London is gearing up for Halloween, with families expected to take to the streets in search of sweets, decorations and pumpkin displays. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, this year, giving Londoners the chance to enjoy trick-or-treating without worrying about getting up early for school the next morning.
From the grand townhouses of Kensington and Chelsea to the family-friendly streets of Greenwich and Dulwich, there are many places worth exploring. Some areas of the capital have become popular for their elaborate Halloween decorations, with residents transforming front gardens, windows and doorsteps into spooky displays. However, not every household takes part, and families should only approach homes that clearly appear to welcome trick-or-treaters.
Here are some of the best-known London neighbourhoods to consider for Halloween 2026.
Kensington and Holland Park
Kensington and Holland Park are popular for Halloween decorations, with some homes featuring enormous spiders, skeletons and elaborate displays. A Londonist photographer visited the neighbourhood on October 22 and documented a number of decorated properties ahead of Halloween 2026.
Streets worth exploring include Upper Phillimore Gardens, Phillimore Gardens, Ilchester Place, Stafford Terrace, Kensington Square and Clarendon Road. Families can also enjoy Halloween activities around Holland Park, with entertainment scheduled between 4pm and 7pm on October 31.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is another well-known destination for Halloween, with its colourful townhouses and grand entrances providing the perfect backdrop for spooky displays. Elgin Crescent is associated with Halloween decorations, while Lansdowne Crescent, Clarendon Road, Arundel Gardens and Kensington Park Gardens are also worth visiting.
Several houses in the neighbourhood were already decorated when Londonist visited in October 2026, making it one of the better-supported choices for families hoping to see impressive displays this weekend.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a popular choice for families who want to see impressive Halloween displays outside some of London’s grandest homes. The Boltons, The Little Boltons and Tregunter Road are among the streets recommended in local Halloween guides.
The area around Chelsea Green and Markham Street is another option, with quieter residential roads offering an alternative to the busier parts of west London. Participation can vary considerably between streets, so families should follow visible decorations rather than assume every house is handing out sweets.
Hampstead
North London’s Hampstead has long been recommended for trick-or-treating thanks to its historic houses, narrow streets and family-friendly neighbourhoods. Gayton Road, Flask Walk, Downshire Hill and Well Walk are among the suggested streets.
The area’s older architecture also adds to the Halloween atmosphere, particularly once darkness falls. Families should be aware that some streets are steep and may be less convenient for pushchairs.
St John’s Wood
St John’s Wood is known for its Halloween celebrations, partly because of its established American community. Hamilton Terrace is one of the area’s best-known streets for seasonal decorations, while Carlton Hill, Loudoun Road and Springfield Road are also recommended.
The neighbourhood is a good option for families in north-west London who want to explore residential streets without travelling across the capital.
Dulwich and East Dulwich
For families in south London, Dulwich and East Dulwich are among the neighbourhoods most frequently recommended. In Dulwich, Village Way, Gilkes Crescent and College Road are suggested starting points. East Dulwich families could explore Crystal Palace Road and the residential streets around Goose Green.
The areas are known for their family communities and leafy streets, making them appealing for younger children. However, individual participating houses have not been confirmed for Halloween 2026.
Walthamstow Village, Chiswick, Wanstead and Belgravia
Walthamstow Village is one of east London’s recommended neighbourhoods for trick-or-treating. Orford Road, Eden Road and Beulah Road are among the streets mentioned in Halloween guides. The neighbourhood has a strong community atmosphere, with residential roads offering opportunities for families to discover decorated houses.
West London’s Chiswick is another popular option, particularly for families looking for a neighbourhood Halloween experience. Devonshire Road, Burnaby Gardens, Grove Park Road and Wellesley Road have all been highlighted as places to explore.
Families in east London could also consider Wanstead, where residential streets and spacious pavements make for a convenient trick-or-treating route. Overton Drive and Nightingale Lane have been recommended in local Halloween guides. The neighbourhood may appeal to families with younger children who prefer a more relaxed evening away from central London. As with other locations, participation depends on individual households.
Belgravia is another destination for Londoners hoping to combine trick-or-treating with impressive Halloween decorations. Elizabeth Street, Chester Square and Eaton Square are among the suggested places to explore. The neighbourhood’s grand white townhouses provide a striking backdrop for pumpkins, skeletons and other seasonal displays. Families should remember that decorated shopfronts and residential properties do not necessarily mean sweets are being handed out.
When to head out — and the golden rule
There are no official trick-or-treating hours in London, but most families tend to head out between 5pm and 7pm. Younger children may prefer starting at around 5pm, while older children can enjoy the atmosphere once it gets dark. It is generally advisable to finish by around 8pm to avoid disturbing residents late in the evening.
A pumpkin on the doorstep, Halloween decorations or a sign welcoming trick-or-treaters are useful indications that a household may be taking part. Families should avoid knocking on doors displaying signs asking visitors not to call, and respect residents who do not answer. Children should also be accompanied by a responsible adult, remain on well-lit streets and take care when crossing roads.
These are recommended neighbourhoods and streets, not confirmed house-by-house trick-or-treating trails. Kensington, Holland Park and Notting Hill have documented decorations for Halloween 2026, while other locations are based on established recommendations from previous years.
If you’re planning the weekend, also check the free Halloween trails at London’s shopping centres and the Halloween weekend road closures on the A40 and M25 before you set off.
