5 Best Trick-or-Treating Spots in Boston
By: Jane Hwang (SHA ’21)
Trick or treat. Be so sweet. Give me something good to eat! Don’t know where you’re headed for trick or treating this year? You’re in luck! Bostonians don’t shy away from an opportunity to have fun and celebrate, especially when it comes down to Halloween. Here are the five best neighborhoods to join in on this Halloween!
Mount Vernon and Pinckney Streets – Beacon Hill
Get your cameras and phones ready! Just outside of Salem is Beacon Hill, not only the hottest spot for Halloween goodies but a great neighborhood for a photo opportunity to post on social media. Beginning late afternoon, Pinckney and Mount Vernon Streets are closed to traffic so you won’t have to worry about always looking out for cars.
Marlborough Street – Back Bay
Where the energy is lively is great fun! Marlborough Street of Back Bay is also closed off for trick or treating in the evening. And the corner of Dartmouth is not a place you want to miss on this street for their spooky tombstones and lanterns.
Rutland Street – South End
Another hot spot for trick or treaters is Rutland Street in the South End! Free of cars, the Titus Sparrow Park and Ringgold Park even host pre-trick-or treat parties with pizza and entertainment.
Beals Street – Brookline
You don’t want to miss making a stop by Beals Street in Brookline. Make sure to visit the John F. Kennedy National Historic site where Rangers hang out and hand out candy through the night to trick or treaters.
Dudley Street – Cambridge
Filled with lights, sound effects, and a lot of fog, Dudley Street in Cambridge never fails to come through with their creativity in their Halloween decorations! Webs and all, this is a fun neighborhood to check out.
Plus, Haunted Happenings – Salem
Although not in Boston, we couldn’t skip mentioning the spookiest city in the state, and arguably the entire country! The city of Salem lives for Halloween, with all of the town’s stores, residents, and guests dressed up in Halloween themed. In addition to delicious treats found in Salem stores and restaurants, ghost tours, haunted houses, performances and more available to enjoy.
If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to get there is to travel to North Station and take the Newburyport/Rockport Line commuter rail to Salem Station. A standard 1-way ticket costs $8.00, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.