My neighborhood posted recommended hours of 6-8:30, which seems about right. The little kids can start on the earlier side, the older ones can wait until dark, and I get in bed by a reasonable hour. And if anyone wants to start earlier or later, they can, and people can leave their lights on to welcome latecomers.

We're a two-parent WOH family with ES kids and start no earlier than 6:30. I assume other families are getting home from work/eating dinner/getting into costumes before that time.

Anonymous wrote:How are people trick or treating at 4 or 4:30?
Doesn't the typical work day end at 5? Then commute home, dinner, change into costume, etc?

I get that a lot of people work from home now, but not everyone does.

We only went out early when DS was in Pre School and only going to hit the houses on our street. We both have flexible work schedules so we could be home early. We didn't go out until 5 or 5:30. It was fine if he didn't get as many houses, he just cared about getting into a costume and getting a few pieces of candy. He is 10 now, we head out closer to 7 and he goes out with a group of friends. They are normally done by 8 or so.

We keep our light on until 9 but we also put the candy out on a table in the drive way now. It is easier for us because we have a few dogs who go crazy when people ring the door bell and it allows both of us to go out and walk with DS, more walk with the parents of DS's friends while they do their thing.

We leave candy outside around 6pm if we’re home. Sometimes we aren’t home until 6:30pm.

We’ll go from 6-6:30.

Anonymous wrote:6:30

This. Only the preschool crowd goes before 6:30.

Anonymous wrote:How are people trick or treating at 4 or 4:30?
Doesn't the typical work day end at 5? Then commute home, dinner, change into costume, etc?

I get that a lot of people work from home now, but not everyone does.

Families usually leave work early on Halloween. I think Fairfax is closed on Halloween this year, so I expect earlier might be more likely since there's no afterschool rush.

For our neighborhood, 6pm to 8:30 p.m. is normal. I turn out lights out and bring the candy in around 8:30 so we can try to get ready for bed. We usually aren't ready before 6:00 p.m., but don't mind walking in the dusk hour for a bit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People in the DMV are bizarrely strict about when they think the appropriate time to go is. And they will die on their hills.

At our house, someone will answer the door any time between 4pm-10pm.

Who is taking small children TorT at 10 pm? TorT is for 12 and under, not for high school students.

Glad to know there is an official age cut-off, determined by you.

Well, my candy, my rules fir my house.

Sure. I guess you quiz every tall kid on his/her age to make sure s/he is young enough.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People in the DMV are bizarrely strict about when they think the appropriate time to go is. And they will die on their hills.

At our house, someone will answer the door any time between 4pm-10pm.

Who is taking small children TorT at 10 pm? TorT is for 12 and under, not for high school students.

Glad to know there is an official age cut-off, determined by you.

Well, my candy, my rules fir my house.