This year, the Chinatown Business Improvement District is hosting an all-day Halloween celebration that promises festive surprises for both adults and children. With carved jack-o’-lanterns, skeletons lining the streets, and the delightful scent of cinnamon wafting through the air, it’s clear that Halloween is just around the corner.
The Department of Transportation’s annual “Trick-or-Streets” event is entering its third year, featuring over 100 open street activities. Chinatown in Manhattan will join the fun on October 31st (Thursday), with Pell Street and Doyer Street closed off for festivities. Attendees can look forward to carnival games, community collaborative sculptures, and a candy treasure hunt.
According to event staff, the Chinatown Business Improvement District will provide additional treats from several local eateries, including Tea & Times and Paper Sons, to encourage participants to explore the streets in search of goodies. Many of these restaurants are relatively new, and this initiative not only ensures sweet rewards for trick-or-treaters but also helps these establishments gain visibility and attract customers.
This year marks the first time the district will feature a community collaborative sculpture, where participants can add feathers to a bird-shaped base to create a unique piece of art. A costume parade led by a marching band will allow residents to showcase their creative outfits. There will also be multiple large inflatable installations for attendees to photograph and create lasting memories. The five most popular carnival games from last year will make a return, along with appearances from clowns and circus performers, ensuring that both kids and adults will have a fantastic time.
Chinatown Business Improvement District Executive Director, Chan Tsoi, emphasized the area’s historic, dimly lit alleys and hidden pathways, making it a naturally thrilling destination. “With all the careful planning for the Halloween event, street performers, clowns, dancers, and performers will be able to showcase their magic,” he noted.
In addition to the continuous candy treasure hunt throughout the day, the Halloween festivities in Chinatown will kick off at 3 PM on October 31st (Thursday), and everyone is welcome to attend for free.
