To paraphrase Lizzo, turns out we’re 100% that parent who will shamelessly raid our kid’s
Halloween treat bag after we’ve put them to bed at night. And so, we have a vested interest in
making sure we go where the candy is good. The jury is out on whether full-sized or fun-sized is
the way to go. Full-sized is satisfying for sure but with fun-sized you get variety. But whichever
way you choose, set the (candy) bar high and head to one of these Top Places to Trick-or-Treat
in Bergen County. You’ll have a scary good time and your cauldron will be full to overflowing.
Outlets at Bergen Town Center
Break out those costumes a few days early and head over to the Halloween Fun Day to be held on Saturday, October 26th from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. There’ll be a costume contest, mini-pumpkin decorating, bubble show and more entertainment for the kids. And parents can take turns supervising and doing a little pre-holiday shopping.
Westfield Garden State Plaza
One mall not enough for you? Then stop by Westfield Garden State Plaza for mall wide trick or treating from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm on October 31st. Over 80 retailers will be participating which should make for more than enough candy that your kid won’t notice one or two missing Milky Ways. Take a break from all that candy getting with the free Mad Science Spooktacular event from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the event space, level 2 by Macy’s. Gasp and groan as the Mad Scientists make freaky fog, floating eyeballs, creepy crawlers and more.
Alpine
Are you of the “bigger is always better” philosophy, especially when it’s candy bars we’re talking about? Then hit up the Rio Vista section of Alpine for mansions decorated for the holiday and handing out movie-sized treats. Been there done that? Litchfield Way is the up and coming Alpine spot which brings Halloween in a big way. From haunted mansion themed houses (well, actual mansions) to over the top sweets, you can spend hours on this fun block.
Van Saun Park/Bergen County Zoo
At Zoo Boo, hop on the Erie Express train ride for a friendly ride during the day, or a haunted, spine-tingling loop around the zoo at night. Then gather for ghost stories, have fun trick-or-treating and watch a magic show during this two-day event. Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th. Tickets on sale now. $6/per person. 2 and under are free.
Hackensack
If you’re looking for over-the-top décor, from the super-scary to tot-friendly characters, Clinton Place is a must-stop. And when you tire of walking the streets, you can always hit one of the nearby malls for more tricks and treats—or dinner. (Clinton Place, Hackensack)
Palisades Center
Bring your little ones to the Tykes Tuesday Spookfest on October 29th at 11:00 am, and join the Jungle Gym Jam band, Scooby Doo and more for a spooktacularly fun time. Then come back on Thursday October 31st for safe indoor Malloween trick-or-treating with a number of retailers. And get a little shopping in, too!
Nyack
Nyack is pulling out all the stops this Halloween with a month long celebration that includes: Evenings with Edgar Allan Poe, a house and lawn decorating contest, a screening of Dracula with a live organ, The Amazing Kreskin and a Ghost Hunt. Then on October 26th, join in the largest Halloween bash outside of the Village with the Nyack Halloween Parade, Trick or Treat Trail, and all-day music festival. Trick or treating begins in the business district at 1:00 pm and the parade steps off at 5:30. Then continue the fun at the family-friendly Monster Mash sponsored by the Nyack Center.
Head back to the Upper Nyack (North of Main Street on Broadway) a few days later for closed off streets, decorated homes and all the candy you can carry. Save time for screams at the annual South Nyack Firehouse haunted house. Festivities start at 3:00 pm on October 31st.
Ridgewood
Start your Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 26th with the annual Halloween Haunted Harvest, sponsored by the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce. First stop, Van Neste Square for a hay maze, haunted graveyard, parade and a meet and greet with the “good witch”. Then grab a map and start trick or treating. Festivities run from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Then make a stop at the famous (infamous?) Stewart Family’s Halloween Maze. Visit during the day for maze cracking fun. Or visit at night if you like your mazes with a side of scream.
Fort Lee
It’s fall and it’s Halloween so why not (monster) mash the two together and get the Fall-o-Ween Spectacular in the Fort Lee Business district on Main Street. Take an early trick or treat stroll on Saturday, October 26th and collect your first haul from participating merchants. Then stick around to shop and dine. Hours are 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Mahwah
Mahwah’s Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat Event and Costume Parade, will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2018 at 3:00 pm. Located outside the Senior Center, in the rear parking lot of the Mahwah Municipal Building, 475 Corporate Drive, in Mahwah, residents are welcome to bring their decorated car and join members from the Mahwah Police, Fire, Ambulance and DPW and their vehicles for the fun. And make sure your kid comes in costume. The Costume Parade can’t be missed. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. Cars distributing candy should arrive between 2 – 2:30 p.m.
North Arlington
Show up at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 31st and take your place in the Halloween parade. Then stick around for the trunk or treat to be held immediately following the parade behind Borough Hall. Parade starts from the corner of Bergen Ave and Ridge Road.
Want to really drill down and know which houses are giving out the goods and which are busts? Check out Next Door's Treat Map, run by the site that is the go to social media for neighborhoods, which already boasts 115K neighborhoods and is perfect for the kids who want to max out Halloween.
