When is trick-or-treat this year? Tuesday, Oct. 31
Editor's note: This is our friendly annual reminder that kids go trick-or-treating on Oct. 31.
When should my kids go trick-or-treating?
Every year, I ask that and end up having to look it up online to determine what day trick or treating is happening in my area. As with every year, WRAL Family has you covered!
Halloween, Oct. 31, falls on a Tuesday this year. Since it falls during the week, a few towns switch trick-or-treating to another day. For the most part, Halloween trick-or-treating is on Oct. 31.
Some shopping centers also offer trick-or-treating hours as well. Our Halloween and fall fun guide has information about carnivals, fall festivals, pumpkin patches and other seasonal events.
Here's our list on trick-or-treating in nearly three dozen communities in the region.
When is trick-or-treat in Wake County?
- Raleigh: The city does not set trick-or-treating day and hours. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Cary: The town does not dictate when Halloween is. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Fuquay-Varina: The town board does not take a position on when Halloween is. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Holly Springs: Oct. 31
- Knightdale: The town does not take a position on when Halloween is celebrated. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Morrisville: The town does not take a position on when Halloween is celebrated. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Wake Forest: The Town of Wake Forest traditionally recognizes Oct. 31 as the official date for Halloween. The Wake Forest Police Department also recommends that kids trick-or-treat between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Wake County: The county does not guide Halloween activities in unincorporated areas. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
- Apex: The town does not officially set this date or take a position on what day any holiday is celebrated. Kids will be out on Oct. 31. All trick-or-treating should be done by 9 p.m.
- Wendell: Oct. 31
- Zebulon: Oct. 31
- Garner: Oct. 31
- Rolesville: Oct. 31
When is trick-or-treat in Durham County?
- Durham: The city doesn't take a position on when Halloween is celebrated. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
When is trick-or-treat in Orange County?
- Chapel Hill: It is always Oct. 31.
- Carrboro: Oct. 31
- Hillsborough: The town does not take a position on when Halloween is. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.
When is trick-or-treat in Johnston County?
- Clayton: Oct. 31
- Smithfield: Oct. 31. The town typically recommends 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for trick-or-treating hours.
- Selma: Oct. 31
Elsewhere
- Cumberland County, Fayetteville: This year trick or treat will be observed on Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Chatham County: Oct. 31.
- Wayne County: Oct. 31
- Louisburg: Recommended hours are usually 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31
- Pittsboro: Oct. 31
- Goldsboro: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31
- Mount Olive: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m, Oct. 31
- Rocky Mount: Oct. 31
- Sanford: The city has never changed dates for Halloween. It's Oct. 31.
- Wilson: Oct. 31
- Angier: Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.
- Coats: Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Dunn: Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.
- Erwin: Oct. 31 from 6 to to 8 p.m.
- Lillington: Oct. 31 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Harnett County: Oct. 31
- Oxford: Recommended hours are usually 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.
No matter where or when, trick or treat safely
Many municipalities suggest hours for trick-or-treat to reduce the chance that kids in dark costumes are hit by a car. Trick-or-treaters of all ages should be aware of the cars with which they share the roads.
The biggest threat for children on Halloween is being hit by a car. According to a study published in 2019 by JAMA Pediatrics, the average Halloween night resulted in four additional pedestrian deaths.
Specifically, for children ages 4 to 8, the chance of being hit and killed by a car was 10 times higher on Halloween.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that parents should make sure their children are crossing the street at corners and using traffic signals and crosswalks.
