Mall Trick-or-Treat in LA 2026: 11 Spots for Free Candy!
Picture this: your three-year-old is dressed as a very serious dinosaur, the sun is still up, the walkways are flat and bright, and every store you pass has a bowl of candy waiting. That is the magic of mall trick-or-treat events, and Los Angeles has a surprising number of them in 2026. They are free, they are stroller-friendly, and most of them wrap up before bedtime.
We checked the official event pages for malls, outdoor shopping centers and walkable shopping districts across LA County, plus a few favorites in Orange and Ventura counties. Below you will find every trick-or-treat at the mall event we could confirm for 2026, with dates, times, age limits and the house rules each center has posted. Centers that have not announced their plans yet are listed at the end, so you know where to keep checking.
Why Mall Trick-or-Treat Events Work So Well for LA Families
Neighborhood trick-or-treating is a classic, but it is not always the best fit for every family. Little legs get tired on hills, porch steps are tricky with a stroller, and some streets are simply too dark or too busy for small kids. Shopping centers solve a lot of those problems in one go.
Perfect for Toddlers and First-Timers
Most mall events run in the afternoon or early evening, which lines up nicely with nap schedules and early bedtimes. Walkways are wide, lighting is good, and restrooms are close by. If this is your child's first Halloween out and about, a mall is a gentle, low-stress way to practice saying "trick or treat" and "thank you."
A Backup Plan for Rain or Heat
Yes, it occasionally rains in LA on Halloween. And yes, it can also be 90 degrees. Indoor malls like Burbank Town Center, Valencia Town Center and The Shops at Santa Anita keep the fun going no matter what the sky decides to do.
Everything in One Place
Forgot the extra diaper? Need a quick dinner? Want to grab a last-minute costume accessory? You are surrounded by stores and restaurants. Many parents turn mall trick-or-treating into a full outing: candy first, then a family dinner nearby.
Parent tip: Candy at mall events almost always goes "while supplies last." Arriving in the first hour gives you the best shot at a full bag, and the crowds are usually lighter too.
2026 Mall Trick-or-Treat Events in Los Angeles County
These events are listed on each center's official website for 2026. Times and participating stores can change, so give the official page a quick check before you head out.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Saturday, October 31, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Westfield Century City is inviting families to stroll the open-air center on Halloween and collect treats from participating retailers. The trick to finding the candy is simple: look for the friendly ghost in the store window. With its wide walkways, fountains and plenty of dining, it is an easy place to make a whole evening of it.
The event is free to attend, and Westfield has not posted an age limit or special rules on its event page. Check the center's website for current parking rates before you go.
Parent tip: Four hours gives you room to breathe. If you have toddlers, go early for daylight photos, then grab dinner before the after-work crowd arrives.
201 E. Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
Saturday, October 31, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Burbank Town Center is hosting its annual Halloween trick-or-treat in the middle of the day, which is a gift for families with little ones who melt down after dark. Kids visit participating stores around the indoor mall for candy and Halloween fun. It is free, and you do not need to register.
The center asks that trick-or-treaters be 12 and under, that costumes stay family-friendly, and that every child be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Since it is indoors, you can bring the whole crew even if the weather turns.
Parent tip: A midday event frees up your evening. Do the mall in the morning, head home for a nap, and you still have time for a neighborhood walk or a cozy movie night.
24201 W. Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
Saturday, October 31, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Santa Clarita families, this one is for you. Valencia Town Center's Mall-o-Ween sends kids center-wide to collect candy and goodies from participating retailers, rain or shine. It is free, and no RSVP is required.
The center has posted clear rules: trick-or-treating is for kids 12 and under, and candy is available while supplies last. Costume accessories that look like weapons are not allowed, and silly string, blow horns and powdery substances are prohibited and may be confiscated.
Parent tip: Leave the toy sword or wand-that-looks-like-a-sword at home to avoid a sad moment at the door.
400 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Friday, October 30, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Shops at Santa Anita is throwing its Halloween party the night before Halloween, which means your kids can trick-or-treat twice this year. Families can collect candy at participating shops and candy stations throughout the center while supplies last. There is also a costume contest at 5:00 p.m. in Center Court, with categories for kids 10 and under, family group costumes, and even pets.
Trick-or-treating is for kids 12 and under, children must be with an adult, and toy weapons are not allowed. The center asks families to RSVP through the event page, and costume contest sign-ups take place at Center Court from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Parent tip: If you want to enter the costume contest, arrive by 4:00 p.m. so you can sign up first, then trick-or-treat until showtime.
