On Friday, October 31, Highlands’ Main Street will once again transform into a whimsical wonderland of cobwebs, costumes, and candy as the 2025 Downtown Trick or Treat celebration invites ghosts, goblins, and glittering fairies to take part in a night of safe, spirited fun.
Hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, this cherished tradition is more than just a candy crawl – it’s a full-blown community celebration that brings together families, merchants, and visitors in a shared embrace of Halloween magic.
From 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Main Street will be closed to traffic, allowing costumed revelers to roam freely between storefronts decked out in their most festive finery.
Local businesses go all out, turning their shops into mini haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and enchanted forests. Merchants hand out treats with generous flair, often donning costumes themselves to match the evening’s playful energy. Whether you’re a tiny dinosaur, a sparkly witch, or a pint-sized pirate, there’s a sweet reward waiting at every turn.
The event’s popularity stems from its blend of nostalgia and neighborly care.
Originally conceived as a safer alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, Downtown Trick or Treat has grown into a signature Highlands experience. Parents appreciate the well-lit, walkable environment, while kids revel in the thrill of seeing their town transformed into a Halloween haven.
Adding to the merriment, the Highlands Police Department, Highlands Fire and Rescue, and local volunteers will be on hand to ensure safety and offer high-fives to costumed kiddos. Expect impromptu dance parties, photo ops galore, and maybe even a surprise visit from a friendly monster or two. Live music from High 5 and ABC Combo will fill the air with festive rhythms, while DJ Michael Murphy keeps the crowd grooving with Halloween hits and dance-floor favorites.
This year’s event is especially meaningful as Highlands continues its 150th anniversary celebrations, making the evening not just a tribute to Halloween, but to the enduring spirit of community that defines the Plateau.
So grab your broomstick, adjust your mask, and head to Main Street for a night of laughter, sugar rushes, and shared memories. And this invitation isn’t simply extended to the kids – if you’re on this side of the Great Divide, you’re welcome to stroll and shriek. (According to Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland, vampires, zombies, and the recently departed will be considered “living” for the sake of the celebration).
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