Alexandria sets no official trick-or-treat hours. Halloween 2026 has passed; this page returns in September with Old Town Trick-or-Treat and 2027 events.

Last checked Nov. 1, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the city’s events calendar, the Alexandria Police Department’s Halloween safety tips, Alexandria City Public Schools and the event organizers.

Updated Nov. 1: Halloween 2026 has passed. Alexandria again set no official trick-or-treat hours; this page will be refreshed for Halloween 2027, which falls on a Sunday, in September.

The city of Alexandria does not set official trick-or-treat hours. Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, this year, so there is no school night to worry about, and families choose their own times. The Police Department’s advice is to stick to well-lit streets you know, visit only homes with their lights on and agree on a time to be home. For a police matter that is not an emergency, call 703-746-4444; in an emergency, call 911.

Who to call

  • Police non-emergency: 703-746-4444
  • Emergency: 911
  • City events and services: Alex311, 311 or 703-746-4311

Trick-or-treat events

When Event Where Cost
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Town Trick-or-Treat at shops and historic sites Start at Pippin Toy Co., 1310 King St. Free
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. Del Ray Halloween Parade, the 30th, for children, pets and strollers Mount Vernon Avenue from East Bellefonte Avenue Free
Thursday, Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m. Public Safety Trunk or Treat: candy from decorated police cars, fire trucks and school buses Police headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave. Free
Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Boo-Fest, with a costume parade and carnival games Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Free
Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Family October Fest, with a haunted house Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. $10
Friday, Oct. 30, 7-9:45 p.m. HalloTeen Night, ages 12-18 William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. Free
Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Alexandria Fall-O-Ween, crafts, treats and a costume parade Carlyle, 300 John Carlyle St. Details

Old Town Trick-or-Treat has run for more than a decade. This year Pippin Toy Co. took it over after the Old Town Business Association closed; the map lists the businesses and historic sites taking part. The Del Ray parade ends with live music and costume awards at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center field.

Just south of the city, George Washington’s Mount Vernon holds trick-or-treating around the historic grounds from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with music, demonstrations and George and Martha Washington. Details and tickets.

More Halloween events, from ghost tours to the Lyceum’s Poe performance, are in our things to do this month guide.

Safety tips from the Police Department

If you hand out candy:

  • Light your walkway and porch, and clear away hoses, decorations and anything that trips.
  • Use battery candles or glow sticks in pumpkins instead of open flames.
  • Keep pets inside while trick-or-treaters are out.
  • Give out only sealed, store-bought treats, and think about allergy-friendly choices.

If you are walking:

  • Plan a route through well-lit streets you know, and agree on a time to be home.
  • Young children need an adult; older children should stay in groups with a charged phone.
  • Cross at corners, visit only homes with lights on and stay out of alleys and backyards.
  • Never go into a stranger’s home or car.

If you are driving: slow down in neighborhoods and watch for children crossing between parked cars.

The department also points families to the Nextdoor Treat Map, where neighbors mark homes giving out candy.

What this means for you

  • Halloween is a Saturday: expect trick-or-treaters from late afternoon.
  • The big group events come first: Old Town on Oct. 24, Del Ray on Oct. 25 and the police trunk-or-treat on Oct. 29.
  • Daylight saving time ends the next morning, Sunday, Nov. 1.

Related guides: Halloween events, things to do this month, fall festivals and pumpkin patches and who to call at City Hall.

Frequently asked questions

What are the trick-or-treat hours in Alexandria, Virginia?

The city does not set official trick-or-treat hours. Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, this year, and families set their own times; the Police Department asks trick-or-treaters to visit only homes with porch lights on.

When is Old Town Trick-or-Treat 2026?

Saturday, Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is free. Pick up a map at Pippin Toy Co., 1310 King St., then visit participating businesses and historic sites.

Is there a trunk-or-treat in Alexandria?

Yes. The free Public Safety Trunk or Treat, run by the Police Department, other public safety agencies and Alexandria City Public Schools, is 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at police headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave.

When is the Del Ray Halloween Parade?

The 30th parade starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, on Mount Vernon Avenue at East Bellefonte Avenue.