Friday, October 23, 2026
As Halloween approaches, Uniondale is preparing for various events such as family trunk or treats and costume parties at the Long Island Children’s Museum, a celebration of costumes, candy and seasonal traditions. Local festivities offer families opportunities to enjoy the holiday, which has evolved over centuries from ancient seasonal observances into a celebration of trick-or-treating and neighborhood gatherings. Here are three things residents should know.
Mrs. G’s Brown Bag Charity Organization will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Oct. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 710 Uniondale Ave. The family friendly Halloween celebration will feature candy, games, music, entertainment and local vendors. Organizer, Ebony Guerrier of Uniondale invites families to join in their Halloween costumes.
Aday later Siblings Helping Siblings Foundation Inc., in partnership with the John J. Byrne Community Center, will host a family friendly inclusive Trunk or Treat celebration on October 25 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the community center, 925 Jerusalem Ave. There will be a mini pumpkin patch, face painting and seasonal activities for all abilities. Email lucia.m@siblingshelpingsiblings.com for more information.
The Long Island Children’s Museum is also hosting a special Ghostly Gala on Oct. 24 at 6 to 9 p.m. featuring trick-or-treating, costume dance party and Halloween crafts. Tickets are from $16 and a optional theater performance is an additional fee.
Halloween traces its origins in part to Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celebrated around Nov. 1, Samhain was associated with beliefs that the boundary between the living and the dead became thinner during the seasonal transition.
As Christianity spread, Nov. 1 became associated with All Saints’ Day, and the preceding evening became known as All Hallows’ Eve, eventually shortened to Halloween.
Many modern traditions developed over centuries through a combination of European customs and American influences. Irish and Scottish immigrants helped popularize Halloween celebrations in the United States during the 19th century.
Trick-or-treating became widespread during the 20th century, while carved pumpkins, costumes and neighborhood gatherings developed into familiar holiday traditions. Today, Halloween combines elements of folklore, religious history and community entertainment.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, families are encouraged to take precautions as children travel through residential neighborhoods collecting candy.
Costumes should fit properly to prevent tripping, while reflective materials, flashlights and glow sticks can help motorists see pedestrians after dark. Face paint may also provide better visibility than masks that obstruct children’s vision.
Children should remain on sidewalks whenever possible and cross streets at designated intersections. Younger trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by a responsible adult, while older children should travel in groups.
Motorists should reduce their speed in residential neighborhoods and remain alert for children crossing unexpectedly.
Parents should also inspect candy before allowing children to eat it, checking for damaged packaging and potential allergens. These precautions can help families enjoy Halloween while reducing preventable injuries.
