FAQs

Halloween traditions vary a lot from country to country, so don't worry if you've never done this before!

Children dress up in costumes and visit participating homes. They ring the bell, say "Trick or Treat!", and receive a piece of candy.

That's it! Very easy 😅

Children can go in small groups or larger groups. There is not a specific walking route, simply visit the houses that you'd like to visit.

We recommend that each family has an adult accompanying them, or that there is a responsible adult supervising the group.

If you're handing out candy, one adult should stay home to welcome trick-or-treaters. Decorations are encouraged but definitely not required.

Please only give out individually wrapped candy. Homemade treats are not permitted.

In 2025, 116 homes handed out candy and approximately 850 children participated.

If you live in the Rivierenbuurt and are able to hand out candy, we'd love to have you join. Every participating home helps spread children throughout the neighborhood and makes the event more fun for everyone.

Please only give out individually wrapped candy.

I recommend giving out store-bought candy not homemade treats.

If possible, offer at least some treats that are free from nuts or common allergens (Haribo is generally a safe bet).

Yes!

If you're unable to hand out candy, you can donate candy or decorations to a participating household. Simply indicate this on the sign-up form and we'll connect you with a family that could use some help.

We do not accept any money donations, only candy and decorations! 

Yes!

Families from other neighborhoods are welcome to join.

Because local families are opening up their homes and providing the candy themselves, we encourage visitors from outside the neighborhood to contribute if they can by donating candy, decorations, or helping with the Spooky Village.

Please remember that participating households are opening their own homes and covering the cost of candy themselves.

Sign-up opens on 1 September 2026.

Sign-up closes on 26 October 2026.

The map and list of participating homes will be shared with registered participants shortly before Halloween, after registration closes on 26 October.

Please do not share the map publicly! 

Yes! Once you sign up, I will send you the link to join.

I've personally had good luck with H&M, Action and Amazon, although it varies from year to year. If you find another great source, let me know!

Trick or Treat Rivierenbuurt is organized by Jackie and Eefje, two Rivierenbuurt parents who love Halloween and community events.

Meet the organizers

Yes, we're real people with full-time jobs. 😅

Jackie: I am an American living in Amsterdam for the past 11 years with two Dutch kids.  I started organizing trick or treat when my kids reached school age, because I really wanted them to experience this holiday in the way that I did growing up in the states.  The event has grown organically over the past six (!) years and I'm just thrilled to see everyone's enthusiasm!  I'm doing my best to reply to messages and ensure everyone has the information they need to have fun, but I appreciate your understanding when my replies might take a bit.  

Eefje: I am a Dutch mom, living in the Rivierenbuurt since 2012 and I LOVE Halloween! Didn't grow up with it, but embraced it completely. Since 2024 I am co-organizing the Rivierenbuurt Halloween with Jackie, focusing on the Spooky Village - an initiative I suggested to have a central get-together and make sure anyone can contribute when they cannot open up their houses (because we get a lot of visitors from outside the Rivierenbuurt). I am still thankful Jackie was open to the idea and "let me in".  It is such a fun thing to work on and it gives me a lot of energy!