From pumpkin-lit porches in Dulwich to spooky window trails in Wimbledon, South London is packed with places that go big for Halloween. Whether you're out with a toddler in a skeleton onesie or a teen in full face paint chasing king-size bars, the southern boroughs know how to bring the fun.
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 South London (2025)
🎃 1. Dulwich Village
Dulwich is the kind of neighbourhood that looks like it was made for a storybook Halloween. Think ivy-covered homes, leafy pavements, and decorative pumpkins on every other doorstep. Village Way, Gilkes Crescent, and College Road are especially festive — with local families often coordinating decorations for a full loop.
Many homes here go beyond a bowl of sweets: expect handmade decor, eerie lighting, and a warm welcome at the door. It’s perfect for younger families looking for a safe and charming start to the evening. And the flat streets and wide paths make it buggy- and toddler-friendly too.
🎃 2. East Dulwich
Just next door but with its own energy, East Dulwich is a hive of Halloween activity. Crystal Palace Road, Lordship Lane, and the streets around Goose Green become mini Halloween hubs, with neighbours teaming up for spooky window trails and treat stations.
You’ll often find a mix of treats — traditional sweets, non-edible goodies, and even homemade snacks from local families. It’s a great place to use the Trick or Treat Map to plan your stops and check which houses are participating.
🎃 3. Herne Hill
Small, close-knit, and absolutely buzzing on Halloween night. The roads around Stradella Road, Kestrel Avenue, and Milkwood Road are full of friendly households who go all-out with spiderwebs, strobe lights, and themed displays.
Herne Hill tends to strike the perfect balance between lively and manageable. You won’t get lost in crowds, but there’s still plenty of energy and excitement. Many homes cater to all ages — with gentle displays for little ones and more playful frights for older kids.
🎃 4. West Norwood
West Norwood is becoming a rising star on the trick-or-treat map. The triangle between Auckland Hill, Chestnut Road, and Rothschild Street has seen growing participation in recent years, with entire terraces stringing up lights and hosting mini Halloween trails.
The community vibe is strong — some houses even coordinate music or use themed signage to guide kids from one stop to the next. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a walkable, residential feel with lots of spirit.
🎃 5. Streatham
Streatham is big, but there are pockets that go really big on Halloween. Try the roads just off Streatham Common North and Valley Road — where some streets host unofficial pumpkin festivals and group treat tables.
Locals here love to get creative. Expect smoke machines, glow-in-the-dark skeletons, and plenty of front garden setups you can admire from the pavement. This is also a hotspot for families with older kids, as the buzz lasts well into the evening.
🎃 6. Crystal Palace
With its quirky charm and artistic spirit, Crystal Palace is a brilliant Halloween choice. Check out the triangle around Belvedere Road, Fox Hill, and Church Road — all known for getting involved.
You’ll likely find households that go for immersive setups — haunted garages, DIY graveyards, and themed soundtracks that echo across the street. It’s got a slightly ‘cool older cousin’ vibe compared to some quieter suburbs, but still very family-friendly early on.
🎃 7. Wimbledon Village
If you’re after picture-perfect porches and polished Halloween décor, Wimbledon Village is your place. High Street Wimbledon and the lanes around Belvedere Avenue and Marryat Road feature impressive displays — from traditional jack-o’-lanterns to full animatronic scenes.
The houses here are generous with treats and creativity alike. Plus, many families tag their stops on the Trick or Treat Map, making it easy to create a solid loop that keeps the kids happy and the grownups caffeinated.
🎃 8. Tooting
Tooting’s buzzing all year — and Halloween is no exception. You’ll find high participation in the streets off Church Lane and Mitcham Road, where both new and long-time residents get involved.
Expect music, treat buckets at garden gates, and lots of families enjoying the night together. Tooting also tends to have more trick-or-treaters out later, so if you're heading out after 7PM, this is a good place to be.
🎃 9. Blackheath
With its village feel and strong sense of community, Blackheath is a hidden gem for Halloween lovers. Streets around Tranquil Vale and South Row tend to light up with glowing pumpkins and smiling faces.
