The Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Dallas-Fort Worth

In this article:
• Top trick-or-treating neighborhoods around Dallas
• And around Fort Worth
• What time of day does trick-or-treating start and end?
• 8 Must-follow safety tips

Halloween is the most spooktacular night of the year, but whether because of walkability or distances between homes, not every neighborhood gets into the trick-or-treating spirit. This can leave many families on the hunt for where to experience the holiday’s door-to-door tradition with their kids. So to help make your Halloween outing more successful and memorable, we’ve rounded up neighborhoods in Dallas-Fort Worth that are well-known for their decorations and for being friendly to trick-or-treaters.

Below we highlight a few of these spots worth venturing out to—where porches are spooky, sidewalks are safe, and many of its residents are posed to hand out candy to costumed visitors. Plus, we cover some basic safety tips to keep in mind as you navigate new areas with your littles.

RELATED: Looking for more Halloween festivals and events near you? Search our calendar here.

Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating Around Dallas

If you’re looking for some ghoulishly good trick-or-treating on All Hallow’s Eve, then come right this way to some of the top spots in Dallas and Collin Counties.

Swiss Avenue in Dallas
Photo courtesy Swiss Avenue Historic District

As one of the most iconic destinations for trick-or-treating in DFW, Swiss Avenue is known for bringing the spellbinding magic of the Halloween holiday to residents and visitors in grand, historic style. Families can expect lavishly decorated mansions, spooky lights, sound effects, and plenty of treats.

Up to 4,000 guests visit each year, so expect a lively crowd. In years past, the Phantom of the Opera has been spotted playing haunting melodies on his organ and even a re-creation of Diagon Alley at Bryan Parkway and Beacon. Free curbside parking is available on Swiss, Bryan Street, and Bryan Parkway. Learn more about the neighborhood at sahd.org.

Lakewood in Dallas

Known for its charming homes and strong sense of community, Lakewood is a frighteningly fun spot to hunt for candy. Kids won’t want to miss roaming along Lakewood Boulevard, where they’ll find many homes sporting life-size skeletons, interactive displays, strobe lights and fog machines—the works. This neighborhood comes alive on Halloween night with festive yard decorations, front-yard gatherings, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Learn more about the neighborhood at lakewoodna.org.

Lakewood neighborhood, photo courtesy Lara Smith and Summer Loveland
Deerfield in Plano

If you’re looking for next-level Halloween excitement, Deerfield delivers. During Halloween and during Christmas too, this Plano neighborhood is famous for its elaborate decorations and glowing displays that bring in crowds of families. Nearly every home gets in on the action, making it one of the most festive and fully immersive Halloween experiences in North Texas. Learn more about the neighborhood at deerfieldplano.org.

Tucker Hill in McKinney

Just west of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Tucker Hill has homes with gorgeous architecture, and on Halloween, many are adorned with the most bewitching decor. You’ll likely see many of the neighbors celebrating the holiday by hosting front-porch parties. It’s festive, walkable, full of that nostalgic Halloween magic, and will make you feel as if you just stepped onto a movie set. Learn more about the neighborhood at tuckerhilltx.com.

Panther Creek Estates in Frisco

On the spookiest night of the year, this neighborhood is a top spot in Frisco for families looking for safe, sidewalk-filled streets and a strong sense of community. Many folks go all-out with larger-than-life decorations, and community members love to gather in driveways to hand out treats and enjoy the spooky vibes. It’s a family-friendly favorite with plenty of candy, creative costumes, and a welcoming atmosphere. Learn more about the neighborhood at panthercreekestates.org.

Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating Around Fort Worth

For those who live on the west side of the metroplex, here are some irresistible spots to snag some Halloween candy.

Monticello in Fort Worth

Elegant by day and enchantingly spooky by night, the Monticello neighborhood (located near the Fort Worth Cultural District and West 7th) offers a classic Halloween experience with a stylish twist. Think big, beautiful homes dripping in Halloween décor. Every porch has a story to tell. In the past, Monticello has hosted full-blown Halloween events, such as block parties and costume parades. Learn more about the neighborhood at mnafw.org.

