National Trick or Treat Day (October 25th, 2025)

Quick facts
When is it?	October 26th, 2024 October 25th, 2025 October 31st, 2026 October 30th, 2027
What's the date pattern?	Last Saturday in October
Tagged as:	Countries & Cultures Silly & Humorous
What's the hashtag?	#NationalTrickorTreatDay
We first published this page on:	Apr 17th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Apr 17th, 2025

Contents

Have you ever wished Halloween could last longer? National Trick or Treat Day makes that dream come true. It’s a special occasion that gives families more time to enjoy costumes, candy, and community fun.

Setting aside an extra day allows everyone to join in the spooky festivities without the rush. This way, kids can collect treats, and parents can relax, knowing there’s no school or work the next morning. It’s all about making Halloween safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

This celebration isn’t just about extra candy; it’s about creating lasting memories. Communities come together, neighbors decorate their homes, and children parade in their favorite costumes.

It’s a time when streets are filled with laughter, and the spirit of togetherness shines.

National Trick or Treat Day offers a chance to slow down and savor the joy of Halloween. It reminds us that sometimes, adding a little more time can make a big difference in bringing people together.

How to Celebrate National Trick or Treat Day

National Trick or Treat Day offers a delightful opportunity to extend Halloween festivities. Here are several engaging ways to celebrate this special occasion.

Host a Costume Parade

Gather neighbors and friends for a lively costume parade. Encourage participants to showcase their creative outfits while strolling through the neighborhood.

This activity fosters community spirit and allows everyone to admire each other’s costumes in a fun setting.

Organize a Trunk-or-Treat Event

Set up a trunk-or-treat gathering in a local parking lot. Decorate car trunks with festive themes and fill them with treats.

This setup provides a safe, centralized location for children to collect goodies and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere.

Create a Halloween Craft Station

Design a space where kids can engage in Halloween-themed crafts. Provide materials for making masks, decorating pumpkins, or assembling spooky decorations.

This hands-on activity encourages creativity and keeps the festive spirit alive.

Set Up a Spooky Movie Night

Transform your living room or backyard into a mini theater. Screen family-friendly Halloween movies and offer themed snacks. This cozy setup allows families to unwind and enjoy classic films together.

Prepare a Themed Dinner

Cook a meal featuring Halloween-inspired dishes. Think along the lines of “mummy” hot dogs or “witches’ brew” soup. Involving children in the cooking process adds to the fun and makes the meal more memorable.

History of National Trick Or Treat Day

National Trick or Treat Day started in 2019. The Halloween & Costume Association, also known as HCA, introduced the idea.

They believed families needed more time to enjoy Halloween without rushing. Weekdays often made it hard for parents and children to fully take part. The group wanted a fun, safe day for communities to gather and celebrate together.

The new day doesn’t replace Halloween. Instead, it gives everyone another chance to dress up, decorate, and collect candy. HCA suggested holding it on the last Saturday of October.

That way, children could trick-or-treat earlier in the evening, and families wouldn’t worry about school or work the next day. Many people welcomed this change and liked the added flexibility.

After support grew, National Trick or Treat Day became part of the National Day Calendar. It’s now listed as an official celebration in the U.S. Since then, more neighborhoods and groups have joined in.

The day continues to spread across the country, offering extra joy to kids and adults alike. It’s a simple idea that adds more fun to a much-loved holiday.