Harbor Halloween at National Harbor

Daytime Trick-or-Treating on the Waterfront

National Harbor does its Halloween trick-or-treat on Sunday, October 25, from 12:30 to 2:30. More than 30 shops and restaurants hand out candy, and it's all free. It's trick-or-treating in daylight on wide, flat sidewalks, which I like when the kids are too small for a dark neighborhood on the 31st.

Start on the Plaza. They give out candy bags there, one per child, until they run out, so it pays to be there right at 12:30. Then stop by the Capital Canopy, where Prince George's County police, fire and EMS and the county library system are handing out treats, and grab some of the free popcorn.

There's enough to fill the whole afternoon. Hocus Pocus plays on the big screen on the Plaza from 1 to 2:30, the pumpkin carving contest is at 2:30 and the Pet Pawrade is at 2:45. Kids in costume ride the Capital Wheel for free when a grown-up buys a ticket. The carousel has its own trick-or-treat with unlimited rides from 12:30 to 2:30, though National Harbor says restrictions apply, so read the details on their page.

One planning note: the Del Ray Halloween Parade in Alexandria starts at 2 the same afternoon, so you'll probably have to choose. For toddlers and preschoolers I'd pick the Harbor, since everything is in one walkable spot and nobody has to wait on a curb for a parade.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Get there at 12:30. The Plaza candy bags are one per child and only last until they run out.
• ✓Think about the movie. Hocus Pocus is rated PG and has a few scary moments, so it may not be for the littlest ones.
• ✓Ride the Capital Wheel in costume. Kids in costume ride free with a paid adult ticket.
• ✓Read the carousel fine print. The unlimited-rides trick-or-treat runs 12:30 to 2:30, and National Harbor says restrictions apply.
• ✓Bringing the dog? The Pet Pawrade is at 2:45.
• ✓Bring a bigger bag. With 30+ stops, a small bucket fills up fast.

Questions Parents Ask

When is Harbor Halloween 2026?

Sunday, October 25, 2026. Trick-or-treating at the shops and restaurants runs from 12:30 to 2:30pm.

Is Harbor Halloween at National Harbor free?

Yes. Trick-or-treating, the movie on the Plaza and the contests are free. The Capital Wheel is free for a child in costume when an adult buys a ticket.

What movie is playing on the Plaza?

Hocus Pocus, on the Plaza screen from 1 to 2:30pm.

How do the Plaza candy bags work?

They're handed out on the Plaza, one per child, first come first served, until they run out.