Shorewood Estates in Arlington

Hidden near Lake Arlington, Shorewood Estates is a trick-or-treater’s dream. This charming, tree-lined neighborhood is known for its safe, wooded oasis and a serious love for Halloween. Homes are close together, which means less walking and more candy. And the residents don’t hold back. Expect big décor, porch lights glowing, and candy bowls brimming. The lakeside backdrop also adds an eerie atmosphere to your haunted candy hunt. Learn more about the neighborhood at shorewoodinfo.com.

Viridian in Arlington

If you want a mix of luxury with a little Halloween mischief, Viridian (near the River Legacy Parks) is the place to haunt this Halloween. Year-to-year, you can expect to see lots of beautifully decorated homes, glowing jack-o-lanterns lining manicured sidewalks and plenty of costumed kids at this master-planned community around Lake Viridian. Learn more about the neighborhood at viridiandfw.com.

Villages at Sunset Pointe in Fort Worth

If Halloween spirit were a contest, the Villages of Sunset Pointe (about 12 miles south of downtown Fort Worth) would be the Pumpkin King. Many of the residents go all out with decorations, lights, and spooky soundtracks that echo down the streets. The best will have signs mentioning their placement in the neighborhood’s decorating contest. Learn more about the neighborhood at cma.cincwebaxis.com/sunsetpointe.

What Time Does Trick-or-Treating Typically Start?

Trick-or-treating typically begins at 5pm and ends around 9pm, so end your candy hunts right when the clock strikes nine. Remember that these are people’s homes and we always want to respect our neighbors. (See tip #3 below.)

Safety Reminders for Trick-or-Treaters
iStock photo, of children trick-or-treating on Halloween night iStock

No matter which neighborhood you choose this Halloween, it’s incredibly important that you and your kids stay safe and follow community rules. Here are some simple ways to ensure that your ghouls and goblins stay protected and polite throughout all their holiday hijinks.

1. Stick to well-lit streets: Visibility is your friend on Halloween. Even with headlights on, it can be hard for drivers to see trick-or-treaters on dark roads, so stick to areas with street lights or other light sources.

2. Make your costumes brighter: Another way to remain seen while trick-or-treating in DFW is to embellish costumes with glow-in-the-dark or reflective tape and glow sticks.

3. No lights? Don’t knock: And one last reminder—if folks have left their lights off, it may be because they have young kids who have already gone to bed, they start work early in the morning, or they own pets that can’t handle the excitement of this spooky holiday. Respect that they don’t want to participate and move on to the next house.

4. Travel in groups: The buddy system is the best—just ask Batman and Robin. Also, remember that for kids under 12, it’s recommended that parents tag along.

5. Remember road safety: It seems obvious, but when we spot an irresistible Halloween display, we sometimes forget the rules of the road. Remember to use crosswalks, look both ways before walking across the road, and avoid cutting in between cars. Keep your eyes forward (and not focused on your candy haul or your phone).

6. Respect lawns and flower beds: Remember to stick to the sidewalks and not to walk through lawns or other areas of properties that aren’t meant for pedestrians.

7. Be cautious around pets: Most furry friends are sweet, unless they get spooked. Remember that the added sights and sounds of this holiday put pets on high alert, so avoid engaging with others’ pets when in costume.

8. Review the State Sex offender website: We all want to see the best in the world, but sadly, there are bad people out there. Before heading out the door this holiday, double check this website to determine if there are any streets or houses that need to be avoided.

9. Enjoy treats at home: We all want to taste the rainbow, but it’s important to remind our kids to not indulge in their Skittles and other treats until they get home. Parents should look for items that could be choking hazards, candy that contains allergens, and potential tampering. If the package is open or unfamiliar, play it safe and throw it out.

The Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Dallas-Fort Worth

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