Williamsburg’s Official Trick-or-Treat Hours Are Set

Halloween in Williamsburg just got official! James City County has announced that trick-or-treat hours for 2025 will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 31. The designated hours are for children twelve and under, so get those costumes ready, stock up on candy, and plan your neighborhood route. If you’re not participating, just turn off your porch light—it's the friendly local signal that says “no candy here.”

Every year, James City County Police Department shares safety reminders to help families keep Halloween fun and hazard-free, and their 2025 list is worth a quick read before you head out. Start with costume safety: pick something easy to walk in and short enough to avoid tripping. Avoid anything flammable and make sure kids can be seen in the dark—reflective tape or light-up accessories are a solid move, especially on darker side streets.

When it comes to planning your route, stick to neighborhoods you know and choose ones with good lighting. Only visit homes that have porch lights on—if the lights are off, that’s your cue to skip it. Parents, remember: kids twelve and under should always have an adult or older sibling with them. If your teens are trick-or-treating with friends, make sure they have an approved route and a set return time.

Visibility is key, even in neighborhoods that feel quiet. Flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective bands help drivers spot kids from a distance. Trick-or-treaters should cross at intersections, not between parked cars, and stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If your area doesn’t have sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic on the far-left side of the road. And when approaching houses, keep an eye out for open flames or lit decorations—especially candles in Jack-O-Lanterns that could catch a costume sleeve.

Police are also reminding everyone—kids and adults alike—to practice good “stranger safety.” No one should ever enter a stranger’s home, even if invited in for candy. For drivers, this is the one night a year when tiny ghosts and superheroes might dart out from nowhere, so slow down and stay alert from 6 to 8 p.m.

When the candy haul is home, wait until an adult has checked everything before anyone starts snacking. Toss anything that isn’t sealed or looks off. And if you spot suspicious candy or activity, report it to the James City County Police Department right away.

Halloween in Williamsburg is one of the best nights of the year—between the crisp fall air, the creative costumes, and the community spirit, it’s easy to see why locals love it. Whether you’re trick-or-treating in your favorite subdivision, checking out decorations in Colonial Williamsburg, or hosting friends in your driveway with hot cider, this night is all about safe fun and local magic.

So grab your flashlights, layer up under those costumes, and get ready for a sweet evening around town. Trick-or-treat hours are officially set: Friday, October 31, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. Keep it festive, keep it safe, and enjoy Halloween, Williamsburg-style.

If you’re new to the area, this is one of those little local traditions that makes Williamsburg VA special—friendly neighbors, family fun, and a sense of community you can feel. I’m Jackie Berberabe, your local Williamsburg real estate agent and proud military spouse. Whether you’re moving in, moving out, or just looking for the right neighborhood for next year’s trick-or-treat route, I’m here to help make your move a treat, not a trick.