There was plenty of fun, but little respect for the tradition of the 250-year-old custom, which stems from the Scottish All Hallows' Eve, or ''holy evening'', when dead saints (hallows) and martyrs were honoured.
Dozens of University of Otago students wandered through town in Guy Fawkes masks, while staff from Dunedin business Fluid Recruitment made a colourful lunchtime run in a collection of costumes.
''We just thought we'd visit local businesses and spread some Halloween cheer,'' managing director Nathan Pattison said.
A group of disadvantaged children also turned the tradition around by visiting pensioner flats in North Dunedin and giving residents fruit baskets.
''We thought it would be a nice change to give people gifts on Halloween, instead of asking for a trick or treat,'' Operation New Direction Trust manager Rob Fitzpatrick said.
''A lot of our kids are from impoverished families and this is a nice opportunity for them to give something to the community and see how good it feels to give out.''
The light side of Halloween was celebrated at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night, where the Light Party was held as a positive alternative to Halloween.
There was no scare in the air, with all frightening costumes banned.
''Many parents don't like Halloween, with the trick and treating and scary costumes,'' organiser Grant Hardy said last night.
''This is a good Halloween family-oriented event.''
The party included face-painting, a bouncy castle, Noddy train and entertainment from jugglers, clowns and bands.
