Happy Halloween!
According to Boston.com, below is a town-by-town list of trick-or-treating regulations and guidelines. If you don't see your community listed below, please visit your town's official website.
BELMONT The town says residents should wear a mask, avoid crowds, use hand sanitizer, wash their hands before eating, and use a table to distribute treats.
BOSTON The city is urging residents who celebrate Halloween to take precautions outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Health. Additionally, Boston Public Health Commission officials are encouraging families to find alternative celebrations this year and urging adults not to participate in gatherings or parties on Halloween.
BRAINTREE The town’s trick-or-treating hours are from 4 to 8 p.m., and the town asks that residents follow guidelines from the CDC and the Braintree Board of Health.
BROCKTON The mayor is encouraging Brockton residents to consider skipping trick-or-treating this year, but said those who choose to participate should follow Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
BROOKLINE The town “strongly discourages” traditional door-t0-door trick-or-treating this year, says residents should shut off their exterior lights to discourage it, and those who take part should refer to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
CAMBRIDGE The city is strongly encouraging residents to choose safer alternatives than traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, and says residents who go should refer to the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
CANTON Town officials are discouraging traditional trick-or-treating and indoor costume parties due to the town's current high-risk state. Those who choose to trick-or-treat are strongly encouraged to adhere to CDC guidelines and remain at home if you are feeling ill.
CHELSEA Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged and residents should consider safer alternatives.
EVERETT Trick-or-treating will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. “As important as our health and wellness is, we must keep in mind the mental health of our children by creating some semblance of normalcy,” officials wrote on the city’s Facebook page. “Please be aware and stay in your own neighborhoods. If you do not wish to participate, keep your front lights off.”
FRAMINGHAM The city says it does not have the authority to cancel Halloween, but noted that there are several “safer, alternative ways to celebrate Halloween,” including carving pumpkins, scavenger hunts, and decorating.
HINGHAM The town is asking residents to follow CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines if they go trick-or-treating.
LEXINGTON The town is asking residents to follow the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines if they go trick-or-treating.
LYNN Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is “strongly not recommended for Lynn residents this year,” and the city lists the CDC’s recommended Halloween activities in the categories of low risk, moderate risk and high risk.
MALDEN The city reminds residents that Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits and urges residents who choose to go trick-or-treating follow CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
MEDFORD The city does not advise residents go trick-or-treating since it is considered higher risk by the CDC and has instead planned four family-friendly “contactless” activities.
MILTON The town reminds residents that the CDC considers traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating higher risk and refers residents to the CDC list of low and moderate risk activities.
NEEDHAM The town asks residents to follow CDC guidelines and consider one-way trick-or-treating, where individually-wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go, as well as limiting your trick-or-treating group to immediate family members.
NEWTON The town says large gatherings should be avoided and refers to the CDC’s list of low, moderate, and high risk Halloween activities and asks residents to follow CDC guidelines.
QUINCY The city reminds residents about current state gathering size limits and recommends residents follow CDC guidelines, which includes placing candy on a platter instead of in a bowl and participating in one-way trick-or-treating.
REVERE The town is asking residents to avoid high-risk activities such as traditional trick-or-treating, and will host a “Spooktacular Lane” drive-thru event for residents who want to safely celebrate.
SALEM Salem officials note that trick-or-treating is not a city-hosted activity, and that the decision to participate is up to each family. Those who do participate should adhere to Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines and be out no later than 8 p.m. Salem trick-or-treating is not open to residents of other towns, and the city has cancelled numerous Halloween traditions and festivities in order to discourage crowds.
SAUGUS The town manager says residents should follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
SOMERVILLE The city strongly advises against trick-or-treating and recommends residents follow the CDC’s recommendations for lower-risk activities as well as the CDC guidelines.
WALTHAM The city says it’s up to residents how they celebrate Halloween, but noted that Waltham is a high-risk community so residents should follow CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
WATERTOWN The town recommends residents follow CDC guidelines when it comes to trick-or-treating to limit the risk of exposure.
WELLESLEY The town says Halloween celebrations “are a personal decision for families” and notes that face coverings should be worn along with costume masks and residents should follow CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
WEYMOUTH The city says residents should follow Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines if they choose to go trick-or-treating this year.
WINTHROP The town reminds residents that it is a “high-risk community for COVID” and says residents should follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines if they choose to trick-or-treat. The town also encouraged participants to make individually wrapped goodie bags that can be placed at the end of the driveway or edge of the yard for children to take. Those who don’t wish to participate should turn their lights off.