Best Places to Go Trick or Treating in York

From Roman walls to chocolate shops, York has always had a magical feel — and Halloween night only adds to the charm. Whether you're raising little witches or hunting down the best-decorated houses, these are the top areas for trick-or-treating in York.

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 York (2025)

🎃 1. Bishopthorpe

Tucked just south of the city, Bishopthorpe is a favourite among York families. The village-like atmosphere and residential layout make it perfect for trick-or-treating with younger children. Streets like Acaster Lane and Appleton Road are known for their decorations and welcoming doorsteps.

Expect pumpkins, fairy lights, and neighbours who go the extra mile to make Halloween feel magical. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a safe, friendly vibe that still offers a solid sweet haul.

🎃 2. Heworth

A short distance from the city centre, Heworth combines convenience with community spirit. From East Parade to Stockton Lane, you’ll find rows of semi-detached homes often lined with pumpkins and spooky props.

Parents love the wide pavements and visible foot traffic, making it a popular destination for early evening trick-or-treaters. Don’t be surprised to see coordinated themes — one year saw an entire street turn into a haunted pirate shipyard!

🎃 3. Holgate

Holgate's tight-knit feel and straight, walkable roads make it ideal for families who want to cover a lot of ground without hopping in the car. Hamilton Drive and New Lane tend to be hot spots, with some residents putting out treat tables to make things even easier.

It’s also one of the best areas to use the Trick or Treat Map to check which houses are in, especially in the denser streets.

A smiling woman walks hand-in-hand with a child in costume along a residential street in Holgate, York, with York Minster visible in the background. The child wears Halloween makeup and carries a treat bag. — A parent and child enjoy an early evening stroll with York Minster rising behind them — spooky spirit and local charm in one perfect moment.

🎃 4. Fulford

Known for its mix of family homes and green spaces, Fulford is a great mid-size area to explore on Halloween night. The streets around Broadway and Heslington Lane are often decorated, and there’s a gentle buzz without it being overwhelming.

Plus, Fulford is relatively flat, which makes it buggy- and toddler-friendly. Bonus points for nearby pubs offering hot drinks and to-go snacks for parents.

🎃 5. Huntington

Huntington’s suburban feel and close community ties mean strong Halloween participation year after year. Residential roads like Brockfield Park Drive and North Moor Road are known for having high numbers of trick-or-treat-friendly homes.

Locals often organise via Facebook or school WhatsApp groups — and many even mark their homes on the Trick or Treat Map with tags like “best decor” or “allergy-friendly.”

🎃 6. Acomb

Don’t underestimate Acomb when it comes to Halloween spirit. The estates off Beckfield Lane are especially festive, with streets joining together for themed trails or “pumpkin walks” that help guide trick-or-treaters from house to house.

Acomb tends to attract families with older kids who are after bigger hauls and a slightly later curfew. Expect spooky soundtracks, smoke machines, and the occasional jump scare.

🎃 7. Clifton

Clifton strikes a great balance — close to town but calm enough for a good Halloween stroll. Rawcliffe Grove and Water Lane are known locally for putting in effort, and many homes leave their lights on or put signs out to show they’re participating.

It’s a solid choice for mixed-age groups — there’s enough action for older kids, but not so much that younger ones get overwhelmed.

🎃 8. Tang Hall

Tang Hall is lively and full of community buzz on Halloween night. Areas around Hull Road and Melrosegate are a good bet — and you’ll likely find both students and families taking part.

Some streets even set up treat tables or “spooky stops” with glowing arrows pointing out participating houses. It’s a great area if you want a more DIY, community-organised vibe.

🎃 9. Osbaldwick

East of the city, Osbaldwick has earned a quiet reputation for being one of the best-kept secrets for trick-or-treaters. Look around Murton Way and the residential loops off Osbaldwick Lane.

Because it's slightly out of the way, it doesn’t get too crowded, making it perfect for younger families who want the fun without the frenzy.

🎃 10. Foxwood

A bit further out, but absolutely worth the drive if you're coming from another area. Foxwood’s family-oriented layout, calm roads, and high participation rate make it a hidden gem.

Streets like Askham Croft and Foxwood Lane often join in fully, with handmade decorations and creative costumes from both kids and parents.

📍Use the Trick or Treat Map

York’s winding layout can make planning tricky — but the Trick or Treat Map has your back. Use the map to:

📍 Plan your perfect loop, seeing 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 functionality 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!

“Bishopthorpe is always amazing — we did the whole loop around the primary school last year and barely made it to the end of the street before our buckets were full!” — Jen O, mum of two

“We’ve trick-or-treated in Fulford for five years running. The houses go big — we even saw a full pirate ship built from cardboard one year.” — Alan B, York local

“Acomb gets wild in the best way. If your kids are older, it’s brilliant for late-night spooky energy.” — Rebecca Y, secondary school teacher

Whether you're heading to Bishopthorpe or giving Clifton a try, Halloween in York is packed with spooky fun and community magic. Just bring a torch, a big bag, and your best costume grin.

Happy Haunting, York!

👻 FAQ: Trick-or-Treating in York

When does trick-or-treating start in York?

Most families head out around 5:30–6:00 PM. For younger kids, it’s best to go early — between 5:00 and 7:00 PM — before the crowds pick up.

Is trick-or-treating safe in York?

Yes, especially in the family neighbourhoods listed above. Stick to well-lit, residential streets and avoid busier roads or student-heavy city centre spots.

How can I tell if a house is giving out sweets?

Look for pumpkins, porch lights, or signs. York tends to follow the "pumpkin = yes, no pumpkin = no" rule. Or better yet, check the Trick or Treat Map.

What should kids bring?

A torch, a bag or bucket, and weather-appropriate layers (October in York can be chilly). Glow sticks or reflective stickers help with visibility too.

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.