A Spooktacular Halloween

Written By Tracey Harper-Wilson

If there’s one thing Canadians know how to do (besides apologizing politely and surviving six months of winter), it’s Halloween. Every October 31st, the streets fill with pint-sized ghosts, superheroes, and kids dressed as whatever’s trending on social media. Halloween here isn’t just a holiday; it’s a national mood shift. And yes, it’s worth celebrating because it’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s basically the unofficial start of winter jacket season.

A (Brief) History Lesson You’ll Actually Like

Halloween’s roots stretch back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when folks believed spirits could wander freely between worlds. Cue costumes, bonfires, and all the spooky magic. Christians later added All Hallows’ Eve, but nowadays, Halloween is primarily a non-secular celebration—everyone’s invited, no religious rules attached.

By the 1800s, Scottish and Irish immigrants brought the fun to Canada. Mischief and pranks slowly evolved into candy-collecting galore. Fun fact: the very first printed use of “trick or treat” showed up in an Alberta newspaper in 1927. Yep, Canada kicked off that tradition.

How We Celebrate Today

As night falls on October 31st, Canadian streets come alive with laughter, costumes, and glowing pumpkins, filling the air with the charming spirit of Halloween.

  • Trick-or-Treating: Children (and teens who pretend they’re “just helping their little siblings”) go door-to-door collecting candy.

  • Costumes: From vampires to princesses to hockey-playing zombies, Canadians take dressing up seriously.

  • Pumpkin Carving: Jack-o’-lanterns light up porches everywhere, signalling “Yes, we have candy. Knock!”

  • Haunted Houses and Parties: Adults over 19 join in on the costume fun at themed house parties and bar events, while families explore spooky attractions.

  • Cold Weather Adjustments: Ever seen a princess costume stuffed over a parka? Iconic.

  • Decorations: Homes transform into mini haunted mansions, complete with spider webs, glowing pumpkins, and the occasional inflatable skeleton.

Why It’s So Canadian

Halloween here feels uniquely tied to the season. The harvest is over, the days are darker, and the idea of spirits walking among us just works. Plus, Canadians love the community feel of it, neighbourhoods light up, kids roam in groups, and candy bowls unite us all.

And let’s be honest, the sight of a kid in a ninja turtle costume layered over a snowsuit is about as Canadian as it gets.

Trick-or-Treat Timing and Safety Tips

On October 31st, children go door-to-door collecting treats around sunset, typically between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. This is prime candy-collecting time, so make sure your porch light is on and your jack-o’-lantern is glowing!

If you plan to hand out treats, a few friendly guidelines can keep everyone happy and safe:

  • Consider allergies: Peanuts are a no-go. Opt for nut-free treats, and for more info, check Food Allergy Canada.

  • Skip homemade or unwrapped treats: Safety first, fun second!

  • Non-candy options: Stickers, temporary tattoos, or little toys work just as well and keep sugar overload in check.

  • Budget-friendly tips: Buying treats in bulk helps your wallet survive the sugar rush.

If your little ghouls and superheroes are heading out:

  • Plan the route in advance so everyone knows where to go.

  • Walk on sidewalks and look both ways before crossing the street.

  • Kids under 12 should go in groups or with an adult.

  • Bring a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective tape on costumes to stay visible.

  • Avoid homemade or unwrapped treats.

Inspect all treats before indulging—any package that looks opened should be tossed.

Following these tips ensures that Halloween stays fun, safe, and delicious for all.

What if You Don’t Want to Participate?

  • Since Canada is a multicultural country, some people do not celebrate Halloween for various reasons. And that’s perfectly okay! If you’d rather skip the festivities or avoid trick-or-treaters ringing your doorbell, here’s how to gracefully bow out:

  • Turn off the lights on your front porch, and make sure your house appears dark from the outside.

  • Skip Halloween decorations on your front door.

  • Step outside and enjoy nature. October evenings can be crisp, colourful, and perfectly peaceful without a single ghost or goblin in sight.

Family-Friendly Fun in London and St Thomas

If you’re in London or St. Thomas, Ontario, this October 2025, here are some spook-tacular events to put on your calendar:

London

And don’t forget McCulloch’s Costume and Party Supplies, London’s beloved go-to for costumes, accessories, and theatrical makeup.

St Thomas

For last-minute costume panics, Dotsy’s Costumes has you covered with rentals, face painters, and balloon twisters.

Haunted Hayrides and Corn Mazes

Kustermans Adventure Farm (Mount Brydges): From October 6th to 31st, enjoy a 5-acre corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin picking, and the legendary corn cannon. Over 50 attractions included in the Fall Festival Pass.

Why You Should Join In

Because it’s fun. Because it’s candy. Because it’s the one night of the year when seeing a skeleton on your neighbour’s lawn is festive instead of alarming. And honestly, in a country where October can already feel like winter, we deserve a night filled with glowing pumpkins, sugar rushes, and community spirit.

So go ahead, carve the pumpkin, stock up on mini chocolate bars, and embrace the magic. Halloween is the most Canadian thing ever: cold, cozy, and just a little bit spooky. 🎃

Tracey Harper-Wilson
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