Your Guide to Halloween 2025 in Fairfax County

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It’s time for scary, silly and all kinds of costumes in all corners of our community. Here are a few things to know about Halloween in Fairfax County.

🎃 When is Trick-or-Treating?

Some communities, cities and counties designate a day other than Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating. Fairfax County Government does NOT set a different date. Halloween is Friday, Oct. 31. Your homeowner’s association or apartment complex may set other times for events, but neighborhood trick-or-treating usually happens the evening of Oct. 31.

🎃 Trick-or-Treating Tips

• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
• Plan and discuss your child’s route if you are not joining them.
• Children should only visit homes with porch lights on or active Halloween decorations.
• Remind children never to enter a stranger’s house.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Make sure children know their phone number and address — and they should be able to provide this information in an emergency or if lost.
• Watch for any power cords or other decorations that might cause kids to trip and fall.

🍬 Treat Tips

• Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it — especially for any food allergies.
• When giving candy, consider treats without nuts and other common food allergens such as gluten. Some people use teal pumpkins to distribute allergy-free treats.

🚶‍♀️ Driving/Walking Tips

• Cross at intersections or corners – not between parked cars.
• Do not let children run in and out of the street -- keep them on sidewalks and paths.
• Slow down and stay alert in residential areas on Halloween night. 
• While driving, watch out for children darting into traffic. Some costumes may be hard to see.
• Leave driveways and parking spaces slowly.
• Drivers and walkers: Put your phone down and avoid distractions.

👻 Costume Tips

• Wear costumes that are visible in the dark. Use reflective material, flashlights or glowsticks to ensure visibility. 
• Make sure your child’s Halloween costume is made with fire retardant materials.
• The costume should be short enough so it doesn’t interfere with walking.
• Consider using makeup on children’s faces instead of a Halloween mask that covers the eyes to allow the child to see clearly.

🏠 House Tips

• Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters.
• Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween decorations.
• Ensure power cords and other tripping risks are not present outside.

🐶 Tips for Pet Owners

• Provide a safe, secure space during trick or treating time. Pets may not enjoy all of the noise, including ringing doorbells.
• Keep chocolate away from your pet as it can be poisonous to them.
• Not all trick-or-treaters like dogs – make sure to keep your pet on a leash or behind a gate away from the front door.
• Make sure your pet has identification in case they accidentally get loose.

🎃 Compost Your Pumpkins

And when all the Halloween fun is over, don't throw your pumpkins away - compost them. Take your unpainted, unglittered pumpkins to:

• I-95 Landfill Station in Lorton or I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax
• Farmers Markets that accept food scraps