Everything you need to know about Halloween fun in the Lakes Region

If the cool, crisp autumn air isn’t a signal Halloween is here, the costumes ought to give it away.

Per Oct. 31 tradition, thousands of kids will hit the pavement, ringing doorbells for candy while dressed to the nines in polyester outfits and masks. Trick-or-treating is upon us, and Laconia Police Chief Matt Canfield urged everyone to have a blast — safely.

“Wear glow sticks, reflective dots, stickers. Only approach houses that have lights on and stay in common areas,” he said. “Younger kids should be escorted by parents or competent adults, and older kids should consider staying in groups.”

Following simple safety steps is the easiest way to ensure a night of spooky fun, but the fun doesn’t end after candy is collected. Canfield recommends parents check through the night’s haul, just in case.

“Check over the candy that you receive ... while most people have good intentions, there is always the possibility of someone wanting to create harm.”

Each Lakes Region town and city is celebrating Halloween 2025 a little differently. Know before you go with this handy guide to town trick-or-treating hours, and more.

Laconia

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Trick-or-treating in the City on the Lakes will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Per the Aug. 25 meeting minutes of the Laconia City Council, Pleasant Street will be closed to thru-traffic between 4 and 9 p.m., to safely allow trick-or-treaters to meander through.

Laconia is busy this Halloween, with several events hyping up Oct. 31, including Laconia Pumpkin Festival and the Runway Pumpkin 5K on Saturday, Oct. 25, and the Belknap County Sheriff's Office annual Haunted Hallways on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Laconia Pumpkin Festival has been months in the making and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In an recent Daily Sun story, Director of Recreation and Facilities Amy Lovisek said, “There’s quite the array of things that people can see and do, and buy and sell, and eat.”

Haunted Hallway will run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, at 42 County Drive.

“This free community event is open to the public, and costumes are encouraged. While there may be a few spooky decorations, the event is designed for all ages to enjoy,” wrote Sheriff Bill Wright on the event’s Facebook page. “Bring your family, friends, and Halloween spirit for a fun night with your community.”

After Halloween, the Lakeport Opera House is hosting a Halloween Hoedown Line Dance full of fall-themed cocktails, dance lessons, music and a costume contest at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Alton

5-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Residential trick-or-treating is 5 to 7 p.m.

Before trick-or-treating hours, make a pitstop at the Alton Parks and Recreation Department-sponsored Monster Mash Costume Runway at the Gilman Museum on Main Street for treats, music, photos and fun. The event goes from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and organizers welcome all to show off their costumes on a red-carpet runway.

“The Gilman Museum will be open to the public with a red-carpet runway, festive Halloween lights, and decorations where people of all ages can show off their costumes and get a photo in front of the Halloween-themed backdrop,” wrote Kellie Troendle, parks and recreation director for the Town of Alton. “This is a great addition to the traditional trick-or-treat night and a wonderful photo opportunity for the whole family.”

Ashland

5-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Head out from 5 to 7 p.m. for residential trick-or-treating. 

In addition to regular Halloween fun, AARA — the Ashland Area Recreation Association — is hosting a trunk-or-treat at L.W. Packard Field, located at 99 Main St. A contest and prize for best decorated trunk will be awarded.

Belmont

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

During townwide trick-or-treating, firefighters are ready to hand out candy.

“Our firefighters will be handing out candy and would love to see your costumes," said Becky Parks-Beaulac, administrative assistant with the fire department. "Bring your friends and family for a safe and fun stop on your trick-or-treat route."

The station is located at 14 Gilmanton Road, and firefighters will be loaded with candy from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bristol

5-7:30 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

There's a lot to do this Halloween in Bristol, with trunk-or-treating from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dead River parking lot on Pleasant Street.

To kick off the festivities, participants of all ages are welcome to march in their best Halloween attire at 4:45 p.m. for the annual costume parade. Marchers should meet at the TD Bank parking lot on Main Street.

If you need a break from trunk-or-treat, head to Kelley Park by 6:14 p.m. for The Witching Hour, a special ritual dance by local witches, a magical highlight for all ages.

Note North Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from 4 to 8 p.m.

Center Harbor

5-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

In addition to residential trick-or-treating, all are invited to a Halloween party at the Center Harbor Town Office from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. There will be pizza, snacks, drinks, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, games and Halloween goodies.

The Town Office is located at 36 Main St.

Franklin

4-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Residential trick-or-treating in the Three Rivers City will start at 4 p.m. and last three hours.

The Franklin Police Department posted safety tips on Facebook to help prepare residents for any incident, including how to remain visible with a flashlight or glow stick, and using sidewalks when possible. The department also cautioned parents to check treats.

According to the post, “Officers will be patrolling throughout the community to ensure a safe Halloween for all. We encourage families to enjoy the evening responsibly and watch out for one another.”

Gilford

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

The Gilford Selectboard approved the closure of Belknap Mountain Road between Potter Hill Road and Gilford Elementary School for residential trick-or-treating. This closure does not allow cars on the road except for local traffic. Parking will be available at Gilford Elementary, Gilford High School and the Gilford Youth Center.

At Beans & Greens Farm at 245 Intervale Road, a Halloween Kids Costume Party will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. A variety of contests ― from spoon races to mummy wrapping ― will be held throughout the day providing fun for all ages, as well as a costume parade to kick off the day’s events.

For those 18 or older, head to Beans & Greens again between 7 and 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, for Fear Farm, a haunted woodland trail near abandoned greenhouses guests wind their way through. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Gilmanton

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Participate in Halloween by trick-or-treating at residential homes in Gilmanton between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m.

