So you've got your pumpkins, your costume is picked out, you have the candy, and you're all set for Halloween! Not so fast. Before everyone hits the streets in Rochester, MN for trick-or-treating there are some unwritten Halloween rules that we need to talk about.

Some of these unwritten rules are for people out trick-or-treating, others are for those who are handing out candy, and some are for people who aren't participating in Halloween. No matter your plans for Monday, October 31st, check these rules out to make sure you're in the know.

Unwritten Rules of Halloween

If You Plan to Pass Out Candy, Turn On Your Front Light

Keagan Henman, Unsplash
Keagan Henman, Unsplash
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This is an unwritten rule that's very important. Especially if you DON'T plan to pass out candy!

If You WON'T Be Passing Out Candy, Make Sure Your Front Light is OFF

Keagan Henman, Unsplash
Keagan Henman, Unsplash
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If you don't plan to pass out candy you have to turn your front light off. It's the universal sign that you're not participating in the Halloween festivities and you won't have kids in costumes knocking on your door when you don't have candy for them.

Hand Out Good Candy

Jupiterimages
Jupiterimages
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Don't go get freaking circus peanuts or something like that. Get the good stuff like Snickers and Reese's.

You Have to Say 'Trick-or-Treat'

Nick Fewings, Unsplash
Nick Fewings, Unsplash
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I haven't had trick-or-treaters in a while but I've heard from others that they've started to get kids who just stand there and don't say anything. That's no fun! (Obviously, if you're not able to say 'trick-or-treat' for whatever reason, that's ok.)

Don't Take Handfuls of Candy

Patrick Fore, Unsplash
Patrick Fore, Unsplash
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Speaking of candy, when you're trick-or-treating be respectful and don't take a big handful. Unless the person handing out the candy says otherwise, of course.

If You're Trick-or-Treating, Wear a Costume

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Jupiterimages
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Oh, also, don't show up not in a costume if you're trick-or-treating.

Remember to Say 'Thank You'

BrianAJackson
BrianAJackson
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You're getting free candy from people! Make sure you say thank you when you get the goods.

If You're Driving on Halloween Night, Watch for Trick-or-Treaters

Marjan_Apostolovic
Marjan_Apostolovic
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If you're not participating in Halloween but you're out and about, make sure you're being extra careful that night and be on the look out for lots of kids running around.

If You're Trick-or-Treating, Wear Something Reflective or Carry a Light

spaxiax
spaxiax
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And for you trick-or-treaters, wear something reflective or carry a light with you. When I was a kid we had these little clip on lights that we could put on our costumes.

Don't Trick-or-Treat Past 9 PM

yourstockbank
yourstockbank
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This isn't a hard and fast rule but generally don't trick-or-treat past 9 PM. It's just courteous of the people that are passing out the candy (especially the ones that get up early in the morning... ahem).

Make Sure Your Costume Isn't Too Long

Haley Phelps, Unsplash
Haley Phelps, Unsplash
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Like this little cutie, make sure your costume isn't so long that you'll trip on it!

Dress for the Weather No Matter the Costume

olesiabilkei
olesiabilkei
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And because we live in Minnesota and you never know what the weather is going to do, always make sure you dress appropriately no matter the costume. I remember one year my hands got so cold (probably frost bit, honestly) that when I tried to warm them they hurt really bad. So learn from my mistakes!

Take a look at Halloween festivities going on in the area below!

2022 Halloween Haunted Houses, Events, and Attractions in The Rochester Area

Scroll through the official 2022 guide for Halloween haunted houses, events, and attractions in Rochester and the Southeast Minnesota area.

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