What’s lovely here is how relaxed it all feels. There’s no rush, no chaos — just steady footfall and plenty of festivity. Some years, families even organise window-decorating competitions or leave scavenger hunt clues in decorated shopfronts.
🎃 10. Balham
Balham blends cosy charm with a bit of sparkle — and it shows in the Halloween participation. Try Ravenslea Road, Hydethorpe Road, and the surrounding streets off Balham High Road.
You’ll often find treat tables, projection lights, and even costumed parents handing out sweets with dry ice rolling behind them. It’s lively but safe — and perfect if you want to grab dinner or a hot chocolate before or after your trick-or-treat loop.
🎃 11. Brockley
South East London’s answer to community-powered fun. In Brockley, the streets around Geoffrey Road and Wickham Road are known to join forces with decorated windows and porch displays.
Some houses take things next level — like installing motion-sensor spiders, themed lighting, or curated ‘spooky playlists’ through hidden speakers. The vibe is creative, a little unexpected, and great for curious kids who want more than just sweets.
🎃 12. Peckham Rye
Once more under the radar, Peckham Rye has become a vibrant option for families in recent years. The roads around East Dulwich Road, Upland Road, and Nigel Road tend to have strong participation and creative flair.
Expect everything from hand-painted pumpkins to glow-in-the-dark ghosts floating from balconies. It’s especially popular with younger families during the early hours — with the livelier energy kicking in closer to 7PM.
🎃 13. Sydenham
Leafy and calm, Sydenham is ideal for little legs and calmer crowds. Look around Mayow Road and the Thorpes conservation area — where residents love a well-carved pumpkin and a good seasonal soundtrack.
There’s usually a mix of traditional door knocks and self-serve treat bowls, making it easy for families to move through at their own pace. Perfect if you're heading out early and want to beat the rush.
🎃 14. Nunhead
Quiet but committed — Nunhead’s Halloween crowd loves a good cobweb. The roads around Ivydale Road and Linden Grove are popular with local families, many of whom coordinate through community groups.
You’ll find spooky window displays, chalk-marked pavements, and a few houses that go all-in with fog machines and cackling witches. It's a great loop if you want lower-key festivities with a big heart.
🎃 15. Clapham South
Last but not least, Clapham South brings that classic mix of London energy and local charm. Streets like Cathles Road, Elms Crescent, and Dinsmore Road are known to have a festive buzz.
Some families offer both sweet and non-sweet options — perfect for younger kids or those with allergies. And the whole area has excellent walkability, so you can easily cover several streets in one go without feeling rushed.
📍Use the Trick or Treat Map
South London is big — and the Trick or Treat Map helps you narrow down the best routes fast. 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!
“Dulwich Village is just gorgeous. Last year, we started at College Road and barely got halfway before the kids were full and tired!” — Tania B, mum of three
“Balham was packed! But in a fun way. We hit about 15 houses on one street alone — and some were handing out glow sticks too.” — Elliot F, South London dad
“Wimbledon Village had a guy dressed as Dracula playing piano in his front window. Unreal.” — Natalie R, nanny in Merton
Whether you're heading to Herne Hill for the cobwebbed porches or looping through Streatham’s pumpkin-lit paths, South London knows how to do Halloween right. Grab your glow sticks, don your best costume, and get ready for a spooky night out.
Happy Haunting, South London!
👻 FAQ: Trick-or-Treating in South London
When does trick-or-treating start in South London?
Most families head out around 5:30–6:00 PM. Little ones usually go earlier, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, while older kids often keep going into the 8:00 PM hour.
Is trick-or-treating safe in South London?
Yes — especially in community-driven areas like Dulwich, Herne Hill, and Balham. Stick to residential roads and avoid unlit backstreets or busy traffic zones.
How can I tell if a house is giving out sweets?
Look for pumpkins, porch lights, or signs on the door. Many houses also tag themselves on the Trick or Treat Map so you can check in advance.
What should kids bring?
Bring a treat bucket or bag, a torch or glow sticks for safety, and extra layers in case the temperature drops. Bonus points for umbrellas — you never know!
Any Halloween safety advice?
Yes - Keep to pavements, cross at corners and always go in a group. The National Safety Council also recommends costumes that don't obstruct vision and flame resistant materials.
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