Halloween 2021: Arlington Heights Recommends Trick-Or-Treat Hours

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — While acknowledging not every household will participate in trick-or-treating on Halloween, the Village of Arlington Heights has released its recommendation for hours to hand out candy. The Village recommends residents limiting trick-or-treating to 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued updated COVID-19 Halloween and Fall festivities Guidance as of Oct. 15.

Those who choose to participate are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC’s recommended safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the Village's website. This includes wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distance from people you do not live with.

The Village does not intend on moving trick-or-treating hours due to bad weather conditions due to the following reasons:

• The Village cannot prohibit children from trick-or-treating on Halloween night. If the date was changed, it is highly likely that many children will still trick-or-treat on Oct. 31. An alternate date will create additional time and candy burdens for homeowners.
• The Village has publicly recommended trick-or-treating hours from 3-7 p.m., to encourage safety. However, there is no official policy or ordinance in place with designated or enforceable hours, beyond recommended guidance. Therefore, the Village does not have official regulatory control to enforce changes to the date on which Halloween is recognized through the cultural practice of trick-or-treating.
• Drivers on Halloween night generally anticipate trick-or-treaters. Not all drivers on a different day would be aware of the rescheduled trick-or-treating hours and may not anticipate children, creating an unnecessary risk.

The Arlington Heights Park District is once again hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, with three different 45-minute timeframes available for registration.

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