Halloween night 2025 brought an unexpected clash of Canadian priorities — free candy versus baseball. As Jeff Doucette, General Manager of Field Agent Canada, said that this year’s Halloween involved a “ clash of priorities with free candy and Halloween trick-or-treating versus Game 6 of the World Series — and it seems like the Jays might have stolen the show.”
Even with the distraction of Major League Baseball’s biggest night, Field Agent Canada’s latest survey found that 81 percent of Canadian households still welcomed trick-or-treaters on October 31. The nationwide study, conducted among 1,091 respondents, offers one of the first detailed looks at post-Halloween consumer behaviour and participation.
Fewer Trick-or-Treaters at the Door in 2025
According to the data, 47 percent of households reported fewer trick-or-treaters than in 2024, while 28 percent saw an increase and 25 percent said the numbers remained about the same. Doucette said the timing of Halloween coinciding with Game 6 may have reduced activity in some neighbourhoods, though regional enthusiasm remained high.
The survey also revealed that the first trick-or-treater arrived around 5:30 p.m., with the last ringing the doorbell near 8:00 p.m., providing a snapshot of when most families participated.
The West Leads in Visitors and Generosity
Regional differences were pronounced this year. Western Canada recorded the highest average number of visitors, with 56 trick-or-treaters per household, outpacing other parts of the country. Households in the West were also the most generous, handing out an average of 132 pieces of candy.
Atlantic Canada averaged around 42 visitors, Quebec 46, and Ontario 50. The results suggest Halloween participation remains strongest in family-oriented suburban areas, particularly in western provinces where communities are more likely to engage collectively in the tradition.
When it came to what Canadians handed out, chocolate led overwhelmingly at 86 percent, followed by candy (61 percent) and chips or Cheezies (31 percent). Smaller shares of households provided cookies, granola bars, or other snacks. The enduring popularity of chocolate reflects a familiar pattern for Canadian Halloween baskets, consistent with previous years of Field Agent data.
Walmart and Costco Dominate Treat Purchases
On the retail front, Walmart (38 percent) and Costco (35 percent) topped the list of where Canadians purchased their Halloween treats, followed by Superstore (24 percent), Maxi/No Frills (17 percent), and FreshCo (7 percent).
These findings underscore the strength of mass-market retailers in seasonal spending categories. The ability to buy large-format packages and recognized national brands appears to continue driving consumer preference. While the report did not analyze promotions or pricing, the results suggest strong early stock availability and consistent value messaging played key roles in these retailers’ dominance.
Halloween Retail Trends in Canada Remain Resilient
Despite lower visitor counts for many households, Halloween 2025 reaffirmed its importance in Canadian retail culture. From coast to coast, the tradition continues to blend community participation with predictable seasonal spending on confectionery, snacks, and décor.
As Doucette’s team at Field Agent Canada continues to track household behaviour across key retail moments, Halloween remains a valuable barometer of consumer mood, showing how Canadians balance celebration, cost-consciousness, and even a bit of baseball fandom on one of the busiest nights of the year.