Colorado Blvd. and nearby streets
Pasadena, CA 91105
Saturday, October 31, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Old Pasadena turns its historic shopping district into one big, walkable trick-or-treat route on Halloween. Costumed kids go store-to-store along Colorado Boulevard and the side streets, collecting treats at businesses displaying orange "Treat Stop" signs. The Old Pasadena Management District says close to 100 businesses typically take part.
It is free, and treats are available while supplies last. A 2026 Treat Stop map is listed as "coming soon" on the official page, so check back closer to Halloween before you go.
Parent tip: Old Pas has several public parking garages, but they fill fast on Halloween night. Consider taking the Metro A Line to Memorial Park or Del Mar station and walking in.
2200 to 2400 blocks of Honolulu Ave.
Montrose, CA 91020
Saturday, October 31, 2026
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
If you love a small-town Halloween, Montrose Shopping Park delivers it. On Halloween night, merchants along three blocks of Honolulu Avenue hand out candy in a festively decorated, old-fashioned downtown. The Montrose Shopping Park Association describes it as a safe and supervised family event.
No admission fee is listed. For questions, the official page lists email and phone contacts for the event coordinator.
Parent tip: The two-hour window is short and popular. Park a few blocks away and walk in, and bring a flashlight or glow stick for the walk back to the car.
1799 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Saturday, October 31, 2026
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (candy until 6:00 p.m.)
This beach-town tradition draws thousands of South Bay kids each year. Catalina Avenue closes to traffic between Avenue I and South Elena Street, and shops hand out candy outdoors, so the whole street turns into a car-free Halloween stroll. The street closure lasts until 8:00 p.m., but candy is handed out only until 6:00 p.m., while supplies last.
The event is free. Riviera Village notes cashless paid parking at Plaza Riviera at 1611 S. Catalina Ave., plus a paid lot at Mira Mar Park, 201 Paseo de la Playa, about two blocks away.
Parent tip: Come early for candy, then stay for dinner at one of the Village restaurants while the sun sets over the water.
12775 Millennium Drive
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Sunday, October 25, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
RUNWAY at Playa Vista is hosting its seventh annual Halloween Bash with crafts, a photo booth, spooky characters, a petting zoo and games. Community trick-or-treating at participating businesses runs from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m., with the list of stores still to be announced. The Bash itself is free with an RSVP on the official page.
The Candy Coach is a separately ticketed add-on: a five-minute ride on a candy-filled bus with an empty bag to fill. Rules include no outside buckets or bags on the bus, one parent per child, and up to eight people aboard at a time. The ticket price was not posted on the event page when we checked.
Parent tip: Because this is a morning event the weekend before Halloween, it pairs nicely with a pumpkin patch visit later that day.
Bonus: Big Jack's Great Hide & Seek Adventure at Citadel Outlets
Citadel Outlets in Commerce isn't hosting a traditional trick-or-treat as far as its website shows right now, but it has something fun for October. From October 1 through 31, kids can pick up a map at Customer Service and search the center for 12 hidden friends of Big Jack. Find them all to win a prize. Details are on the Big Jack's Great Hide & Seek Adventure page.
Mall Trick-or-Treat Events Near LA: San Gabriel Valley, Orange County and Ventura County
These three are a short drive outside the city, and all three have confirmed their 2026 dates.
2753 E. Eastland Center Drive
West Covina, CA 91791
Saturday, October 24, 2026
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Eastland Center's Fall Fest packs a lot into three hours: a kids' costume contest, pumpkin painting, live music, games with prizes and trick-or-treating around the center. It is a great early start to the Halloween season, especially if your kids want to wear their costumes more than once.
Tickets are free, but the center asks families to reserve them through the official event page.
Parent tip: Pumpkin painting gets messy. Bring wipes and maybe a smock to protect that costume for the big night.
2180 E. Lincoln Ave. (Lincoln Ave. and State College Blvd.)
Anaheim, CA 92806
Sunday, October 25, 2026
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Anaheim Town Square's free Halloween party brings stiltwalkers, roaming characters, face painting, Halloween crafts and magic shows. Kids can trick-or-treat around the shopping center and collect candy from participating spots. It is a relaxed, community-style event that feels like a block party.
The event is free, and the official page includes an RSVP link.
Parent tip: Face-painting lines can get long. Hit the face painter first, then trick-or-treat while the paint dries.
2751 Park View Court
Oxnard, CA 93036
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Collection at RiverPark's Candy Crawl sends costumed kids shop to shop for treats, then keeps the party going with a glow party in the park. Expect witchy photo ops, a selfie booth, a DJ and booths from local nonprofits handing out goodies and activities.
No tickets or RSVPs are required. Just bring a trick-or-treat bag.
Parent tip: A weeknight event means lighter crowds than Halloween weekend. It is a great choice if you are visiting grandparents in Ventura County.
