York County's Recommended Trick-or-Treat Hours & Ages

October 18, 2021

In York County, those who choose to trick-or-treat are asked to do so from 6-8 p.m. on Halloween, Sunday, October 31. Recommended ages are 12 and under.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all adults and children aged 12 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine, but many trick-or-treaters aren’t eligible to get vaccinated yet. The following list of “safe vs. scary” Halloween activities are provided to help families stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAFE

Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume
If you go trick-or-treating, do so in small groups outdoors, or enjoy other outdoor activities
Wash your hands before you eat any candy
Track local virus transmission rates and take extra precautions where rates are high
Get the COVID-19 vaccine (age 12+) and your flu shot

SCARY

Avoid indoor parties, gatherings and crowded doorsteps
Please don’t invite trick-or-treaters inside your home
Avoid using a costume mask as a substitute for a surgical/cloth mask
Please do not trick-or-treat if you feel sick

In addition, York County Fire Chief Stephen P. Kopczynski and York-Poquoson Sheriff J.D. “Danny” Diggs offer these additional safety measures for individuals participating in trick-or-treat:

Carry hand sanitizer with you and use often
Consider not allowing children to take candy directly from neighbors and stay six feet away from others not in your family group.
Residents are asked to turn on porch lights to identify homes that wish to receive trick-or-treaters. Please avoid houses where porch lights are off.
Remind children to be careful, watch for traffic, and to use flashlights.
Make sure costumes and shoes fit properly to avoid tripping hazards.
Purchase Halloween costumes (including wigs, capes and props) that feature a “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant” label.
Consider wearing bright and/or light-colored costumes, which are easier to see at night.
Carry a flashlight or light-stick, and attach “glow-in-the-dark” items or reflective tape to the front and back of children’s costumes. Make sure your trick-or-treater can see and be seen.
Have an adult accompany younger children.

For more on Halloween Safety, call Fire & Life Safety at (757) 890-3600 or the Sheriff’s Office at (757) 890-3630.