Halloween in Willow Glen: 2025 Events, Trick-or-Treating & Local Fun

Halloween in Willow Glen is one of those times when the neighborhood really gets into the spirit.

From decorated homes and costumes to trick-or-treating and seasonal events along Lincoln Avenue, October brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Willow Glen.

Whether you live nearby, you’re visiting for the day or you’re exploring the neighborhood, here’s a look at Halloween in Willow Glen for 2025.

Trick-or-Treat Along Lincoln Avenue

One of Downtown Willow Glen’s annual Halloween traditions returned on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

The Willow Glen Business Association’s Trick-or-Treat Along Lincoln Avenue invited children to visit participating businesses between Minnesota Avenue and Willow Street for candy and other goodies.

The event was divided into two sessions:

Toddlers: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
School-age children: 3:00–4:30 PM

The event was open to the public.

It’s a fun way to experience Downtown Willow Glen while also visiting some of the businesses along Lincoln Avenue.

Willow Glen Trick-or-Treat Along Lincoln Avenue

Books for Treats in Willow Glen

Candy wasn’t the only treat available in 2025.

Books for Treats, a nonprofit organization that has been distributing books at Halloween since 2001, also participated in the Lincoln Avenue festivities.

Children were able to select a free book at two Willow Glen locations:

11:00 AM–12:30 PM: In front of Bertucelli’s La Villa Gourmet Italian Deli at 1319 Lincoln Avenue for kindergarten-aged children and younger.

3:00–4:30 PM: Garden Theater at 1165 Lincoln Avenue for children in first through sixth grades.

I love seeing a local Halloween tradition incorporate something kids can enjoy long after the candy disappears.

Willow Glen Community Center Trunk or Treat

The Halloween fun started even earlier in 2025.

The Willow Glen Community Center Trunk or Treat was held Friday, October 24 from 5:00–7:00 PM. The event was included in the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association’s October community calendar.

Between the community center event, Lincoln Avenue festivities and Halloween night itself, Willow Glen had several opportunities to celebrate throughout the week.

Halloween Night in Willow Glen

October 31 brings a different kind of Halloween experience to Willow Glen as residents decorate their homes and trick-or-treating moves into residential streets.

If you’re visiting an unfamiliar area on Halloween night, remember that activity can vary significantly from block to block and from year to year.

Rather than promising a particular street will be the trick-or-treating destination, I recommend enjoying the decorations, respecting residential properties and paying extra attention to pedestrian traffic.

And if you’re driving through Willow Glen on Halloween night, give yourself extra time. With more people walking after dark, slowing down and staying alert is always a good idea.

Take a Halloween Decorations Tour

You don’t have to wait until October 31 to enjoy Halloween in Willow Glen.

One of my favorite ways to experience the season is simply taking a walk or drive through the neighborhood during the days leading up to Halloween.

You’ll often spot pumpkins, lights, skeletons and elaborate displays that are much easier to appreciate when you’re not simultaneously trying to keep up with trick-or-treaters.

Make an evening of it: grab dinner or coffee around Lincoln Avenue and explore some of the surrounding streets afterward.

Spend Some Time in Downtown Willow Glen

Halloween events are also a great excuse to spend a little extra time supporting local businesses.

Before or after an event, stop for lunch, grab coffee, browse a local shop or stay for dinner.

Community events like Trick-or-Treat Along Lincoln Avenue bring people into the Downtown Willow Glen business district and offer another way to experience the neighborhood beyond simply driving through it.

Exploring Willow Glen Beyond Halloween

Seasonal events can also be a fun way for prospective home buyers to get more familiar with an area they’re considering.

Of course, a community event can’t tell you everything you need to know about living somewhere.

If Willow Glen is part of your San Jose home search, I recommend exploring it at different times and on different days, looking at the types of homes available within your budget and deciding which location and property characteristics matter most to you.

You can also read my latest Willow Glen real estate and community articles or search for homes in San Jose.

Happy Halloween, Willow Glen!

Whether you’re dressing up, taking the kids trick-or-treating, admiring the decorations or simply enjoying an October evening in the neighborhood, there’s plenty to experience around Willow Glen during Halloween.

And if exploring Willow Glen has you wondering what it might be like to buy or sell a home here, I’d be happy to help you understand the local real estate market.

Thinking about buying or selling in Willow Glen? Let’s talk about your plans and what you’re looking for in your next move.

Michelle Elliott | Coldwell Banker Realty | DRE #01777533
408-839-7915 | michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com