From cobbled lanes in Highgate to leafy crescents in Crouch End, North London serves up Halloween with flair. Whether you’re wrangling sugar-hyped little ones or planning a big-kid adventure, there are plenty of pockets in the north that go all-out for spooky season.
Planning your route? Start with The Ultimate Guide to Trick or Treating in 2025 for timing tips, safety, and how to get the most from the Trick or Treat Map.
Best Places to Trick or Treat in North London (2025)
🎃 1. Highgate
A Halloween dream for London families. Think gothic architecture, tree-lined avenues, and streets that look straight out of a spooky film set. Swain’s Lane, North Hill, and Highgate West Hill are all popular with families on Halloween night.
Many homes decorate with care — expect lantern-lit porches, theatrical skeletons, and friendly locals offering generous treats. The hilly backdrop and ivy-covered houses give the whole area an atmospheric feel that’s hard to beat. It’s also a favourite spot for costume photos — you’ll likely spot groups stopping for a snap near Highgate Cemetery or the spooky stone staircases.
🎃 2. Crouch End
Community is everything here — and it shows on 31st October. Weston Park, Inderwick Road, and Cecile Park light up with pumpkins, cobwebs, and themed decorations. Many houses get involved with window displays, treat stations, or even “trick-or-treat trails” coordinated by neighbours.
Local WhatsApp groups often buzz with Halloween plans in the weeks before, so expect well-mapped-out routes, themed porches, and music echoing from behind garden gates. It’s a stroller-friendly zone with minimal hills — perfect if you’ve got toddlers in tow or a buggy to push.
🎃 3. Muswell Hill
A North London gem that balances upmarket homes with playful Halloween spirit. Princes Avenue, Alexandra Park Road, and the streets around Colney Hatch Lane are worth exploring.
Some homes go big — with animatronics, smoke machines, and soundtracks echoing from hidden speakers. One street reportedly had a DIY haunted tunnel last year. Local bakeries often stay open a little later, and you might even spot themed cupcakes or toffee apples being handed out alongside sweets.
🎃 4. Hampstead Garden Suburb
Elegant yet festive, this area is ideal if you’re after a calm trick-or-treat loop with young children. Roads like Erskine Hill and Temple Fortune Lane are known locally for having houses that love to participate — with pumpkins, polite signage, and some wonderfully spooky porches.
The large front gardens mean little legs can explore safely, away from the main pavement, and there’s usually plenty of space to gather without getting crowded. It’s a quieter vibe, but don’t be surprised to spot intricately carved pumpkins or handmade scarecrows perched on benches.
🎃 5. East Finchley
A quieter, friendly option for families with toddlers or kids just getting started. Check out Church Lane and the roads around Martin Primary School — they’re known to get involved with decorations and welcome signs.
Expect a mix of classic door knocks and newer trends like ‘treat tables’ or DIY photo booths with cobweb backdrops. Because it’s a little less busy than other areas, you’re more likely to get longer chats with neighbours — and generous handfuls of sweets to match.
🎃 6. Tufnell Park
A buzzy, slightly boho neighbourhood where Halloween creativity shines. Streets like Mercers Road, Huddleston Road, and Tufnell Park Road are full of character — and come alive on Halloween night.
Think handmade props, costumed parents, and lots of interactive doorsteps. Some residents go all out with audio effects, surprise costumes, or even fortune-telling witches greeting kids with rhymes. It’s also known for groups of parents socialising as the kids roam, giving it a fun, village-like energy.
🎃 7. Bounds Green
An underrated gem for trick-or-treating. The residential streets near Bowes Park and Whittington Road tend to have good participation and lots of families out and about.
Houses here often create cute garden scenes with cobwebbed trees, flickering pumpkins, and spooky signs. Many participants add their location to the Trick or Treat Map, so you can plan a solid loop with minimal effort. It’s also a great option if you’re looking to avoid heavy footfall but still want a festive haul.
🎃 8. Dartmouth Park
Small but mighty, Dartmouth Park is perfect for a quick loop with little ones. Chetwynd Road and Twisden Road often go all-in with cobwebbed gates and hanging skeletons.
Despite its small size, the area’s creative flair shines through. Look out for carved turnips, eerie candlelight displays, and even gentle jump-scares designed for kids. The vibe is more “storybook spooky” than horror house — ideal for families who prefer charming to chilling.
🎃 9. Archway
Archway might not be top of everyone’s list — but the area around St John’s Grove and Pemberton Gardens is full of Halloween surprises. The local community is close-knit, and neighbours often post which houses are participating.
There’s often a DIY vibe here, with hand-painted signs, handmade bunting, and even homemade sweets. If you’re after a walkable loop with creative flair and fewer crowds, Archway is a great pick to include in your route.
🎃 10. Kentish Town
Creative, chaotic, and full of spirit. Kentish Town’s mix of terraces and townhouses create the perfect Halloween grid. Try Patshull Road, Willes Road, and the backstreets behind Talacre Gardens.
Many houses here use Halloween as a chance to go wild — think blacklight corridors, spooky soundtracks, and actors in costume handing out sweets. It's a hotspot for bigger kids and teens, but earlier in the evening, you’ll still find plenty of family-friendly fun.
📍Use the Trick or Treat Map
North London’s winding roads and Halloween hotspots can be tricky to navigate — but the Trick or Treat Map makes it easy. Use it to:
📍 See which homes are taking part
⭐ Filter for standout displays, allergy-friendly stops, and more
🗺️ Save your favourites so you don’t forget a must-visit house!
✨ Use the social features to send thank you’s
Related: How to use the Trick or Treat Map like a Pro
🗣️ What Locals Say:
We asked our Trick or Treat community to input into this guide — here’s what some of them had to say!
“Swain’s Lane in Highgate is always brilliant. The houses really put in the effort — and the decorations give spooky mansion vibes.” — Yasmin B, North London parent
“Muswell Hill does it best. You can do a full loop without needing to drive, and everyone’s friendly — even the spooky ones!” — Jamie R, dad of two
“We’ve done Tufnell Park for years. One house had a smoke-breathing dragon on the porch. It’s proper Halloween.” — Louise A, nanny and Halloween fan
Whether you’re looping through leafy Finchley or heading to haunted Kentish Town, North London has everything you need for a ghoulishly good night. Just remember: torch, costume, and a bucket ready for action.
Happy Haunting, North London!
👻 FAQ: Trick-or-Treating in North London
When does trick-or-treating start in North London?
Most families start around 5:30–6:00 PM. Little ones usually go earlier, between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. After 7, the older kids and teens take over.
Is trick-or-treating safe in North London?
Yes — especially in family-focused neighbourhoods like Muswell Hill, Crouch End, and Finchley. Stick to well-lit residential areas and avoid busy roads.
How can I tell if a house is giving out sweets?
Look for pumpkins, glowing decorations, or porch lights. Many follow the “pumpkin = yes” rule. Even better? Check the Trick or Treat Map before you set off.
What should kids bring?
A torch, treat bucket or bag, warm layers, and comfy shoes. If it’s wet, waterproofs over costumes are a smart move!
Any Halloween safety advice?
Absolutely - stay on pavements, cross safely and always go in a group. Costumes should be visible, flame resistant and easy to move in. The National Safety Council has great tips too.
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