Halloween in New York City is an unforgettable experience, filled with festive events, spooky attractions, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the holiday in style. Whether you’re into haunted houses, costume parades, or family-friendly fun, NYC has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to Halloween in New York City, including the best events, activities, and attractions.
Village Halloween Parade
By InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA – Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24267661
- Date: October 31 (Halloween night)
- Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan (starts at Sixth Avenue and Spring Street)
- Description: The Village Halloween Parade is one of the most famous Halloween events in the world, attracting tens of thousands of costumed participants and spectators. The parade features giant puppets, floats, live bands, and an endless array of creative costumes. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the parade, making it one of the most inclusive and festive Halloween events in the city. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s a must-see for anyone in NYC on Halloween night.
BloodManor: New York’s Premier Haunted Attraction
- Dates: October (various dates, starting early in the month)
- Location: 359 Broadway, Tribeca, Manhattan
- Description: Blood Manor is one of NYC’s most popular haunted houses, offering a terrifying experience for those brave enough to enter. With over 5,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and dark hallways, Blood Manor is filled with live actors, special effects, and terrifying surprises. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a fan of horror, this haunted house is a must-visit.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
- Date: Late October (usually the Saturday before Halloween)
- Location: Tompkins Square Park, East Village, Manhattan
- Description: The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade is one of the cutest and quirkiest Halloween events in NYC. Hundreds of dogs (and their owners) dress up in creative costumes and parade around the park, competing for prizes in categories like “Best Costume” and “Best Group Costume.” The event attracts dog lovers and spectators alike, and it’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit while enjoying some adorable canine creativity.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
https://pumpkinblaze.org/
- Dates: Late September through early November
- Location: Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County (about an hour from NYC)
- Description: If you’re looking to take a short trip outside the city, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a stunning display of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins set along an immersive, illuminated trail. The event features intricate pumpkin sculptures, synchronized lighting, and themed displays, creating a magical, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s one of the most visually spectacular Halloween attractions in the region and well worth the trip from NYC.
Halloween at Time Out Market
- Dates: 25/10, 26/10, 31/10
- Location: Time Out Market, Brooklyn
- Description: Welcome to Halloween Programming at Time Out Market New York! Join us for a spooktacular event filled with ghoulish delights and eerie entertainment. Get ready for a frightfully fun time at Time Out Market New York where we have a lineup of chilling activities planned just for you. From costume contests to pumpkin carving, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the thrills and chills of this Halloween extravaganza! Grab your friends and family for a hauntingly good time at our event.
Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns
- Dates: Mid-October
- Location: Governors Island
- Description: Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns is another incredible pumpkin-themed event, featuring 1,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns displayed along a scenic, illuminated trail on Governors Island. This event also includes food vendors, Halloween-themed drinks, and live carving demonstrations. It’s a family-friendly event that combines the magic of fall with the festive spirit of Halloween, all with the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanical Garden
- Dates: Early October through Halloween
- Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Description: The Haunted Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanical Garden is perfect for families and young children. The garden is transformed with hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins, scarecrows, and spooky decorations, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Kids can participate in activities like pumpkin carving, puppet shows, and costume parades. It’s a delightful and not-too-scary way to celebrate Halloween in a beautiful, natural setting.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween Events
- Dates: Throughout October
- Location: Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County (about an hour from NYC)
- Description: Sleepy Hollow, the famous setting of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” is a must-visit destination for Halloween fans. The town hosts numerous Halloween-themed events throughout October, including the Headless Horseman Bridge lighting, cemetery tours at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, haunted hayrides, and performances of the classic tale. The historic town embraces its spooky heritage, making it a perfect getaway for anyone who loves ghost stories and the Halloween season.
The House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree
- Dates: Various dates in October
- Location: East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Description: The House of Spirits is a unique Halloween experience that combines immersive theater with craft cocktails. Guests explore a haunted mansion, encountering spirits, live actors, and supernatural performances along the way. The event features themed cocktails inspired by the dark, mysterious atmosphere, making it a perfect Halloween event for adults looking for a spooky, upscale experience.
NYC Ghost Tours
- Dates: Throughout October
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: NYC is home to some haunted history, and October is the perfect time to explore it through ghost tours. Companies like Ghosts of New York and Ghosts of Greenwich Village offer guided walking tours that take visitors to some of the city’s most haunted locations. Hear ghost stories, visit haunted sites, and learn about the eerie side of NYC’s history on these spine-chilling tours.
Halloween Parties and Nightlife
- Dates: Late October, with most parties on Halloween weekend
- Location: Various bars and clubs across NYC
- Description: NYC’s nightlife scene comes alive on Halloween, with bars, nightclubs, and rooftops hosting themed parties and costume contests. Popular spots like The Jane Hotel, Public Hotel, and The Box throw elaborate Halloween bashes, featuring live DJs, dancers, and plenty of costumed revelers. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy dance party or a more intimate gathering, there’s no shortage of Halloween-themed nightlife options in the city.
Halloween-Themed Cruises
- Dates: Late October
- Location: Hudson River
- Description: For a unique way to celebrate Halloween, consider taking a Halloween-themed cruise along the Hudson River. These cruises offer stunning views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty while passengers enjoy music, dancing, food, and drinks in their Halloween costumes. Some cruises feature live entertainment or DJ sets, making them a fun way to celebrate the spooky season while taking in the sights of the city.
Tips for Enjoying Halloween in NYC
- Book Tickets Early: Many popular Halloween events, such as Blood Manor, the Village Halloween Parade, and pumpkin-themed attractions, sell out quickly, so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance.
- Dress for the Weather: October in NYC can be chilly, especially in the evening, so make sure to layer up if you’re attending outdoor events like the parade or haunted houses.
- Public Transportation: With street closures for the Village Halloween Parade and heavy traffic around other events, it’s best to use public transportation (subway or buses) to get around the city.
Conclusion
Halloween in New York City is an exciting and diverse experience, with events ranging from family-friendly pumpkin displays to terrifying haunted houses and thrilling nightlife. Whether you’re looking to parade through the streets in your best costume, enjoy a spooky cocktail at a haunted soiree, or visit the legendary Sleepy Hollow, NYC has something to offer every Halloween enthusiast.
