How to Be a Trick-or-Treater’s Favorite House on the Block

Despite popular belief, there are more ways to attract trick-or-treaters on Halloween night than simply handing out full-size candy bars.

Even if you're not turning on your porch lights this October 31st, you can still join in on the spooky fun and decorate your yard and porch leading up to the holiday.

Add Lighting and Bright Colors

Mimi Meacham of Marian Louise Design notes the most important task if you're expecting trick-or-treaters is to turn on your outdoor lights. This lets passersby know that you're home and open for Halloween business.

Additionally, Lance Allen, senior merchant of decorative holiday at The Home Depot, recommends pathway lighting, such as these jack-o'-lantern lights, so candy-seekers can easily find their way to your doorbell. "Not only do they illuminate, but they feature creepy motion-activated sounds to add to the overall scary effect."

To light up your home's façade even more, hang purple or orange string lights around porch railings or your front door. Attract more walkers and drivers to your street with extra bright colors—Halloween doesn't have to be entirely black and orange! "We use brightly-colored painted pumpkins and felt skeletons to highlight the fun and playfulness of Halloween," Meacham says.

Incorporate Larger-Than-Life Characters

We all know "Skelly", the infamous 12-foot skeleton that's been in yards across the country for the several Halloweens—but he has a few new friends. The Home Depot also offers larger-than-life characters like a towering ghost and giant animated Jack Skellington.

Options vary from fun-loving to spine-chilling. Choosing one with movement, lights, and sound is the ultimate trifecta for the most popular yard on the block. Place the gigantic creatures near the end of your sidewalk to draw people into your yard as they pass by; the animated characters with motion sensors will likely move or talk as guests arrive.

Interactive Mazes and Graveyards

Vy Truong of Very Handsome Studio says that some of her most fond trick-or-treating memories as a child were walking through interactive mazes or haunted houses to reach the candy at the end.

"If you don't have much real estate space in your front yard, create trivia or activities to unlock the doorbell and get to the treats. These were our favorite homes when we were trick-or-treating back in the day."

Use your very own front yard to craft a graveyard alternative to a traditional maze. Purchase a pack of faux tombstones and place them throughout the yard. Stick a few posable skeleton bones throughout, giving the illusion of them escaping from their grave. Have guests walk through the homemade cemetery to reach the end goal: candy galore!

Spooky Details

Whether you're going for a scary display or lighthearted fun this Halloween, the details will take your trick-or-treat curb appeal to the next level. Add small decorations like fake cobwebs across your windows or a skeleton hand peeking out of the candy dish. Halloween stores carry an abundance of spooky products to suit your needs.

For a finishing touch, hide a Bluetooth speaker in a spot that's audible from the sidewalk in front of your home, and choose a playlist that best fits your scare level. There are many available to stream for free, from ghoulish screams to classic Monster Mash-like party tunes. Add a fog machine to make the ambience even more eerie.