Still Waiting on 2026 Announcements
Several popular centers have hosted trick-or-treat events in past years but had not posted 2026 details on their official sites when we checked in late September. Keep an eye on the events pages for Westfield Topanga and The Village, Westfield Culver City, Westfield Santa Anita, Westfield Fashion Square, Glendale Galleria, Del Amo Fashion Center, Cerritos Towne Center, Northridge Fashion Center, Los Cerritos Center, Ivy Station, Manhattan Village, The Commons at Calabasas, The Grove, The Americana at Brand, South Coast Plaza and Ventura Harbor Village. We'll update this guide as official details are posted.
Want more Halloween plans beyond the mall? Our list of the 89 Best Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Los Angeles has festivals, carnivals and not-so-scary events all month long. And if you still prefer door-to-door, see our picks for the best LA neighborhoods for trick-or-treating with kids.
Safety and Parking Tips for Trick-or-Treating at the Mall
Malls are safer than dark streets, but crowds bring their own challenges. A little planning goes a long way.
Pick a Meeting Spot
Before you start, choose an easy landmark, like a fountain or a big store entrance, as your "if we get separated" spot. Snap a photo of your child in costume so you can show security exactly what they are wearing.
Write Your Number on a Wristband
For younger kids, write your cell number on a wristband or on a piece of tape inside a sleeve. It takes 30 seconds and gives you real peace of mind in a busy crowd.
Keep Candy Unopened Until You Check It
Even at store-hosted events, it is smart to look over the haul before anyone digs in. Toss anything unwrapped or loosely sealed, and keep allergy-friendly swaps handy if your child has food allergies. Our trick-or-treat safety tips for parents cover more ideas.
Plan Your Parking
Halloween is busy at every shopping center, so expect full lots near the main entrances. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early, check whether parking is paid, and consider rideshare or transit for outdoor districts like Old Pasadena and Riviera Village, where street closures can change the traffic flow.
Costume Tips for a Mall Trick-or-Treat Outing
A costume that works for a porch-to-porch walk may be less fun under mall lights and in crowds. Here are a few things we've learned.
Skip the toy weapons. Several centers, including Valencia Town Center and The Shops at Santa Anita, specifically ban them.
Choose comfy shoes. Malls mean lots of walking on hard floors, so leave the princess heels for photos.
Layer for indoor-outdoor swings. Open-air centers get chilly after sunset, while indoor malls stay warm.
Keep masks optional. Face paint lets kids see clearly and makes it easy to eat a snack along the way.
Bring a sturdy bag. A tote or bucket with a handle is easier for small hands than a flimsy sack.
Still hunting for the perfect look? Browse our guide to Los Angeles costume shops and Halloween stores, or grab ideas from our roundup of 23 fun Halloween costumes for LA kids.
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Takeaway
Mall trick-or-treat events are one of the easiest ways to give kids a full Halloween experience without the stress of dark streets, steep hills or unpredictable weather. In 2026, you can start early with Eastland Center on October 24, keep the fun going with RUNWAY and Anaheim Town Square on October 25, and finish strong on Halloween at Westfield Century City, Burbank Town Center, Valencia Town Center, Old Pasadena, Montrose or Riviera Village.
Pick one or two that fit your schedule, arrive early for the best candy, and double-check the official pages before you go. We will keep this guide updated as more centers announce their plans.
Mall Trick-or-Treat FAQs
Are mall trick-or-treat events in Los Angeles free?
Yes. Every event in this guide is free to attend. A few, like Eastland Center's Fall Fest, RUNWAY's Halloween Bash and The Shops at Santa Anita, ask families to reserve free tickets or RSVP, and RUNWAY's Candy Coach is a separately ticketed add-on.
Is there an age limit for trick-or-treating at the mall?
Many centers limit trick-or-treating to kids 12 and under. Burbank Town Center, Valencia Town Center and The Shops at Santa Anita all list that age limit for 2026, and most require children to be accompanied by an adult.
Which mall trick-or-treat events happen before Halloween night?
Eastland Center in West Covina hosts Fall Fest on Saturday, October 24. RUNWAY Playa Vista and Anaheim Town Square host events on Sunday, October 25, The Collection at RiverPark hosts its Candy Crawl on Wednesday, October 28, and The Shops at Santa Anita celebrates on Friday, October 30.
Does Westfield do trick-or-treating in LA in 2026?
Westfield Century City has confirmed trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at participating retailers. Other Westfield centers in the LA area had not posted 2026 trick-or-treat details when we checked, so watch their official events pages.
What should kids bring for trick-or-treating at the mall?
Bring a sturdy candy bag, comfortable shoes, a light layer for open-air centers, and a phone number on your child's wrist. Leave toy weapons, silly string and noisemakers at home, since several centers ban them.
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