BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Families filled Payrow Plaza on Sunday evening for the city of Bethlehem’s annual Trunk or Treat, a community event offering children a safe and festive way to celebrate Halloween.
From 6 to 8 p.m., the plaza outside City Hall buzzed with music, laughter and the rustle of costumes as children painted pumpkins, joined a spooky scavenger hunt and collected candy from decorated car trunks and tables hosted by local organizations. Bethlehem police officers handed out treats, while families participated in cornhole, crafts and a DJ set under glowing lights.
Erin Postel and Claudia Richan, community health specialists with the Bethlehem Health Bureau, helped organize the event as part of the city’s Better Blocks for Bethlehem initiative — a program funded through a state grant aimed at improving safety and building connections across neighborhoods.
“We are hosting the city’s Trunk or Treat event, open to all city residents and families,” Postel said. “It’s just a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween and have a little trick-or-treating.”
Festive Halloween Trunk or Treat event map listing details of activities and booths around the event at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem, Pa. Oct. 20, 2025 (Photo by: Isabel Hope)
Richan said one of her favorite parts of the evening is seeing city departments come together.
“We don’t often get to do something all together,” she said. “There’s a lot of representation from the city here, and it’s great to see such an awesome turnout.”
Organizers estimated between 100 and 200 people attended the event, which has become a family-friendly tradition for Bethlehem residents looking for a secure and spirited Halloween celebration.
“Thank you to all the families who came,” Postel added. “It’s wonderful to see the community out here enjoying the night.”