Hoboken Halloween: Are There Set Trick-Or-Treat Hours This Year? And Other Updates

HOBOKEN, NJ — With Hoboken's traditional Ragamuffin Parade taking place at 11 a.m. this year (more details below), parents have been asking when they should take their kids trick-or-treating. Often the parade is held later in the day, and trick-or-treating starts afterward at area stores and homes through dusk.

A city spokesperson said Thursday that the city does not set hours for trick-or-treating on Halloween. She also said that rumors of certain streets being closed off aren't true — but it may happen if there's a crowd.

Posts on social media this week said that uptown residents are suggesting hours of 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for trick-or-treating, as the heavily decorated homes in that part of town draw crowds. The posts also said the streets will be closed off during those hours.

The city denied that they will close streets at 2.

"The Hoboken Police Department only closes city streets during Halloween when there are too many pedestrians, and it could become a safety hazard," said city spokesperson Marilyn Baer on Thursday.

"Police have up staffed for the weekend and officers will be deployed throughout the city," she said. "[The] HPD reminds drivers to reduce their speed, be alert for trick-or-treaters who may come out from between parked cars, turn on their headlights, and stop before crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross safely."

Meanwhile, several activities will take place before the parade:

• A Halloween-themed "Immersive balloon experience" is taking place at Play! Hoboken and has been extended through Halloween day.
  
• Read about the funniest, scariest, and most political home decorations you'll see in Hoboken this weekend: Best Halloween Home Decor
• A truck-or-treat will be held Saturday from 4:30-8 p.m.:

Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade Information

After being canceled in 2020, the traditional Ragamuffin Parade returns in 2021. Participants can start lining up near 13th Street at 10:15 a.m. in order to start marching at 11 a.m. The Ragamuffin Parade has been a tradition in Hoboken since at least 1963.

There will be no costume contest this year, the city said this week.

Last Year's Stories

• Last year, residents stepped in with creative decorations and candy chutes on Halloween, and kids were still able to fill their baskets with sweets. READ MORE: Hoboken Saves Halloween With Candy Chutes
• See the most hilarious Hoboken quarantine-themed displays from 2020 here

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