Go Ask Mom

When is Halloween? Thursday, Oct. 31

When do trick-or-treaters set out for tricks and treats this Halloween? We have the answer for nearly three dozen communities in the region.

Posted Updated
Trick-or-treating
By
Sarah Lindenfeld Hall
, Go Ask Mom editor
Editor's note: Our friendly annual reminder that kids go trick-or-treating on Oct. 31.

When should my kids go trick-or-treating?

Yes, this is a question I get every year from parents. So, I update this post each year to head off more questions and cut down on the confusion.

So, here's the deal: Halloween, Oct. 31, falls on a Thursday this year. That's when parents across the Triangle will be sending their little tacos (seriously, what's up with all the food-themed costumes this year) and unicorns out for sweet treats.

Some communities do provide some guidance on what time of day families should go out on the hunt for candy. Most, however, just expect parents to use their best judgment and set no recommended time or day.

Of course, when Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday, a handful of towns actually switch trick-or-treating to another day (which adds to the annual confusion, I believe). Thankfully, we don't have to worry about that until 2021.

Some shopping centers also offer trick-or-treating hours, though I've heard complaints that kids often leave with more fliers and coupons than actual candy - especially on rainy Halloween nights. Our Halloween and fall fun guide has more information about mall trick-or-treating hours and other seasonal events.

Here's our list on trick-or-treating in nearly three dozen communities in the region. (Again, notice the pattern.)

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

Durham County

Durham: The city doesn't take a position on when Halloween is celebrated. Trick-or-treaters will be out Oct. 31.

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.

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: The sheriff's office has traditionally recommended the hours of 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.
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
Coats: Oct. 31
Dunn: The town has historically recommended that trick-or-treating happens in the early evening through 8:30 p.m., Oct. 31
Lillington: Recommended hours are usually 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 31
Harnett County: Oct. 31
Oxford: Recommended hours are usually 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 31.

Be safe! Have fun!

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