Updated for 2023
Happy Halloween! It’s time to plan your kids’ trick-or-treating adventure! Here in Los Angeles there are many great neighborhoods to go trick-or-treating – and plenty of Malls and shopping areas, too.
But what time does trick-or-treating start in Los Angeles? And when’s the best time to go? You’ll find the answer to all your questions about trick-or-treating times in Los Angeles, so you can have a fun and safe Halloween night.
What is the official start time for trick-or-treating in Los Angeles?
There is no official start time for trick-or-treating in Los Angeles (spoiler alert). However, most neighborhoods start trick-or-treating around sunset. This year, sunset in Los Angeles on Halloween is around 6:00 PM.
When is the best time to go trick-or-treating in Los Angeles?
The best time to go trick-or-treating in Los Angeles is between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is when most people are home and giving out candy. However, if you have young children, you may want to start earlier so that they don’t get too tired.
Also, if you go on the earlier side, it will still be a little bit light out, which is always safer.
In Los Angeles and Southern California, we trick or treat on October 31st, no matter what day of the week it happens to be, although we’re all happiest when it falls on a Friday or Saturday. Halloween 2023 is on a Tuesday.
What is the typical start and end time for trick-or-treating in Los Angeles?
Most neighborhoods in Los Angeles end trick-or-treating around 9:00 PM. However, some neighborhoods may continue trick-or-treating until 10:00 PM or later. It depends how late you want to be out with your kids.
Tips for keeping your kids safe while trick-or-treating
Here are some tips for staying safe while trick-or-treating in Los Angeles:
- Trick-or-treat with a group of friends or family members.
- Stay in well-lit areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for traffic.
- Only go to houses that have their porch lights on.
- Remind your kids to stay near you as you walk through a neighborhood.
- Inspect all candy before eating it.
Where to go Trick-or-Treating in Los Angeles — Besides in your Neighborhood
If for any reason your neighborhood isn’t very trick-or-treat friendly for Halloween, or you’re just not enthusiastic about going door-to-door, your family can still have fun trick-or-treating in Los Angeles at one of these fun spots with special activities for children on Halloween (and all month long.)
Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Santa Monica
Halloween (10/31) from 3-6pm
Families and children are welcome to take part in Halloween trick-or-treating, hosted by Downtown Santa Monica Inc. (DTSM) on October 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. Participating businesses will hand out candy and treats while supplies last. Guests should make sure they are dressed to impress and ready to celebrate the spooky season! See their website for the map of where to get candy!
Magic of the Jack-O’-Lanterns Trick or Treating
Whittier Narrows Park, 1600 Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte, CA 91733
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns will be having Trick or Treat candy stations throughout the trail on Halloween Night, from 6:15 – 10pm, making this a perfect and safe Halloween experience for the whole family. Guests can expect nautical seascapes, pirate ships, dinosaurs, dragons, and more that all illuminate your walk through this pumpkin extravaganza, with a touch of magic around every corner. Tickets required.
Halloween Trick or Treat
Riviera Village
1799 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Once again, Riviera Village closes a section of Catalina Avenue to cars, allowing for a fun and safe trick-or-treating time! On October 31st from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, shops will be handing out candy and treats.
Boo-tastic Halloween Party
Adventure City
1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim, CA 90680
Adventure City invites families to its Boo-tastic Halloween Party happening on September 29th and October 6th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, and 31st from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The fun includes 11 rides, trick-or-treating for candy and trinkets, a scavenger hunt, a dance party, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are available online.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular
Montrose Shopping Park
2200, 2300, 2400 blocks of Honolulu Ave., Glendale, CA 91020
From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 31st, the charming Montrose Shopping Park invites children to trick-or-treat. Merchants will be giving out candy while families stroll about the festively decorated shopping area. This popular annual event is described as a “true family event full of traditional tricks and treats as well as a few surprises.”
The Best Neighborhoods for Trick or Treating in SoCal
Insider Tip: when you head to these areas, check for streets with Single-Family Homes, and check to make sure they’ve got their porch lights on. Bonus points if there are lots of houses decorated for Halloween.
These neighborhoods have been recommended by SoCal Moms and Dads for years.
- Toluca Lake
- South Pasadena: Diamond Ave + Oxley St.
- Culver City: Carlson Park and Lindberg Park areas
- Westchester
- Angelino Heights
- Mar Vista
- Burbank
Related: Find all the Best Halloween Events in Los Angeles
Boo at the Zoo
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Throughout the month of October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, families are invited to celebrate Halloween at the L.A. Zoo. The annual Boo at the Zoo event features live shows, animal pumpkin feedings, education stations, and much more. Costumes are encouraged. Check the website for more details as they become available.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
10100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Visiting Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch has been a tradition for many families since it was established in 1987. In addition to the fun pumpkin patch and the many interactive activities, they have special trick-or-treating times.
