Reading may be known for its riverside walks and commuter links, but come Halloween, it transforms into a candy-coated wonderland. Across the town, families deck out their homes, streets glow with jack-o’-lanterns, and little witches and skeletons race from door to door, buckets in hand.

Whether you're plotting a gentle stroll with toddlers or guiding older kids through the most decorated haunts, Reading has no shortage of spooky, family-friendly neighbourhoods. And with the Trick or Treat Map, planning your route has never been easier.

Get ready for pumpkin trails, ghostly gardens, and enough sweets to fill your boots — here are the best places to trick or treat in Reading this year.

Best Places to Trick or Treat in Reading this Halloween

🎃 1. Caversham

North of the Thames, Caversham is a Halloween must for Reading families. The area combines spacious homes, leafy streets, and a tight-knit community spirit — making it a perfect destination for little trick-or-treaters. Focus on roads like Westfield Road, Henley Road, and South View Avenue, where the decorations are plentiful and the sweets flow freely.

Many of the homes in Caversham go the extra mile, turning front gardens into spooky scenes with cobwebs, fog machines, and glowing lanterns. Some streets even coordinate themes — last year, an entire block recreated scenes from classic monster movies, complete with costumes and music.

The vibe is friendly, safe, and festive. Caversham is especially good for families with young children or anyone looking for a calm, well-lit trick-or-treat experience. Many homes here also tag themselves on the Trick or Treat Map, making it easy to spot the best routes in advance.

🎃 2. Earley

Located to the southeast of central Reading, Earley is a popular pick for Halloween. This residential suburb is filled with family homes, generous pavements, and a strong sense of neighbourly fun — a perfect combo for trick-or-treating. Check out areas like Silverdale Road, Wokingham Road, and Allendale Road for a steady stream of spooky action.

What makes Earley stand out is the high level of participation. Many streets feel like a full-blown event, with houses decking out their gardens in ghosts, spiders, and inflatable monsters. You’ll often find decorated treat tables, themed sweet buckets, and families handing out goodies in costume.

It’s also a great area for families with kids of different ages. Some houses keep it cute and simple for toddlers, while others embrace mild jump-scares and smoke effects for braver visitors. Use the Trick or Treat Map to pinpoint allergy-friendly options or standout stops.

🎃 3. Tilehurst

West of the town centre, Tilehurst is another fantastic trick-or-treating destination. With a mix of classic housing estates and quiet cul-de-sacs, the area offers safe, walkable routes and tons of Halloween spirit. Begin your hunt around City Road, Halls Road, and the Pottery Road area for a magical evening.

Residents in Tilehurst love to get creative. You’ll find hand-carved pumpkins, floating ghosts strung from trees, and even “haunted garages” with music, lights, and interactive props. There’s usually a steady flow of trick-or-treaters from around 5:30 PM, making it feel lively but not overwhelming.

Parents love the area for its layout — the houses are close enough together for a sweet-heavy loop, but spaced out enough for prams or scooters. Many Tilehurst residents also coordinate their efforts through local Facebook groups and mark their homes on the map.

🎃 4. Lower Earley

Lower Earley might be known for its quiet family streets, but don’t let that fool you — when Halloween hits, it lights up with spooky charm. Roads like Rushey Way, Elm Road, and Meadow Road are often brimming with costumed kids and decked-out houses.

This area really leans into community vibes. It’s common to see neighbours chatting across garden fences, families handing out treats together, and even the odd street performance or themed sweet station. Some houses offer “trick challenges” — mini games or riddles that kids have to solve for sweets.

Because it’s a bit more spread out, Lower Earley is ideal for families who want a gentler pace. It’s less hectic than some central areas, and many residents post updates on the Trick or Treat Map, so you can plan a stress-free route.

🎃 5. Emmer Green

Nestled just north of Caversham, Emmer Green is one of Reading’s trick-or-treating gems. Its residential layout and well-kept streets make it perfect for families, and it sees strong participation year after year. Look to streets like Peppard Road, St Barnabas Road, and Grove Hill for the best Halloween action.

What sets Emmer Green apart is its consistency. Residents take pride in decorating early, often with homemade signs, themed pumpkin displays, and coordinated colour schemes. It’s not unusual to see a whole row of houses going spooky in sync.

Because it’s a quieter neighbourhood, it’s also ideal for younger children or kids who are easily spooked. Many homes here offer non-food treats or allergy-friendly options, clearly labelled and listed on the Trick or Treat Map.

🎃 6. Coley Park

Closer to the town centre, Coley Park might not always be the first place people think of — but locals know it’s a strong contender for Halloween. Streets around Wensley Road, Coley Avenue, and Berkley Avenue are popular with trick-or-treaters and well worth a wander.

