Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods & Streets for Halloween Decorations

East Passyunk  – Vibrant & Historic

Scare Level: Low (kid-friendly, whimsical decorations)

Parking/Walkability: Paid parking spaces, highly walkable

Whether it's giant Halloween figures or carefully-crafted displays, East Passyunk gets into the spooky spirit. For more fun, check out the Fall Fest, for its vendor market, pumpkin carving, doggie costume contest, live music, and trick-or-treating.

Northern Liberties - Hip & Young

Scare Level: Medium (some spookier decorations, many creative and fun)

Parking/Walkability: Finding parking can be challenging, but very walkable

The community comes together in NoLibs to make Halloween as memorable as possible. Many of the densely packed homes enjoy decorating and have participated in contests in years past. The Northern Liberties Fall Festival takes place earlier in October, with vendors, food and music. Later in the month, Hound-o-Ween features a pet costume contest, local vendors, and music and entertainment for all ages.

Photo by Nicole O'Donnell

Fairmount - Quiet & Laid Back

Scare Level: High (decorations are reserved, but Eastern State's Halloween nights are more suitable for older kids)

Parking/Walkability: Highly walkable with many paid lots and garages

Close to many museums, Fairmount is a welcoming neighborhood for families. The closely-packed rowhomes welcome trick-or-treaters. And while the decorations may tend towards the tasteful side, the proximity to Eastern State Penitentiary makes it a Halloween destination for anyone ready for scarier adventures.

Society Hill - Atmospheric & Historic

Scare Level: Medium (artistic and beautiful decorations; ghost tours may be scarier)

Parking/Walkability: Highly walkable with parking available in lots and garages

As one of Philly's oldest neighborhoods, the cobblestone streets seem to evoke ghosts without even trying. Nightly ghost tours take place all month long. Residents go all out with Halloween decorations, making the place seem magical. Come back on Halloween for trick-or-treating, especially near Three Bears Park.

Graduate Hospital/ Southwest Center City - Kid-Friendly

Scare Level: Low (artistic and beautiful decorations)

Parking/Walkability: Very walkable with parking garages and street parking

Residents of Delancey Street between 18th and 20th go all-out for decorations. The neighborhood is full of young families and is very walkable. On Halloween, it's a popular place to trick-or-treat.

Manayunk/Roxborough - Small-Town Charm

Scare Level: Medium (artistic and beautiful decorations)

Parking/Walkability: Lots of hills but events centralized; street parking can be scarce but some parking garages exist)

The city's hilliest neighborhood boasts plenty of concentrated Halloween fun along Main Street. Catch the annual Halloween in Manyaunk event to collect treats and goodies from the local shops and restaurants after participating in the Kid & Pet Costume Parade. Businesses and homeowners alike decorate for the event. For those craving spookier thrills, the Lincoln Mill Haunted House features live scare-actors, animatronics, and special effects.

Chestnut Hill - Family-Friendly & Inclusive

Scare Level: Low (Fun and kid-friendly decorations)

Parking/Walkability: Very walkable, although parking can be scarce.

With the charm and enchantment only an historic neighborhood can provide, Chestnut Hill strives to make Halloween safe and fun for all. Halloween on the Hill takes place in the afternoon at local businesses and shops lining Germantown Avenue. Businesses and homes channel the Halloween spirit with fun and creative decorations. Select businesses display a teal pumpkin to indicate they offer non-food trinkets and treats safe for all trick-or-treaters.

FAQ’s For Philadelphia’s Halloween Neighborhoods

Q: What is the best Philadelphia neighborhood to see Halloween decorations with kids?

A: Society Hill, East Passyunk and Chestnut Hill are among the best due to family-friendly events and many homes and business decorating.

Q: Which Philly neighborhood has the scariest Halloween displays?

A: While the homes in Fairmount aren't particularly scary, the neighborhood boasts one of the scariest Halloween attractions: Eastern State Penitentiary.

Q: Is it easy to park near Philadelphia Halloween neighborhoods?

A: Not always. While parking can be limited in many neighborhoods, especially on Halloween, check for event-specific parking, utilized lots and garages, or use a parking app to locate spots.

Q: Are Philly Halloween neighborhoods safe for younger children?

A: Yes, Philadelphia has many safe and family-friendly neighborhoods, including East Passyunk, Fairmount, Society Hill, and Graduate Hospital. Many close streets on Halloween to make trick-or-treating safer, as well.

Q: Are there Halloween treats or activities nearby?

A: Definitely. In addition to the events listed above, each neighborhood boasts restaurants, bakeries, and historic spots to explore.