The Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat near Philadelphia

 
Don't miss the red-carpet parade in East Passyunk. Photo courtesy of East Passyunk 

Society Hill

Society Hill has its own special spooky feel, as one of Philly's oldest neighborhoods, with nightly ghost tours passing through its cobblestone streets. Delancey Street is blocked off to traffic between 2nd and 4th, so kids can walk around safely gathering treats during one of Philly's most sought-after Halloween block parties. The residents here really go all out with Halloween decorations, making it a magical place to trick-or-treat. Three Bears Park serves as the Halloween hub in this neck of the woods, with families convening and dispersing in every direction to collect candy. Society Hill can get packed quickly, so arrive early to plan out your route and get the best loot.

East Passyunk

The East Passyunk neighborhood literally rolls out the red carpet for Halloween, and costumed kiddos stroll down in style while neighbors cheer them on. The family feel of Halloween is palpable in this corner of South Philly, and events for families like this year's Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday will feature a photo booth and live music in addition to the costume parade. There will also be sidewalk booths from local businesses, spooky eats, and spirited cocktails for adults. Heck, even the pets don costumes in East Passyunk. Its tradition for decorating, stoop sitting, and treat giving is nothing new, making it one of the most highly recommended trick-or-treat spots in the city. A few blocks are even shut down to traffic, so kids can walk around safely. Head to South13th Street, especially between Reed and Morris.

Fairmount

Due to its close proximity to many museums and of course Eastern State Penitentiary's renowned haunted house, Fairmount is well-known as a top spot in Philly for Halloween happenings. With rowhomes filled with families and candy-givers, little legs don't have to walk too far to get their fair share of treats.

Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City

Graduate Hospital is a busy area on Halloween night. It's a very kid-friendly place full of young families, so it's great for walking around. A little closer to Rittenhouse in the Southwest Center City area, Delancey Street between 18th and 20th usually goes all out with their decorations. 

Northern Liberties

Halloween is no joke in NoLibs, where the community comes together to make Halloween celebrations as memorable as possible. Many of the densely packed homes enjoy decorating and have participated in contests in years past. The Nightmare at Orkney Park will be held at Orkney Park on October 29 from 7 to 9pm. Music, food and drinks will be provided, with a costume contest. Adult admission is a suggested $20, and kids enter free. The Little Halloween Parade is being planned again, focusing on kid-friendly activities. 

 
Grab your little trick-or-treater for a night of Halloween fun in Fishtown. Photo by Mommy Poppins

Fishtown

Everyone sits out on their stoops in Fishtown to hand out candy, making the area feel like one big Halloween party. Neighbors really go the distance with decor, showcasing haunted yards and porches. The 1300 block around Marlborough Street to Montgomery Avenue is always popular, and some of the best trick-or-treating can be found near Palmer Cemetery, where residents take their role as treat providers very seriously. 

 
Hit the streets in Manayunk. Photo courtesy of JPG Photography

Manayunk/Roxborough

Manayunk pulls out all the spooky stops for Halloween. Trick-or-treat a few days early at local Main Street businesses on October 29, or hop on the free Trick-or-Trolley from 1pm-10pm on select days. The trolley stops include Philadelphia’s newest haunted attraction, Lincoln Mill Haunted House, which also hosts a day-time scavenger hunts without scare actors. Nearby in Roxborough, everyone who's handing out candy sits outside, so you won't have to worry about knocking on doors, which makes things a little easier in the city's hilliest neighborhood.

Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is another super family-friendly neighborhood where the Halloween celebration is twice as nice. Halloween on the Hill this year will expand beyond Halloween day, offering events in the Halloween spirit for the week surrounding Halloween. Enjoy spooky scarecrows at and the Trick-or-Treat Trail at the Morris "ArBOOretum." Look for other events at local businesses and shops lining Germantown Avenue. Children ages 3 to 10 can trick-or-treat from 1pm-3pm on October 30 at participating shops and businesses. On Halloween itself, you can knock on doors along the gorgeous side streets off of the main drag.

Crestmont Farms

If your priority is full-size candy bars, come to Crestmont Farms. This area is located in the Northeast, where you'll have to do a bit more walking since the houses aren't as close together, but it's worth it for the sweet returns.

The Best Neighborhoods to Trick-or-Treat in the Philly Suburbs

Levittown

Levittown is a community-oriented area that feels like it was built for trick-or-treating. Many of the houses are gathered close together, making it convenient for young children to rack up the good stuff quickly. A lot of people in the area sit on their front porches to hand out candy, and some create spooky, haunted porches.

Drexel Hill

Drexel Hill has long been known as a great family neighborhood, home to lots of younger families that love celebrating Halloween. This neighborhood gets packed with kids because it's the rare suburb that still has a lot of rowhomes. If you're looking to hit up a lot of houses in a short amount of time, Drexel Hill is the perfect place.

Havertown

A friendly neighborhood on the original Main Line, Havertown has a very walkable downtown area, with lots of small houses within close walking distance off the main roads of Eagle and Darby. In addition, this year the Haverford YMCA will be hosting a Halloween Block Party, including a Trunk or Treat, from 5pm-8pm on Friday, October 28. Kids can wear costumes, collect candy from the decorated cars, while adults enjoy the food trucks and beer vendors.

Media

Delaware County's seat of government includes scores of historic and newer homes on tree-lined streets. You can join in at the Trunk or Treat Monster Bash event on October 21 at  the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, co-sponsored by Ridley Park Library. At 11am on October 29, join in the Halloween parade. Groups and floats can register to participate online until October 21.

 
West Chester goes all out for its Halloween Parade, Photo courtesy of West Chester 

West Chester

With lots of homes close together, West Chester is an ideal spot for trick-or-treating. Area residents love to decorate and you can definitely find full-size candy bars. If you want to show off your costume a little early, head to Market Street for the annual West Chester Halloween Parade, held this year at 7pm on Wednesday, October 26. Visit the website in advance to register to participate in the parade.

This article was originally published in 2019. Alyce Wilson contributed to an update in 2022.