These D.C. neighborhoods don’t mess around when it comes to Halloween. Every one has over-the-top decor, safe streets, and an ideal candy-to-walking ratio. Official D.C. trick-or-treating hours are Oct. 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. But note that some neighborhoods differ!
Mt. Pleasant, DC
The Mt. Pleasant neighborhood takes Halloween very seriously, shutting down blocks of Lamont Street NW for trick-or-treating festivities. Many local businesses and even the library join in to hand out candy and sweets. It’s also a great spot for costume watching.
Start here: Lamont St., NW
Capitol Hill, DC
This family-heavy neighborhood has back-to-back row houses which means an especially high candy-to-walking ratio (and really, what else matters?) The Hill Is Home also puts together an annual map of houses participating in trick-or-treat so you can plan your route. (Submit your house here!) Also, don’t miss the “Hats on the Hill” display on Tennessee Ave., NE. OoooOOooo.
Start here: East Capitol Street
Old Town Alexandria, VA
Something in the air at Old Town lends itself perfectly to Halloween, it just feels … spooky. Not to mention the whole area is filled with over-the-top decorations and trick-or-treaters dressed to the nines. Apparently, some families pass out more than 3,000 pieces of candy!
Note: Old Town’s main trick-or-treat day and annual block party are on Oct. 25.
Start here: Lee Street
Georgetown, DC
M Street NW in Georgetown is absolutely crazy during Halloween, almost too crazy if you ask me. But the side streets a little to the north are perfect for trick-or-treating, and houses go all out with elaborate decor, massive skeletons, projections, and pumpkin displays. Don’t miss the historic Bowie-Sevier House (3122 Q St., NW), a local halloween decor legend.
Start here: 31st St., NW
You know the candy bowl at this house in Petworth is about to go crazy. (Mark Kulkosky/City Cast DC)
Del Ray, VA
If Alexandria's Old Town is too much hassle, the Del Ray neighborhood is a great option. Some houses on Clifford Avenue have famous decor like the Creepy CarnEvil and another has a graveyard and pumpkin patch. They also have an iconic Halloween parade along Mount Vernon Avenue on Oct. 26.
Start here: Clifford Avenue
Petworth, DC
The yard decor here goes crazy, and I mean crazy (see pirate ship above) and the streets are quiet and perfect trick-or-treating with kids. Varnum, Upshur, and Taylor Streets NW are great places to start. They also have a yearly family Spooktacular event in Sherman Circle on Oct. 26.
Start here: Grant Circle Park
Embassy Row, DC
This one requires a bit more walking, so it's great for older kids (and maybe even adults 😉). Over 20 embassies around Dupont and Kalorama open their doors to trick-or-treaters, often offering unique country-specific candies (along with a tourism pamphlet or two). Sometimes you can also peep in to view the embassies if you ask nicely.
Start here: Embassy of Portugal
Chevy Chase, DC
The sidewalks on Rittenhouse Rd. are bustling with ghosts and ghouls every halloween in Chevy Chase. This is a neighborhood where houses don’t skimp and you can take home some serious loot. Also, walk up Connecticut Ave. where shops hand out sweets from 4 - 6 p.m.
Start here: Rittenhouse Rd. between Broad Branch Rd. and Utah Ave.