Treat Trail, Pics & a Flick
One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
For a frightfully good time, let your kids dress up in their costumes before you take them to One Colorado. They’ll get to trick-or-treat in the shops, have a Halloween-themed picture taken, and watch a seasonal movie. You can bring your own chairs or blankets. Treats and pictures are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Trick-or-Treating in Orange County
Spellbinding Thrills at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
Disneyland’s take on Halloween includes spooky characters, fabulous decorations, and yes, trick-or-treating for candy treats. The Oogie Boogie Bash is a separate, ticketed event each September and October, and tickets go fast but don’t worry because there’s plenty to see and do for Halloween at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Halloween Zoo-Tacular
Orange County Zoo
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869
The Orange County Zoo is celebrating Halloween early on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fun includes arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, and more! The first 100 children (ages 12 and under) in costume will receive a free gift. All activities are included in general admission and reservations are not needed.
Halloween Extravaganza
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Children can trick-or-treat at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Sunday, October 29th. This fun, daytime event also includes special story times, art activities, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Details are available online.
Knotts Spooky Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
“Kids can trick-or-treat around the town of Calico’s shops and buildings to collect sweet treats from the friendly townsfolk” at Knotts Spooky Farm. The fun is offered during the day, Thursdays through Sundays, September 28th through October 29th, plus Halloween. Ticket information is available online.
Trick-or-Treating Destinations Worth the Drive
Spook-tacular Trick-or-Treat event
The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Ct., Oxnard, CA 93036
Families are invited to a night of Halloween fun with candy, costumes, prizes, and more. On Wednesday, Oct. 25th, 2023, The Collection at RiverPark is hosting a night of trick-or-treating fun from 5-7 p.m. Stop in for a spell and collect tons of fang-tastic treats. The Collection’s merchants dress up and decorate for the occasion. Be sure to stop by as many locations as possible for tons of fun surprises and special offers.
Reservations are required, and while the whole family is encouraged to tag along, trick-or-treat tickets are for kids only. This wicked event fills up fast, so mummies and daddies should be sure to RSVP as soon as possible.
Related: Fun and Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids
Brick-Or-Treat
LEGOLAND
One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Brick-Or-Treat is LEGOLAND’s “signature Halloween event” and features “tons of candy, an all-new show lineup, never-before-seen exclusive LEGO characters, and more.” These special activities start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, September 16th through September 30th, and select Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Sea World Spooktacular
500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
“Kids love trick-or-treating during this daytime event as they explore our decorated trail and meet all sorts of colorful characters.” Spooktacular is happening on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, September 15th through October 29th. The fun also includes a dance party, scavenger hunt, hay maze, and more. Ticket information is available online.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Sesame Place
2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista, CA 91911
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is happening at Sesame Place on Saturdays and Sundays from September 16th through October 29th. Come dressed in your costumes and get ready for “silly, not-too-spooky fun” at Sesame Place. The festivities include trick-or-treating around the park, a Halloween Parade, a scavenger hunt, Halloween-themed shows, games, and much more! Ticket information is available online.
Related: DIY Kids Halloween Costumes
Six Flags Kids Boo Fest
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA 91355
Your kids will love dressing up in their costumes to attend the Six Flags Boo Fest! It’s fun for kids of all ages, and it’s held on select days from September 8th through October 31st. Children will be able to enjoy the rids, go on the trick-or-treat trail, wind their way through mazes, and more.
These events from 2022 Have Not Yet Updated their info — stay tuned!
Cemetery Lane at Heritage Square
3515 Pasadena St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
Enjoy Spooky (But Safe) Trick-or-treating in a neighborhood of Victorian manors and haunted houses, where the neighbors are “dying” to celebrate Halloween. Located within the gated, safe, and secure “neighborhood” of Heritage Square Museum, Cemetery Lane features 13 themed trick-or-treat stops and other surprises for kids of all ages. Tickets are available online.
Westfield Topanga
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park, CA 91303
Trick-Or-Treating at The Village | October 31 | 5-7 PM – In addition to “window to window” trick or treating, the center will also be offering arts, crafts, games, music, face painting, and more! Looking for alternatives to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating in LA this Halloween? Whether your neighborhood isn’t trick-or-treat friendly or you don’t feel like going door-to-door, participating retailers at both centers will be handing out candy to shoppers — costumes encouraged! With locations in both LA and the Valley, Westfield Century City and Westfield Topanga are premier destinations for shopping, entertainment, dining, and now spooky szn festivities! This Halloween, make sure to stop by either location and participate in everyone’s favorite Halloween tradition — trick-or-treating.
Related: 20+ Trunk-or-Treat events all around SoCal
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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