These metro-east cities have designated trick-or-treat hours for Halloween 2025
Halloween is coming up Friday, Oct. 31, and Belleville, Freeburg and several other metro-east municipalities offer set trick-or-treating hours.
In addition to the candy-focused events, residents can also check out scary haunted houses in Illinois and St. Louis, as well as metro-east pumpkin patches and fall festivals.
The metro-east and greater St. Louis region has seen abnormally warm and dry conditions so far this fall, which may negatively affect fall foliage, though some cooler days may be coming soon. Halloween night is forecast to be clear in Belleville, despite recent rain.
Sunset times are creeping up as November approaches, and Belleville is expected to see a 6 p.m. sunset Halloween night, according to online clock Time and Date.
Here’s what to know about trick-or-treat hours in metro-east towns, including Belleville, Swansea and more, as well as some tips to make sure your child is prepared to safely participate.
Belleville
Belleville’s Halloween city ordinance allows trick-or-treating between 5 and 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
Only children in the eighth grade and younger are allowed to trick-or-treat under Belleville’s ordinance, though students with developmental disabilities who are accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible person are exempt from the restriction.
O’Fallon
Children can trick-or-treat from 6 to 9 p.m. in O’Fallon Halloween night.
Fairview Heights
Fairview Heights does not have formally set trick-or-treating hours, but officials ask people to be considerate and recommend starting around dusk and ending around 9 p.m.
Swansea
Swansea’s local ordinance allows children to trick-or-treat until 9 p.m. Halloween night.
Shiloh
Shiloh’s trick-or-treating hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. Halloween night.
Freeburg
The village of Freeburg observes trick-or-treating until 9 p.m. Oct. 31 for children younger than 14.
Tips for a safe Halloween 2025
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends several best practices for safe Halloween celebrations, including wearing costumes labeled “flame resistant,” making sure your child’s costume isn’t too long or creating a tripping hazard and testing any makeup a day or two in advance in case of allergies.
The FDA advises against wearing decorative or colored contact lenses unless you’ve seen an eye doctor for a proper fitting.
It’s a good idea to check candy labels for any allergens your child may have, the agency recommends, and avoid eating any treats that aren’t commercially packaged. Check for possible choking hazards for very young children, such as gum, hard candies, peanuts or small toys.
While it is not impossible for a child to receive contaminated treats, there is no evidence of widespread candy tampering, NPR reported in 2023.
City officials often recommend only going to homes that have porch lights on, as residents are advised to leave their porch lights on if they are welcoming trick-or-treaters and to turn them off if they are not participating.
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends leaving pets at home when trick-or-treating and securing them in a safe, calm location in your home to avoid escapes or undue stress.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages drivers to be alert for trick-or-treaters or other pedestrians on Halloween, slow down and scan the road, watch for children darting out from unexpected places and contact law enforcement if you see a drunk driver.
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