The Best Trick-or-Treating Blocks in Philly
Where to find the most festive streets, sweetest hauls, and spookiest decorations across Philadelphia.
Trick or treat! Here’s where to go for a spooky-sweet Philly Halloween. / Photograph by Charles Parker
Halloween in Philly isn’t just about costumes and candy — it’s about the blocks that turn it into a full-blown event. Every year, certain streets go all in. These are the blocks where trick-or-treating isn’t just a way to get candy — it’s a way of life. Here’s where to find the best trick-or-treating in the city this year.
Rittenhouse
Delancey Street from 17th to 22nd
This block of Rittenhouse mansions goes all out with a level of production design rarely seen outside the theater. We’re talking full-scale house theming, fog machines, special effects, soundtracks … you get the picture. Full candy bars abound. There’s a DJ on one block for dance parties to break out. Some houses hand out wine for the grown-ups, and last year, Plays & Players opened a bar in their lobby you could pop into for walk-about cocktails, so look for that to return, too.
Keep it going in the neighborhood on Addison and Croskey streets, who also deck themselves out for the occasion.
/ Photograph by Laura Swartz
Society Hill
Delancey Street from 2nd to 4th
One of the undisputed kings of Halloween streets. No cars, thousands of kids, more candy than you’ll know what to do with. Be sure to hit up American and Philip streets, too; some of those houses have adult treats, as well.
Queen Village
The side streets between Front and 2nd streets
This one’s especially useful for families with little kids with little legs. Start at Second and Kenilworth, then zigzag your way up and down Monroe, Pemberton, and Fitzwater. All of these tiny blocks are closed off from cars, and provide a safe, kid-friendly environment. If you head a little further south in Queen Village, the neighbors of the 100 block of Beck Street typically throw a block party with candy and s’mores.
East Passyunk
The 700 blocks of Sears and Medina streets
These two narrow blocks face tiny Paolone Park, and are pretty much devoid of cars even on a regular day. (Neighbors often block off Medina because it’s almost too narrow to even drive down.) Admire the Isaiah Zagar mosaic at 8th and Sears, and let the kids bounce house-to-house on their own.
South 13th Street
It’s not just for Christmas! The holiday spirit of this festive block extends to Halloween as well. Head to Morris Street to get the block party started.
Bridesburg
Richmond Street
This might be the closest thing to Philly trick-or-treating of the ’90s/early-2000s — think house after house, and needing to empty your candy several times. Start at Bristol Street, where Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School is, and walk toward Bridge Street. One resident told us to “follow the crowds,” as you’ll likely head off Richmond and onto side streets.
West Philly
45th Street between Baltimore and Larchwood
Walk towards Baltimore in the low 40s, and be sure to hit the area around Clark Park and the Woodlands. The Spruce Hill Community Association is bringing back its annual Little Tot Halloween parade, perfect for families with infants and toddlers. Roads shut down from 3:45 to 5 p.m., with the costume parade — which heads east along Larchwood — starting at 4:30 p.m. There’s trick-or-treating, but also non-candy options like cider and baked goods.
But wait, there’s more! This year, Cobbs Creek parent Dyresha Harris created the West Philly Fright Registry to help you find everything “Wicked in West” easier.
