Young trick-or-treaters enjoy high-rise Halloween

For city-dwelling kids, Halloween is usually an indoor affair conducted in the safety of their own high-rise homes, with frightful decorations adorning the lobbies and hallways.

It may not be the same as trudging through a dark neighborhood and braving the outdoor elements to carefully ring a stranger’s doorbell, but it is a wonderful alternative.

Some condos—like Harbor Point (155N. Harbor Dr.)—host parties for residents with costumes, food and entertainment. Most offer the opportunity for kids to trick-or-treat within their own buildings, in small groups on Halloween night. Trick-or-treaters stop at units whose residents have volunteered to hand out treats. Neighbors leave bowls of candy outside their doors if they will not be home, while others answer the door dressed in creative costumes. 

Harbor Point resident Carolina Patino looks forward to October 31 every year. “It starts with a pizza party for all residents,” Patino explains. “One of the halls is decorated as a haunted hallway with strobe lights and spider webs.”

Residents also collaborate to decorate full hallways and entire floors. “It’s always an awesome time,” says Patino. You can celebrate the season locally by attending the City of Chicago’s Halloween Gathering on October 21. Festivities are set to kick off at 2 p.m. with a Family Festival in Millennium Park.

The Parade of Artists will follow at 6p.m., starting at Columbus and Balbo and heading north to Monroe St. Additionally, Chicago Park District will host its annual Halloween Family Dance at Maggie Daley Park Field-house on October 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, and family-friendly activities—including a mini-pumpkin patch—will be provided.

For more specific information about your building’s Halloween celebrations and schedule, check with your property management company.