Massachusetts towns set varied windows for Halloween 2026

Massachusetts municipalities have published recommended times for residents to distribute candy on Saturday, October 31.

Dozens of towns have established specific start and end times to manage foot traffic and lighting conditions. The most common window begins at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. and ends by 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Cities such as Brockton and Hull suggest earlier start times, with Brockton opening at 4:00 p.m. and Hull ending at 8:00 p.m.

Larger cities like Boston and Waltham have not designated mandatory hours. The Boston Police Department previously advised that activity ideally stop by 8:00 p.m. Waltham officials stated that the holiday is celebrated rain or shine, but the specific hours remain under the discretion of parents.

Officials provided safety guidance alongside the schedules. They recommend that children wear brightly colored costumes to ensure visibility to drivers. Parents are also advised to inspect all collected candy before their children consume it.

The list includes towns across the state with slightly varying windows. Andover, Lawrence, and Sturbridge suggest a 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. window. Other towns, including Amesbury and Newburyport, recommend 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Several communities, such as Auburn and Malden, allow activity until 8:00 p.m.

These recommendations vary by location and are not uniform across the state. Residents should check their specific town's guidelines to determine the local standard for the evening.