Families patiently wait as the trick-or-treat line snakes its way around the downtown Clarkesville Square and business district on Friday, October 31, 2025. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)
On Friday, October 31, 2025, thousands of children donned costumes and loaded up on candy during the annual Halloween tradition in the heart of Habersham County.
In the city of Cornelia, kids began trick-or-treating down North Main Street at 3 p.m., as local businesses opened their doors and handed out sweets in a lively, family-friendly scene. A costume contest at the Historic Train Depot spurred added excitement as superheroes, ghosts, and princesses posed for photos.
Parents said the event provided a safe and festive setting, with the business district glowing under Halloween lights and decorations.
From left to right: Elvia Garcia Polanco, Sophia Polanco (minor), Enzo Polanco (minor), Omar Polanco. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)
Demorest
In Demorest, the festivities shifted into full gear after 5 p.m. at Demorest Springs Park, where a “trunk-or-treat,” costume parade, candy stations, and community activities kept the fun rolling.
Bounce houses, a balloon artist, and face-painting added to the carnival-like atmosphere. Volunteers from the city and local groups passed out treats and coffee for chaperoning adults. The downtown area was blocked off to vehicular traffic to ensure children could roam safely.
By 8 p.m., the park was filled with delighted shrieks of little witches and aliens showing off candy hauls.
Demorest Springs Park Halloween (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)Demorest Springs Park Halloween (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)Demorest Springs Park Halloween (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)From left to right: Harper Dyer, 5, and Sherry Dyer, Eliza Dyer 3. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)Demorest Springs Park Halloween (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)We’ve all played it; 9-year-old Teagan Kastner is it – The Claw game – for Halloween. Kastner joined hundreds of other children who turned out to enjoy Halloween in Demorest. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com) (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)2-year-old Hazel Webb enjoys Halloween candy in Demorest Springs Park. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)
Clarkesville
Over in Clarkesville, the downtown square hosted “Trick or Treating on the Square” from 5 to 7 p.m. Local businesses set up candy stations around the square, and the city hosted a costume contest at the Main Street tent, where pets and kids competed for fun prizes.
The downtown square echoed with laughter, vibrant costumes, and even some Halloween music at our Now Habersham office. The early time slot allowed younger children to take part safely before dusk.
Costume variety: Superheroes, animals, historical figures, and creative mash-ups were everywhere.
Now Habersham’s “candy team” poses with the last of the candy near the end of trick-or-treat on the downtown square. Looming overhead is our Halloween mascot, Harry Pider (named by 2-year-old Maple Camejo). We’re already looking forward to next year! (Joy Purcell/NowHabersham.com)Families patiently wait as the trick-or-treat line snakes its way around the downtown Clarkesville Square and business district on Friday, October 31, 2025. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)From left to right: Rebecca, Ethan (minor), Belle (minor), Derek, Pictured Below: Cupcake (the dog) (was unable to get last names or accurate ages)Merchants passed out candy to the hundreds of children who turned out for the annual tradition. (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)(Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)The two dinos! White is Caleb Freeman (10), Brown is Jonathan MorganEven the dogs got into the act! (Riley Moody/NowHabersham.com)
Halloween in Habersham County this year proved that the tradition of dressing up, strolling downtown, and collecting candy remains strong. In Cornelia, Demorest and Clarkesville alike, smiling children and delighted parents turned every storefront into a mini-party.
As the evening wound down, the chatter among families was the same: “We’ll be back next year.” And with such momentum, the fall tradition looks well set to continue.
