Halloween is the one night of the year where everyone can become someone or something else. From superheroes to spooky ghosts, costumes make the streets come alive. But when it comes to trick or treating, questions start to pop up. At what age does the door to door candy run stop being cute and start coming off as creepy and awkward? Some believe that the fun should be left to kids and teenagers, while others think the Halloween spirit has no expiration date.
Trick-or-treating has been a Halloween tradition for decades, originally designed for young children to go door to door collecting candy. However, over the years, more teenagers and even adults have joined in, sparking the debate over what’s considered appropriate. Some people have unofficial age limits or guidelines, while others welcome trick or treaters of all ages as long as they’re respectful and in full spirit.
Rhyli Parker, a freshman at Cypress High, believes that trick-or-treating should have an age limit around 18 or 19. According to Parker, continuing to go past that age can start to feel “creepy and weird”, and older teens or young adults should probably focus on attending parties or other social events instead.
Mrs. Robertson, who works in the Main Office, shared that she does not believe there is a strict age limit for trick or treating. She explained that what matters most is how people behave while trick-or-treating. According to Robertson, “As long as people are respectful and just being mature, age should not prevent anyone from enjoying Halloween.” Ms. Olano, believes that there should not be a strict age limit for trick-or-treating, she explains however that people can start to feel annoyed by the trick or treaters around 15-16. According to Ms. Olano, “Older students who put effort into full costumes can still go trick-or-treating because they’re actually in full spirit, while those showing up in just a hoodie and pants would not get candy from me.”
Ujala Hassuian believes that high school students can still enjoy trick-or-treating and should dress up for the occasion because Halloween is special.
Kimberly Mendes believes that trick-or-treating is appropriate through junior high and high school, but she feels it’s no longer suitable once students reach college. She added that she still participates in trick or treating as well.
Alanna Benavente also expressed that college is too old for trick-or-treating but she noted that it is still acceptable for older students to dress up in costume and enjoy Halloween festivities in other ways.
The interviews show a wide range of opinions on how old is too old to go trick-or-treating. While some believe that the tradition should be reserved for younger children and teens, others emphasize that age is less important and behavior is what really matters, effort in costumes, and respect for the holiday. Overall, Halloween remains a holiday that allows creativity, fun, and community participation, even as participants get older, and the debate over age highlights the different ways people choose to celebrate.
