Prince William Co. Trick-Or-Treat 2023: When To Get Candy, Safety Tips

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Trick-or-treating doesn't have a set time in many Northern Virginia communities, which means you can expect little ghosts and ghouls to show up to your doorstep on the evening of Halloween.

That applies to Prince William County and cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, where families typically trick-or-treat on Halloween. This year, Halloween falls on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

If you live within a homeowners association or apartment complex, check with them on trick-or-treat times, as they may be different from Oct. 31.

Here are some safety tips the county recommends for trick-or-treating:

For Trick-or-Treaters

• Make sure kids, and the adults accompanying them, wear light colors, carry a flashlight or put reflective tape on their costumes to help drivers see everyone.
• Trick-or-treaters should always be in groups, so they are not a tempting target for real-life goblins. Parents or a trusted adult should accompany young children.
• Make sure kids know not to enter strange houses or strangers' cars. Children should stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
• Kids need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they are still out is to feed them a meal or a snack beforehand.
• Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place.
• If you need to contact Prince William County police, call the non-emergency number at 703- 792-6500 or 911.