Is there any city better than Boston to spend Halloween? The cobblestone streets … the antique houses … the historic cemeteries … and more than a few ghost stories that date back centuries.
No surprise - some Boston neighborhoods go all-out, closing the streets and spooking up the decor so that children in costumes can run wild in search of candy, laughter, and an eerie good time. Here are the best streets to go trick-or-treating in five of Boston’s neighborhoods.
1. Beacon Hill: Mount Vernon, Pinckney & Chestnut Streets
No neighborhood beats Beacon Hill for atmosphere. The narrow streets and gaslamps create a naturally spooky vibe, and residents notoriously go for broke with giant skeletons, cobwebs, fog machines, lighting effects and sound effects, and - of course - Jack-o-Lanterns everywhere.
The action centers on Mount Vernon Street, Pickney Street, and Chestnut Street. Add elegant Louisburg Square for some next-level decorations.
2. Back Bay: Marlborough Street
If you want to trick-or-treat grand Brownstones, Marlborough Street in Back Bay is the place to go. The long rows of Victorian Brownstones not only transport you into the pages of Dracula, but they pack lots of doors into a short distance, without the steep uphill walks of Beacon Hill.
Residents here take their decorations - and their offerings - very seriously. In recent years Berkeley Street and Fairfield Street have even been closed to car traffic to protect trick-or-treaters, though this may vary from year to year.
3. South End: West Rutland Square and surrounding area
South End turns Halloween into a block party. Here the kids don’t have to knock on doors - residents gather on their porches to watch the costumes, socialize with parents, and beckon with treats.
With car traffic usually blocked and organized trick-or-treating outings common, West Rutland Square is one of the best places in Boston to take small children trick-or-treating.
4. Charlestown: Monument Square
The most historic neighborhood in Boston is a natural destination for a creepy good time. Monument Square is often closed to car traffic, the antique townhomes the perfect compact, atmospheric trick-or-treating route. Trick-or-treating even kicks off with a Halloween Parade on Monument Square.
Plus, the route passes Breed’s Hill, a battleground for the battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. No reason there can’t be some education between candy stops.
5. South Boston: East & West Broadway
Homes aren’t the only source of candy for resourceful trick-or-greaters. For families that prefer not to knock on strangers’ doors, there’s Trick Or Treat On Broadway in South Boston, where businesses open their doors to costumed candy-seekers.
If kids want to branch off to homes, Broadway intersects with K Street, a corridor known for its extravagance in both their Halloween decorations and their candy generosity (full-sized chocolate bars, anyone?)
Bottom Line
When it comes to Halloween spirit, Boston is an embarrassment of riches. Pick any one of these spook stomping grounds, and the whole family is in for a scary-good time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does trick-or-treating start in Boston?
A: There’s no set start time, and different neighborhoods run different programs. Check online for start times of specific events. In Boston the sun sets before 6pm in October, with twilight ending after 6pm. Prime trick-or-treating time typically runs between 5:30pm and 8pm.
Q: What is the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating in Boston?
A: If you have to pick one, go with Beacon Hill, around Mount Vernon, Pinckney, Chestnut, West Cedar and Louisburg Square. The density, ambiance, and decorations form the most iconic Boston Halloween.
Q: Where should I take younger children?
A: Rutland Square in South End is an excellent choice. It doesn’t have the steep hills of Beacon Hill, and the Halloween programming frequently includes parades and children' s parties.
Q: Is it safe to trick-or-treat in Boston?
A: Popular trick-or-treating destinations have many safety advantages. They’re filled with families, residents are everywhere, and streets may be closed to car traffic. Safety precautions are never out of place. Make sure kids are supervised by adults, mark costumes with reflective tape, cross at intersections, stick to participating houses, and check the treat haul before eating.
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