Costumes are on and the candy is ready. Now, all you need are the trick-or-treaters.

The wait is almost over.

Today, Oct. 31, 2023, is Halloween and later today you can expect ghosts and goblins of all ages to make the rounds asking for their favorite candy.

Just when that takes place varies from place to place. Generally, speaking, most people begin making the Halloween rounds about sunset, which on Tuesday will be just before 6 p.m. Some parents of younger children like to take them out earlier, however, while teenagers making the rounds may push their visits to 9 p.m. or later.

READ MORE: Last-minute Halloween costume ideas: Here’s a tool that can help with ideas

If you want to be very official, you can enter your ZIP code here and the Farmer’s Almanac will tell you exactly when the sun will set where you live.

What’s the perfect time to trick or treat? According to a survey from the SeattleTimes.com, the best range for trick-or-treat times is 6 p.m.-9 p.m. local time.

No matter the time for this year’s holiday candy runs, Halloween is proving to be big business. According to the National Retail Foundation, Halloween spending in 2023 was expected to reach $12.2 billion, ahead of the previous year’s record of $10.6 billion. Most of the money will go towards costumes – estimated to reach a record $4.1 billion this year – followed by decorations at $3.9 billion and candy at $3.6 billion.