Decorations here are fun and family-friendly, with plenty of pumpkins, cheerful ghosts, and glowing decorations in windows and gardens. Because many of the homes are semi-detached and close together, it’s easy to build up a solid sweet stash in a short time.

Coley Park also has a real sense of community. You’ll often see neighbours chatting outside or older kids helping younger ones navigate their first Halloween night. It’s a brilliant place to start early — especially if you want to avoid the rush later in the evening.

🎃 7. Woodley

While technically just outside Reading, Woodley definitely deserves a place on this list. It’s a family-focused area with loads of participation and welcoming streets. Look out for activity along Loddon Bridge Road, Western Avenue, and Church Road.

Woodley’s trick-or-treating scene leans playful and polished. Many homes go big on themed setups — from pirate ships and spooky castles to DIY ghost trains made from cardboard boxes. It’s also one of the best areas for spotting creative costumes and clever home décor ideas.

Because of its layout and enthusiasm, Woodley is ideal for group trick-or-treating. Parents often team up and do the loop together, and many roads have WhatsApp groups to coordinate who’s “in.” Make sure to use the Trick or Treat Map to find the best clusters and plan a solid route.

🎃 8. Whitley

South of the centre, Whitley is a bit of a wildcard — and that’s why it’s brilliant. It may not always get the spotlight, but when Halloween rolls around, Whitley comes alive with creativity, colour, and serious community spirit.

Focus on Northumberland Avenue, Basingstoke Road, and the residential roads nearby. While you might not find every house joining in, those that do often go big — with garden scenes, creepy sound effects, and generous helpings of sweets. Whitley is especially good if your kids are a little older and want some Halloween adventure without going too far. There’s a good mix of gentle and spookier setups, and the Trick or Treat Map helps you avoid guesswork.

🎃 9. Shinfield

Just south of Reading, Shinfield is another spot where Halloween is done right. Check out Hyde End Road, School Green, and Cutbush Lane, where families bring festive energy and some surprisingly creative displays.

Shinfield’s residential feel and friendly vibe make it a great all-rounder. Whether you’re after a short loop before bedtime or planning to hit every pumpkin pin in sight, you’ll find a mix of sweet stations, homemade décor, and friendly greetings at nearly every door.

It’s also common here to find extras — like treat baskets for shy trick-or-treaters, allergy-friendly bags, or houses offering little toys instead of sweets. Definitely one to check on the map and save for next year.

🎃 10. Southcote

Southcote, to the west of the centre, has been quietly building a reputation for great Halloween nights. Neighbourhoods around Coronation Square, Southcote Lane, and Circuit Lane offer compact loops and loads of seasonal cheer.

What makes Southcote special is the enthusiasm. Many houses work together on shared decorations or mini pumpkin trails. You’ll see front gardens transformed with handmade gravestones, ghost sheets, and orange fairy lights.

Because it’s easy to navigate and not overly crowded, Southcote is ideal for younger families or those who want a relaxed trick-or-treat route. The roads are flat and pram-friendly, and many of the participants post their stops to the Trick or Treat Map.

📍 Use the Trick or Treat Map

Reading’s Halloween gems are scattered across town — but the Trick or Treat Map pulls them all together. Use the map to:

• 📍 Spot which homes are handing out sweets
• ⭐ Filter for allergy-friendly, non-food, or standout displays
• 🗺️ Save your favourite stops to make planning easier
• ✨ Send thank-you messages to homes that went all-out

Related: How to Use the Trick or Treat Map

🗣️ What Locals Say

“Caversham is always amazing — our kids filled their buckets in just an hour last year. The decorations were brilliant!” — Rachael T., Reading parent

“We started in Emmer Green and made our way down. So many houses joined in — and everyone was so friendly.” — James L., dad of three

“Tilehurst never disappoints. Our whole street gets involved. It’s become a tradition!” — Neelam A., Reading local

Whether you're hitting the leafy lanes of Earley or chasing ghostly giggles through Tilehurst, Reading has everything you need for a magical Halloween night. Grab your bucket, your flashlight, and your best spooky laugh — the sweets await.

🎃 Happy Haunting, Reading!

👻 FAQ: Trick-or-Treating in Reading

When does trick-or-treating start in Reading?
Most families head out around 5:30–6:00 PM. Younger kids often go early, while older ones stay out until about 8:30 PM.

Is trick-or-treating safe in Reading?
Yes — especially in the family-friendly areas listed above. Stick to well-lit streets, walk in groups, and check the Trick or Treat Map for trusted stops.

How do I know which houses are giving out sweets?
Look for pumpkins, porch lights, and decorations. Or check the Trick or Treat Map for confirmed participants.

What should kids bring?
A bucket or bag, warm layers, comfy shoes, and a torch or glow stick. Don’t forget a “thank you” and your best costume grin.

Any Halloween safety tips?
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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