Leading up to Halloween, the 8th Annual Trunk or Treat will be held at Gilmanton Youth Organization Park from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. The event will boast a bounce house sponsored by Clay’s Wildlife & Pest Services, and more, said Lisa Sylvestre, event organizer alongside Sarah Benoit.

“Kids can enjoy the playground GYO has, a bounce house sponsored by Clay’s Wildlife right in their hometown of Gilmanton, and run around with their friends and family,” Sylvestre said. The event was born out of an ice storm eight years ago that left the community with no power. “It gives all the kids and parents a chance to gather in a controlled and safe environment.”

Eighth graders will be selling food as part of a fundraiser for their end-of-year trip, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and soda.

Holderness

4-6 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Halloween fun will take place for two hours in Holderness this year. Folks are encouraged to visit local businesses.

In addition to trick-or-treating, a Trunk-or-Treat celebration will be held at the Holderness Fire Department from 4 to 6 p.m.

Loudon

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Trick-or-treating will take place between 5 and 8 p.m., with road closures for safety. South Village Road will be closed to thru-traffic, though local traffic can pass. Suggested parking is at Maxfield Library, Arthur Colby Safety Complex, Charlies Barn, and the parking lot at the recreation field.

In a playful jab on Facebook, the Loudon Police Department wrote, “Psst — we reserve the right to put any child dressed in a police costume on duty due to staffing shortages.”

Meredith

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

The selectboard approved the closures of Main and Waukewan streets from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31 of each year so residents may trick-or-treat safely.

The Meredith Parks & Recreation Department will host a Family Halloween Bash from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the community center.

Moultonborough

4:30-7:30 p.m.| Friday, Oct. 31

Trick-or-treaters can haunt the streets beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Moultonborough this year.

Also this year, on Sunday, Oct. 26, is Geneva-Ween, a new event which allows kids and families a safe and easy-walking, cabin-to-cabin, trick-or-treating experience. Geneva Point Center, located on the Big Lake, is hosting friends and neighbors for a scary good time at 108 Geneva Point Road.

“Its purpose is to bring the local communities together for a free, fun Halloween experience. Geneva Point Center is a nonprofit camp and conference center that has a mission to help other nonprofits organizations, local groups and community members doing positive things in the world,” said Christopher Randall, who said he’s expecting 250 trick-or-treaters.

“I started Geneva-Ween to get the community together, and to get people to experience Geneva Point Center.”

The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m.

New Hampton

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Residential trick-or-treating will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Northfield

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31 

Townwide trick-or-treating takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween.

Plymouth

5:30-7:30 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

The Town of Plymouth’s Main Street is loaded with things to do on Halloween this year.

Trick-or-treaters can hit Main Street businesses for candy and more beginning at 4:30 p.m., with residential homes beginning to welcome trick-or-treaters around 5:30 p.m., as businesses taper off.

Also this year, those partaking in the spooktacular festivities can experience a haunted house at the Pemi Youth Center. All ages are welcome, and the scare factor is adjusted based on guest preference.

At 5 p.m., the Wicked Witches of the Lakes Region will perform, inviting folks of all ages to experience the magic.

Sanbornton

5-8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Townwide trick-or-treating takes place from 5 to 8 p.m., and a map featuring participating homes will be available at sanborntonnh.org.

Additionally, ahead of Halloween, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, the Sanbornton Recreation Department is hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat. The event is going to be bigger and better than ever, said Amanda Pelissier, director of the department.

“This year's [event] promises to be a fun, safe and family-friendly event for our community,” Pelissier wrote in an email to The Daily Sun. “Families can expect creatively decorated displays, plenty of candy, and a decorated path in the woods leading from the Sanbornton Public Library parking lot — where treaters will park — to the fun.”

She was quick to mention the community involvement, too, including organizations like Sanbornton Central PTO, Sanbornton Fire Department & Police Department, Tilton-Northfield Little League, Moltons Band, Mohawk Trail Riders from the Snowmobile Club and The Food Hound food truck.

Tilton

4-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Residential trick-or-treating begins at 4 p.m. and lasts three hours.

Per annual tradition, a trunk-or-treat will also be held downtown from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Scott Hilliard, town administrator, encourages everyone to head out for a night of hauntingly good fun.

“It is a great time. We have a costume parade and award prizes for the best costumes. We have games and some of our elected officials" pass out candy, Hilliard said. “Great time for fun and activities. Each year, this event gets bigger and bigger. It is a whole family event.”

Prizes for the best costumes are supplied by the Town of Tilton and the Tilton Rotary Club.

Main Street downtown is shut down for the Halloween shenanigans, creating a festive vibe among those trunk-or-treating.

Tanger Outlets will host a trick-or-treat event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24.

Tuftonboro

5-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

Ahead of residential trick-or-treating at 5 p.m., a trunk-or-treat hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department will take place at the Town Offices parking lot from 4:30 to 6 p.m., according to the Tuftonboro Times. “This event is strategically held so trick-or-treaters can then move across the street to trick-or-treat the houses in the development,” wrote Dennis Zilembo, Parks & Rec director.

The trunk-or-treat will also offer pumpkin decorating, carnival games, and awards for the best costumes.

There’s fun for those handing out candy, too, as Parks & Rec staff will give out an award for best decorated trunk.

Wolfeboro

5-7 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 31

According to the Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce, townwide trick-or-treating will commence at 5 p.m. and last for two hours.

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Bob Martin and Gabriel Perry contributed to this article. Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.