.
South End: Pembroke Street from Warren Avenue to Tremont Street will be closed to traffic from 6-8:30pm and Waltham Street from Tremont Street to Shawmut Avenue will be closed to traffic from 5-8 pm for trick or treating.
West Roxbury: Trick or Treat Centre Street with Parkway in Motion on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at BCYF Roche Center.
Best neighborhoods for enjoying Halloween decorations
Beacon Hill
If you have never trick-or-treated in Beacon Hill, the #1 can’t miss spot is Louisburg Square, the homeowners go all out and somehow top one another every year. However, the whole neighborhood is a delight all evening long, with kids and families enjoying themselves the whole night.
Back Bay
Similar to Beacon Hill, expect gorgeous décor, lots of costumes and some luxe candy—while it lasts. Many houses are known to give out full size candy bars and other goodies all night long.
South End
Last but not least, if you need one more option in another of Boston’s beautiful Brownstone neighborhoods, head to the South End. We all know that the South End is a tight knit community and on nights like Halloween it really shows because everyone is on the stoop giving out candy and enjoying the fall weather.