Bellingham's Trick or Treat Worthy Neighborhoods: The Best Spots for Halloween Fun in Whatcom & Skagit Counties

It's that time of year again, when neighbors are out, the all colors are popping, and the whole neighborhood comes alive. Streets glow with jack-o’-lanterns, porches become haunted houses, and you can practically feel the community spirit in the crisp fall air.

As your local real estate team, we love seeing how our Whatcom and Skagit County neighborhoods come together to celebrate! Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for the best route for your little ghosts and goblins this year, we’ve rounded up some of the most “treat-worthy” neighborhoods for Halloween fun around Bellingham, Lynden, Mount Vernon, and beyond.

Whatcom County’s Spookiest (and Sweetest) Trick-or-Treating Spots

1. The Columbia Neighborhood – Bellingham, WA

If you’ve ever driven through the Columbia neighborhood in late October, you know it’s the place to be. The tree-lined streets and charming historic homes set the perfect backdrop for Halloween magic. Many residents go all-out with creative decorations, themed music, and front porch candy stations.

You’ll see everything from fog machines to coordinated group costumes here. It’s family-friendly, festive, and walkable, exactly what makes this neighborhood one of Bellingham’s most beloved spots, year-round.

Local tip: Park near Elizabeth Park early, it fills up fast!

2. Sudden Valley – Bellingham, WA

With its gorgeous towering evergreens and colorful streets, Sudden Valley gives off those picture-perfect Pacific Northwest autumn vibes. Neighbors here love to decorate, and many of the cul-de-sacs transform into mini trick-or-treat wonderlands.

Plus, Sudden Valley’s community centers often host family-friendly events leading up to Halloween, like pumpkin carving, trunk-or-treat, plus occasional contests and costume parades. It’s the perfect mix of scenic and social.

Local tip: Don't forget to stop by the Valley Village Shopping Center for trick-or-treating at all of our local businesses! Our RE/MAX Whatcom team will be handing out candy and we can't wait to see your costumes! 

3. Downtown Fairhaven – Bellingham, WA

Fairhaven’s historic brick buildings already look a little haunted this time of year... but on Halloween, they go full festive. Many local businesses open their doors to trick-or-treaters, and families flood the cobblestone streets for a safe, community-organized event.

It’s also a great excuse to grab a cozy fall drink from Colophon Café or Woods Coffee after the candy collecting is done.

Local tip: Check the Fairhaven Association’s calendar for official “Trick or Treat in Fairhaven” hours.

4. Lynden’s Downtown Celebration – Lynden, WA

Lynden knows how to celebrate! The city hosts its annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, with businesses handing out candy, photo booths, and family activities. It’s a wholesome, small-town celebration that draws families from all around Whatcom County.

The walkable downtown and welcoming local vibe make it ideal for younger trick-or-treaters.

Local tip: Get there early! Parking fills quickly along Front Street.

Skagit County’s Trick-or-Treat Hotspots

5. Hillcrest Park Neighborhood – Mount Vernon, WA

Mount Vernon’s Hillcrest Park area is known for its safe streets, beautiful homes, and strong sense of community, all the ingredients for a top-tier trick-or-treat experience. Families come from all over Skagit County to stroll these sidewalks and enjoy the friendly competition of who has the best decorations.

Local tip: Swing by Hillcrest Park itself before or after, it’s especially lovely in late October with fall foliage.

6. Old Town & Downtown – Anacortes, WA

If you want coastal charm with a spooky twist, Anacortes delivers. Many downtown businesses participate in community trick-or-treating, and the historic homes in Old Town create an atmospheric (and photogenic!) Halloween stroll.

Add in local events like costume contests and haunted walks, and you’ve got a full night of family fun.

Local tip: Grab dinner at Adrift or Rockfish Grill afterward, these local favorites get into the festive spirit, too.

7. Burlington’s Neighborhood Celebrations – Burlington, WA

Burlington keeps Halloween fun and family-friendly, with neighborhoods like Cascade Mall area and West Burlington leading the charge on festive decor and candy distribution. The city often hosts a Downtown Treats on Fairhaven Avenue event, giving little ones a safe and exciting trick-or-treat route.

Local tip: Follow the City of Burlington Parks & Recreation page for updated event details.

Bonus: Local Halloween Events You Won’t Want to Miss

If you want to take your Halloween celebrations beyond the candy trail, check out these can’t-miss local events:

• Bellingham Ghost Tours & Haunted Fairhaven History Tours (Bellingham): Ghost stories meet local history, spooky, fun, and full of charm.
• Bellewood Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Ferndale): The perfect daytime activity before your evening adventures.
• Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival (Mount Vernon): Family fun, games, and record-breaking pumpkins!
• The annual The Great Lynden Trick or “Dutch” Treat in downtown Lynden, WA is scheduled for October 31, 2025 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Fearhaven – Brick or Treat event in historic Fairhaven, Bellingham is set for October 31, 2025 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
• The downtown Bellingham, WA Trick-or-Treat event is scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
• In Anacortes, WA (Skagit County) the trick-or-treat route along Commercial Avenue (10th to 3rd Street) is scheduled for 4:00 – 6:00 pm on October 31, 2025.

How Halloween Brings Out the Best in Our Neighborhoods

Halloween shows off what makes Whatcom and Skagit Counties so special, the sense of community. The neighborhoods that go big with decorations, trick-or-treating, and family events are the same ones where people look out for one another year-round.

Whether you’re thinking about moving into a new neighborhood, investing in your first home, or simply exploring what makes each corner of our region unique, Halloween is a great reminder of how important neighborhood culture really is.

From historic houses to cozy cul-de-sacs filled with laughter, there’s a little Halloween magic in every community here.

Happy Halloween from Weitzel & Andrew Home Team! 

We hope your night is full of great costumes, sweet treats, and maybe a few fun frights. And if you happen to fall in love with one of these neighborhoods while you’re out trick-or-treating, you know who to call! Contact us here. 

Looking for your next home in Whatcom or Skagit County? Let’s find one that feels like home... no tricks, just treats.