This year, the Chinatown Business Improvement District will host a full day of special Halloween activities, offering festive surprises for both adults and children. With carved pumpkins sporting ghostly faces, skeletons standing along the sidewalks, and the enticing aroma of cinnamon in the air, it’s clear that Halloween is just around the corner.
The annual “Trick-or-Streets” event, organized by the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT), is entering its third year, and this time it will feature over 100 open street activities. Manhattan’s Chinatown will join in on October 31 (Thursday), closing off Pell St. and Doyer St. plaza for the occasion. The Chinatown Business Improvement District will also present carnival games, community collaboration sculptures, and a treasure hunt for candy.
According to staff, on Halloween day, several local eateries, including popular spots like Tea & Dim Sum and Paper Sons, will provide extra candy to encourage participants to explore the streets in search of sweets. Many of these restaurants are new establishments, and this initiative aims not only to delight kids and adults alike with a bounty of treats but also to help these newcomers gain visibility and build their reputation.
In addition, the Chinatown Business Improvement District will debut a community collaboration sculpture, allowing participants to add feathers to a bird-shaped sculpture base, contributing to a collective artwork. A marching band will lead a costumed parade, providing an opportunity for residents to showcase their creative outfits. Multiple large inflatable decorations will also be available for photos, ensuring that everyone leaves with unforgettable memories. Moreover, the five most popular carnival games from last year’s Halloween celebration are making a return, complete with circus performers and clowns to keep the excitement going for guests of all ages.
Chinatown Business Improvement District Executive Director, Chen Zhuozhou, highlighted that the area’s historic alleyways and hidden passageways naturally lend themselves to a thrilling and adventurous atmosphere. With the carefully planned Halloween festivities, “it will also be a stage for street performers, clowns, dancers, and entertainers to showcase their magic.”
In addition to the all-day candy treasure hunt, the Chinatown Halloween series will kick off at 3 PM on October 31 (Thursday), welcoming all community members free of charge.
