The White House is preparing for its annual Halloween celebration on October 29, 2026, with First Lady Melania Trump announcing an afternoon of trick-or-treating, seasonal decorations and family activities on the South Lawn. Thousands of invited guests are expected to attend, with treats, music, mini pumpkins and interactive experiences planned for children. However, the event also comes with strict security requirements and temporary closures around the presidential residence. Here’s what families and Washington visitors should know before the celebration begins.
The White House Halloween Celebration Is Set for October 29
The White House is preparing to welcome invited guests for its annual Halloween celebration on Thursday, October 29, 2026. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will open the South Lawn to trick-or-treaters of all ages, continuing a holiday tradition that brings families to the presidential residence. The event is scheduled to run from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to ticket holders, including military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and administration officials with children. Thousands of children and their parents are expected to walk around the South Lawn, visit trick-or-treat booths and enjoy seasonal decorations. Because attendance is restricted to invited guests with tickets, the celebration is not a general public event that visitors can attend simply by arriving at the White House. Families planning to participate should check their event information and review the security rules before traveling. The National Park Service has also announced temporary closures of nearby public areas to allow security teams to prepare for the celebration.
Trick-or-Treating Will Run From 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Families attending the White House celebration will have a three-and-a-half-hour window to enjoy the Halloween activities. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. on October 29. During that time, children and their parents will move around the South Lawn to visit different trick-or-treat booths and take in the decorations. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to hand out commemorative candies on the South Drive for part of the event. The schedule is important for guests arranging transportation, particularly because the surrounding area will have temporary security restrictions. Attendees should also remember that the White House has said the event will not be rescheduled if it is canceled because of bad weather or another reason. Families can call the White House’s 24-hour information line at 202-456-7040 to check the event’s status. Anyone planning to attend should allow time for security screening and follow the instructions provided with their tickets.
Thousands of Children and Parents Are Expected to Attend
The White House Halloween celebration is designed as a family event, with thousands of children and their parents expected to visit the South Lawn. Attendance is limited to ticket holders, with invited groups including military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and administration officials with children. Guests will be able to visit a series of trick-or-treat booths while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere around the presidential residence. The event also highlights the contributions of public agencies and participating organizations, many of which are providing activities or treats for young visitors. Since it is an invitation-based celebration, the expected attendance does not mean the White House grounds will be open to anyone who wants to join in. Visitors should follow the entry arrangements associated with their tickets and prepare for Secret Service screening. The National Park Service’s temporary closure notice also makes clear that nearby public spaces will be restricted during the event to help secure the area. These arrangements are intended to separate screened guests from the general public and allow the celebration to proceed safely.
Halloween Decorations Will Feature a Harvest Moon Display
A seasonal display will provide the backdrop for this year’s White House Halloween celebration. The White House announcement says spooky decorations featuring the harvest Moon will appear on the South Portico, adding a fall-themed setting for families visiting the South Lawn. The harvest Moon is the traditional name for the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, and its association with fall makes it a fitting theme for a late-October event. The decorations will complement the trick-or-treat booths and other activities planned for invited guests. Although the White House has highlighted the harvest Moon display, its announcement does not provide a full inventory of every decorative feature that will be installed. Visitors can expect a Halloween atmosphere, but specific details beyond those confirmed by the administration should not be assumed. The event’s focus is on giving children and families an opportunity to enjoy seasonal decorations while participating in a White House tradition. The South Portico display will be one of the visual features accompanying the evening’s festivities.
Families Can Expect Candy, Mini Pumpkins, Music and Children’s Activities
Candy is only part of the planned entertainment for the White House Halloween event. The U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings will perform traditional Halloween songs alongside modern tunes while the president and first lady welcome families. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will offer a giant pumpkin photo opportunity and distribute mini pumpkins from American farmers. The U.S. Postal Service plans to provide toy mail trucks and a BE BEST postcard station for children, while the Treasury Department will distribute coloring books as part of its promotion of Trump Accounts. The International Fresh Produce Association will provide apples from Michigan, and the National Confectioners Association will supply sweet treats. Other participating organizations include America 250, NASA, the National Park Service, the U.S. Mint, the Secret Service and the Center of Science and Industry, which is providing a science-experiment kit focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. These activities give families more to explore than traditional trick-or-treating, combining holiday entertainment with educational and hands-on experiences.
Security Closures Will Affect Several Public Areas Around the White House
Anyone visiting downtown Washington, D.C., on October 29 should account for temporary closures around the White House, even if they are not attending the Halloween celebration. The National Park Service plans to close the Ellipse, First Division Park, Sherman Park and portions of E Street and surrounding sidewalks from approximately 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restrictions are intended to give the Secret Service time to secure the area, conduct security sweeps and screen invited guests. Some sidewalks will remain open to pedestrians, but access will be limited in and around the affected parks. The National Park Service says other nearby areas, including Lafayette Park, the National Mall and McPherson Square, will remain available to the public. Event attendees should also pay attention to restrictions on personal belongings. Prohibited items include large bags exceeding 18 by 13 by 7 inches, laptops, tripods, selfie sticks, drones, folding chairs, glass containers and weapons. Cameras, strollers, wheelchairs and umbrellas without metal tips are permitted under the White House’s event guidance. Guests needing medical items should identify them to security agents upon arrival. Checking the latest official instructions before leaving home can help visitors avoid delays or being turned away at screening.
