By Jessica Park
At the end of October, we celebrate Halloween by wearing costumes, visiting neighbors, and going trick-or treating. As we join the fun, one question you might wonder about is: How old is too old to enjoy Halloween? Until what age can we wear costumes or go trick-or treating? To find out, we asked several East High students to share their opinions, and the results show a mix of playful spirit and open-mindness. While some students set an age limit, others felt Halloween joy should last as long as people want to celebrate it.
Costumes Have No Age Limit (Mostly!)
When asked about the oldest age someone should be allowed to wear a costume, the oldest suggested ages for wearing costumes were from mid-twenties, 25, 26 to as high as 30. However, nearly half interviewees said there should be no age limit at all. This means nearly half of those surveyed believe people should be able to dress up at any age. Their message is clear: Halloween spirit doesn’t expire with age. For many, dressing up isn’t just about collecting candy: It is about imagination and connection, and creativity. Halloween costumes are less about sugar and more about showing who you are. Dress up gives everyone a chance to step into a new identity for a day and share fun with others. What costume do you plan to wear this year? If you’re planning to show off your costume this year, don’t miss the Halloween Costume Contest! Stop by the Photo Booth in Commons from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in several categories: Scariest, Funniest, Most Original, Best Duo/Group, and Best Staff Costume.
Trick-or-Treating Has a Softer Cutoff
When it comes to trick-or-treating, however, students had a more defined boundary. Answers ranged from 14 to 20 with 18 being the most common age. Most agreed that it’s fine to go door-to-door as long as you are respectful, enjoying yourself, and having fun, but one student said, “but at some point, you might start feeling too tall for doorbells.” Eventually, many said that it feels more natural to celebrate Halloween in other ways, like helping younger siblings, handing out candy, or going to Halloween parties with friends.
East High’s Halloween mini-survey suggests that while trick or treating may be for younger teens, the joy and excitement of costumes, candy, and Halloween fun last well beyond teens. Whether you are fifteen or fifty, Halloween is about keeping the fun alive. In the end, one message stands out: “Halloween is for everyone who still believes in having fun.”