When it comes to Halloween, you only get so many chances to take your kids trick-or-treating before they’ve outgrown the costumes and the pillowcases full of candy. So, you might as well make it count. Luckily, the options of where to trick-or-treat in in Middle Tennessee are endless. Entire neighborhoods transform into haunted wonderlands, streets close to traffic, and families spill out onto sidewalks for one of the most beloved nights of the year. Whether chasing the biggest candy bar, finding the most jaw-dropping decorations, or just a fun, festive atmosphere, this city has something for every kind of trick-or-treater. These four neighborhoods go above and beyond to make the night memorable. Here’s where to find the best trick-or-treating routes this year.
12 South
Get ready to march: 12 South's beloved Halloween parade is back for its 7th year, and it's bringing the whole neighborhood outside. The 900 blocks of Halcyon and Montrose shut down to traffic, clearing the way for a brass marching band to lead a parade of costumes and kids past homes decked out by residents who cheer just as hard as they decorate. The band then camps out at Halcyon and Sherbourne for 40 more minutes, streets closed until 8 p.m. for trick-or-treating and neighborly fun. Last year even brought a 360-degree photo booth and the Grilled Cheeserie food truck.
Sylvan Park
For the serious trick-or-treaters, the Richland neighborhood in Sylvan Park is where Halloween goes all out. Homes here are famous for over-the-top decorations where houses are transformed for the occasion, making every house feel like its own mini haunted attraction. However, the real treat is the candy. Richland has a reputation for handing out full-size bars, making this the perfect spot to take your kids trick-or-treating.
Belle Meade
Every year, families flock to Belle Meade Historic Site for its beloved annual Trick or Treat, held the weekend before Halloween. The free, family-friendly afternoon brings costumed kids to a candy-filled Treat Walk winding through the historic property, plus face painting, hay rides, a harvest hay maze, live music, and more. For a break from the action, the Carriage House Cinema offers a quiet spot to grab popcorn and watch a movie, and is the best way to get a head start on the Halloween fun.
East Nashville
When it comes to Halloween, East Nashville goes all out. Eastland Avenue delivers professional-caliber decorations and an electric, high-energy crowd that makes the whole street feel like one big party. Nearby, Ordway, Russell, Stratton, and Greenfield often close to vehicles, giving little ones a safer path to load up on candy without dodging cars. And no trip through the neighborhood is complete without Fatherland Street, an annual favorite known for its stellar decor and buzzing atmosphere. Expect big crowds, bigger energy, and some of the best Halloween spirit in the city.