From the Author: We lived on Revere St. on Beacon Hill for 4 years, and Mike worked on Myrtle St. for over 6 years. We love this neighborhood and know it well. If you have any questions, we respond quickly to comments!
Trick-or-treating Halloween night on Beacon Hill is a tradition unlike any other.
My wife and I used to live on Revere St. (right on the corner of Revere and West Cedar). We never missed a Halloween night!
Beacon Hill was made for this holiday – the cobble stone streets are lined with gas lanterns, and the historic brownstones are always decked-out to the max with Halloween décor.
12 foot skeletons, lights, smoke machines, spooky music, pumpkins and full sized candy bars.
Beacon Hill does Halloween RIGHT. You have to come see it for yourself!
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LAST UPDATE:
Who
Adults and kids of all ages!
My wife and I used to go with our niece (3 years old) and nephew (5 years old), and the rest of our family.
I think the adults had more fun! It’s just one of those experiences that all ages can appreciate/enjoy.
And no, you don’t have to be a Beacon Hill resident, or even a Boston resident for that matter.
Insider Tip:
If you’re bringing a baby that can’t walk on their own, I suggest wearing them! Bring a baby carrier, or something similar.
The streets get PACKED – I’m talking shoulder to shoulder at times. It’s best to leave the stroller at home.
Plus the brick/cobble stone streets aren’t that great for strollers anyways.
What
Trick-or-treating, obviously.
But so much more.
Many of the adults dress up in costumes too, right along with their kids. There are always some really clever outfits.
We would also make a fun Halloween cocktail to carry around with us in discrete Tumbler cups.
Since we lived right on the Hill, we never had to worry about driving.
But if you are driving, be responsible!
There are too many little kids walking around at night on Halloween in Boston to take any chances. Do the right thing and get an Uber if you’re going to have a drink!
OK, PSA over.
Now that you’ve got your costumes and a fun beverage, it’s time to take the kids door to door and live vicariously through them as they run around filling their bags up with candy.
But don’t forget to slow down every now and then and take it all in.
The decorations some of these houses put up are INCREDIBLE, and you can miss a lot of it during all the hustle and bustle.
Some of the houses even have actors playing various parts, scaring folks!
When
Beacon Hill on Halloween night – October 31st.
It’s hard to beat.
I really recommend you and the family go for the full experience and plan to trick-or-treat on the Hill – anytime between 4:00PM and 8:00PM.
If you simply can’t make it on Halloween night, then plan to walk the Hill another day during the week-or-two leading up to Halloween.
It’s such a fun experience checking out all the decorated brownstones, and pumpkin lined stoops.
Beacon Hill goes all out.
You and the kids will not be disappointed!
Where
Every year the Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) arranges to have the following Beacon Hill streets closed down from 4:00-8:00PM on Halloween:
- Branch Street (from Revere Street to Hancock Street)
- Chestnut Street (from Charles Street to Walnut Street)
- Mount Vernon Street (from Charles Street to Joy Street)
- Pinckney Street (from Charles Street to Joy Street)
- West Cedar Street (from Revere Street to Chestnut Street)
- Myrtle Street (from Revere Street to Hancock Street)
- South Russell Street (from Cambridge Street to Myrtle Street)
That means there won’t be any cars driving on those streets, so you can feel safe trick-or-treating with your little ones.
The Hill does remain pretty quiet car-wise throughout the rest of the night as well, even though the streets aren’t officially closed down after 8PM. Just be extra careful.
Insider Tip:
Make sure you plan to spend a good amount of time on Louisburg Square (the star on the street closure map above)!
The mansions there always take Halloween to the next level. It’s amazing, and the kids will love it.
That said, be prepared for crowds. Louisburg Square gets shoulder to shoulder at various points throughout the night.
Why
Why?
Because Halloween on Beacon Hill is an experience unlike any other.
There is just something about historic Beacon Hill during the Fall that can’t be beat.
If you’ve never been, GO!
You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks !!!! First time doing Halloween at beacon Hill and you tips are helping me plan the adventure.
Awesome, happy to hear that Cecilia! Have fun this year, I have a feeling you’ll be coming back again next year…
Hi! When is it happening this year?
Hey Elissa! Halloween night, around 5-6pm EST!
Hello, What street address do I put to get there. I want to take the tram. Can you help me with the directions?
Put in 85 Pinckney St, Boston, MA 02114, it’s right across the street from Louisburg Square where all the action is! Have fun tonight!
Do you know if these home-owners decorate their houses themselves, or do they hire professionals? I’ve always wanted to deck out my place but feels too overwhelming to do it myself.
I am willing to bet a few hire folks – some are just so well done and so involved. That said, I bet most do the work themselves
Are they only decorated for Halloween night, or other nights in October too?
House start getting decorated early October…you could go today and most homes will be decorated!