I’m genuinely excited about the Bethlehem Halloween Parade 2025. It’s one of the area’s oldest and most playful traditions, now in its 104th year.
I want you to feel the energy, the costumes, the candy chaos it’s that kind of vibe that draws families and nostalgic locals alike right into the festive spirit.
The parade takes place Sunday, October 26, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM, with a backup date of Sunday, November 2 if the weather crashes the party.
Bethlehem Halloween Parade | Date, Time & Location
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Rain date: Sunday, November 2) |
| Time | Starts at 2:00 PM |
| Route | Starts at West Broad St & 9th Ave → east on Broad → south on Main → ends at Main & Spring (approx. 1.5 miles) |
| Registration | Open until Friday, October 17, 2025 no late entries accepted |
| Participation | Open to everyone schools, community groups, businesses, bands |
History & Origins | Date, Time & Location | How to Participate
History & Origins | Why Bethlehem Halloween Parade Matters
The Bethlehem Halloween Parade started more than a century ago and has woven itself into the city’s festive DNA.
This tradition began as a simple community gathering and has grown into a lively event where kids chase candy and bands chase applause.
In 2024, coverage noted it “snaked through part of North Bethlehem,” with marching bands, costumes and more than 90 participating groups including schools and first responders.
What Makes the Parade Special
What stands out is how the parade blends local pride with playful chaos.
Think emergency vehicles, school bands, and enthusiastic kids reaching for candy tossed by costumed characters classic, joyful community energy.
Judges award prizes for best float, school, Scout troop, and clear crowd-pleasers; even the mayor picks a favorite.
Date, Time & Route | Where to Be, When to Watch
The 2025 parade kicks off Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 PM, with a rain backup on Sunday, November 2. Route is about 1.5 miles: starts at West Broad St & 9th Ave, heads east on Broad, then south on Main, ending at Main & Spring.
I’d stake my prime viewing spot on Main Street near the halfway turn less crowded, better visuals, and you can snag candy early.
How to Participate | Join the Parade Yourself
Anyone can join schools, businesses, families, bands you name it. You need to register by Friday, October 17, 2025; after that, no entry city is strict.
If you ask me, walking the route in costume beats watching bonus: more candy, more photos, more bragging rights.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots | Costumes & Themes | Entertainment & Highlights | Travel & Accommodation
Viewing Tips & Best Spots for the Parade
If you want great photos and less crowd stress, plan ahead. The section near Main Street by Walnut Street offers space, good light, and easy candy reach for kids.
Early birds at Broad & New Street get first view of the floats before the crowd thickens. Bethlehem can be chilly in late October, so bring a warm layer and gloves.
If you have kids, keep extra bags for candy they fill up fast. Wheelchair users will find good curb access at intersections along Main Street.
Costumes & Themes for 2025
The parade doesn’t force an official theme, but creativity wins the day. Past favorites included group Star Wars re-creations, glow-in-the-dark skeletons, and even marching tacos.
This year, I expect more pop-culture nods think recent movie and streaming hits. If you’re joining, go bold but keep it family-friendly.
Props should be lightweight and safe in crowds no sharp edges or trip hazards.
And if you plan on matching costumes with friends, coordinate colors for photos that stand out.
Entertainment & Highlights You’ll See
This isn’t just walking and waving it’s a full sensory event. You’ll hear high-school marching bands, see fire-truck sirens flashing, and spot dance troupes performing along the route.
Floats range from spooky graveyards to silly candy castles. The crowd loves interactive moments costumed walkers tossing candy, mascots high-fiving kids, and floats blasting themed music.
By the time the parade reaches Main & Spring, the atmosphere is pure celebration.
It’s the kind of community joy that keeps people coming back year after year.
Travel & Accommodation Tips
If you’re coming from out of town, Lehigh Valley International Airport is just 15 minutes away. Bethlehem also connects easily via major highways like I-78 and Route 22.
On parade day, parking fills early look for garages near Walnut Street or grab a spot farther out and walk. For overnight stays, downtown Bethlehem hotels like the Historic Hotel Bethlehem or Comfort Suites University keep you close to the route.
Book weeks ahead; parade weekend is busy with other fall events in the Lehigh Valley. If you prefer budget options, check nearby Allentown or Easton both are a short drive away.
Food & Local Experiences
You can’t enjoy a parade on an empty stomach. Downtown Bethlehem has plenty of quick bites like Fegley’s Brew Works for hearty pub food or The Goose for fresh sandwiches.
Street vendors also pop up along the route selling hot cocoa, pretzels, and funnel cakes. If you’re making a day of it, try nearby spots like Apollo Grill for upscale dining or Tapas on Main for small plates.
Some cafés even offer Halloween-themed drinks and snacks just for parade weekend. Exploring these local spots adds flavor to your visit literally.
Safety & Rules You Should Know
Bethlehem keeps the parade safe and family-friendly. Bag checks aren’t common, but police patrol the route for crowd safety. Alcohol is not permitted along the parade route, and open flames or dangerous props are a no-go.
Parents should keep kids close when candy is thrown floats keep moving, and little ones can get distracted. If you’re bringing pets, check city guidelines first; some areas may restrict animals during large events.
Photography & Social Media Tips
For the best light, aim for photos early in the route when the sun is higher.
Position yourself on the east side of Main Street for brighter shots without backlighting.
If you’re filming, hold your camera at eye level to keep faces clear. Use hashtags like #BethlehemHalloweenParade and #BethlehemPA to join the community conversation.
Always ask before snapping close-up shots of costumed participants most say yes, but it’s polite to check. Sharing your photos online helps keep this tradition alive for those who can’t attend.
Conclusion
The Bethlehem Halloween Parade 2025 isn’t just another community event it’s a living tradition that blends local pride, fall flavors, and pure costume creativity.
Whether you’re watching from the curb, marching in costume, or snapping photos for Instagram, it’s the kind of small-town celebration that leaves big memories.
I’ll be there this year, coffee in one hand, camera in the other, waiting for that first candy toss. If you have your own tips or parade photos, drop them in the comments I’d love to hear your take on the best spots, costumes, and snacks.
FAQs
Yes, it’s completely free for spectators.
Yes, but you must register by October 17, 2025.
Use downtown garages near Walnut Street or park farther out and walk.
Yes, Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Check city rules crowds and noise may not be pet-friendly.