What time does Trick or Treating Start and End in 2023? – Halloween Hour

As October draws near, I find myself, like many others, eagerly anticipating the most spooky and fun-filled day of the year – Halloween. A constant query that pops up around this time, especially among parents and eager youngsters, is, “What time does trick or treating start and end?” Given that Halloween 2023 falls on a Tuesday, this question becomes all the more pertinent. Let’s dive in.

what time does trick or treating start

The Magic of Trick or Treating

Halloween is synonymous with trick or treating. The joyous sight of children, and sometimes adults, donning everything from ghostly to whimsical costumes and roaming the neighborhoods in the quest for candy is a treat in itself.

And while this tradition remains steadfast, the specific hours of trick or treating often become a topic of discussion each year.

When Does the Candy Quest Begin?

The anticipation can be palpable, but when does one officially kickstart the Halloween candy collection? If we are addressing the query, “What time does trick or treating start in 2023?”, the general consensus revolves around sunset. This usually places the start time between 5:30 and 6 p.m., depending on where you reside.

A 2015 poll I came across revealed that the majority of participants believed 6 p.m. to be the ideal time to begin trick or treating. Interestingly, a considerable portion also vouched for a 5 p.m. start. However, the age demographic plays a role.

Younger children often head out a tad earlier, eager to get a headstart. With Halloween on a weekday in 2023, it’s likely that the trick-or-treaters might start pouring out as soon as the school ends and their parents clock off work.

The Evening’s End

Now, addressing another burning question, “What time does trick or treating start and end?” we’ve already tackled the starting time. For the end time, consensus and my own observations suggest that the festivities start winding down by 9 p.m. for the older kids.

The younger ones, with earlier bedtimes and school the following morning, might conclude their candy hunt around 8 p.m.

A useful trick I’ve adopted is keeping an eye out for the neighborhood’s vibe. As homes begin turning off their porch lights, it’s a universal cue that trick or treating is drawing to a close.

Safe and Sweet Celebrations

what time does trick or treat start

Safety is paramount. Here are some guidelines I adhere to and advise:

  • Ensure children, especially those below 12, are accompanied by an adult.
  • Equip groups with at least one flashlight.
  • Avoid letting children enter unfamiliar homes or cars.
  • Equip kids with a cell phone for emergencies.
  • Pinning a note with contact information inside a child’s costume is a proactive safety measure.

For those on the receiving end of trick or treaters, I recommend:

  • A well-lit entryway to avoid tripping mishaps.
  • Keeping pets secured.
  • Displaying a teal pumpkin indicates that you offer allergy-friendly treats, making Halloween inclusive for all!

What time does Trick or Treating Start and End in Different Cities

Given that sunset times can vary, here’s a snapshot of specifics for a few major cities:

what time does trick or treating start

Trick-or-Treating Timings

  • Atlanta: Sunset at 6:47 p.m. Local recommendations: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Baltimore: Sunset at 6:08 p.m.
  • Boston: Sunset at 5:40 p.m. Local recommendations: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Chicago: Sunset at 5:47 p.m. Local recommendations: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Cincinnati: Sunset at 6:39 p.m. Local recommendations: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Cleveland: Sunset at 6:24 p.m. Local recommendations: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Dallas: Sunset at 6:38 p.m.
  • Denver: Sunset at 6:00 p.m. Local recommendations: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Houston: Sunset at 6:36 p.m.
  • Indianapolis: Sunset at 6:45 p.m. Local recommendations: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Las Vegas: Sunset at 5:46 p.m. Local recommendations: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Los Angeles: Sunset at 6:02 p.m.
  • Miami: Sunset at 6:41 p.m.
  • Milwaukee: Sunset at 5:46 p.m. Local recommendations: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct 27.
  • Minneapolis: Sunset at 6:04 p.m.
  • New Orleans: Sunset at 6:15 p.m.
  • New York: Sunset at 5:55 p.m.
  • Oklahoma City: Sunset at 6:37 p.m.
  • Philadelphia: Sunset at 6:01 p.m. Local recommendations: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Phoenix: Sunset at 5:38 p.m. Local recommendations: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Pittsburgh: Sunset at 6:19 p.m. Local recommendations: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • St. Louis: Sunset at 6:03 p.m.
  • Salt Lake City: Sunset at 6:26 p.m.
  • San Antonio: Sunset at 6:49 p.m.
  • San Diego: Sunset at 6:00 p.m.
  • San Francisco: Sunset at 6:13 p.m.
  • Seattle: Sunset at 5:55 p.m. Local recommendations: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Washington: Sunset at 6:10 p.m. Local recommendations: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For your Halloween shopping, it’s essential to be informed about When does Spirit Halloween open in 2023?

Halloween Date: Is It Always on October 31?

Absolutely! Regardless of it being a Tuesday in 2023, the trick or treat tradition remains steadfastly on October 31st. However, several communities do organize weekend events leading up to the main day for those who wish to start their celebrations early.

Final Thoughts!

To conclude, Halloween is a blend of excitement, tradition, and community spirit. Whether you’re inquiring about “What time does trick or treat start?” or simply looking for safety tips, it’s all about ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Stay safe, stay spooky, and Happy Halloween 2023!

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