Things to Do in New York for Halloween
New York is known for its bustling energy, and during Halloween, the city takes on a whole new level of excitement. Whether you’re looking for haunted houses, ghost tours, or festive parades, NYC offers endless spooky fun for all ages.
From iconic spots like Greenwich Village’s Halloween Parade to eerie attractions like Blood Manor and Boroughs of the Dead, the Big Apple has something thrilling in store for everyone this Halloween season.
We recommend these 10 things to do in New York for Halloween:
Jump to:
- Explore the Haunted Houses
- Wander Through the Village Halloween Parade
- Catch a Spooky Broadway Show
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch
- Events at New York Botanical Garden
- Explore a Ghost Tour with Boroughs of the Dead
- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
- Carve a Pumpkin with the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers
- Enjoy a Halloween-Themed Dinner
- Take a Halloween-Themed Cruise
For a stress-free trip, don’t forget to secure your accommodations and parking in advance. If you’re flying into or out of JFK, book a convenient hotel and parking package through ParkSleepFly to make your stay even easier and more enjoyable.
1. Explore the Haunted Houses
New York City boasts a plethora of haunted houses that will send shivers down your spine. From classic haunted houses to immersive escape rooms, there’s something for everyone.
Blood Manor is a terrifying labyrinth of horrors that will test your limits. As you navigate through its winding corridors, you’ll encounter spine-chilling creatures, grotesque scenes, and unexpected surprises. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be immersed in a world of fear and suspense. The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the actors are masters of their craft, bringing the horrors to life.
House of Horrors is another haunted house experience that promises to leave you screaming. This haunted house is known for its intense scares and immersive environments. As you make your way through the dark and twisted corridors, you’ll be confronted with horrifying creatures, eerie sounds, and unexpected twists. The attention to detail is impeccable, creating a truly terrifying atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or a thrill-seeker looking for a fright, House of Horrors is sure to deliver.
2. Wander Through the Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade is one of the most iconic Halloween events in the world. Thousands of costumed revelers march through Greenwich Village, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of color, music, and creativity. The parade showcases a wide range of costumes, from elaborate creations to simple but effective outfits. There’s a mix of professional performers, amateur enthusiasts, and families dressed up together. The atmosphere is electric, with the crowd cheering and the music pumping. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
3. Catch a Spooky Broadway Show
From Broadway musicals to off-Broadway productions, there’s a spooky show for every taste. Immerse yourself in the world of horror and suspense with a theatrical performance.
If you’re looking for a show that’s both heartwarming and captures the spirit of Halloween, Wicked is a must-see. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North. With its catchy songs, powerful performances, and stunning visuals, Wicked is a magical experience that will leave you spellbound.
For fans of the Harry Potter series, you will love Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This two-part play picks up where the final Harry Potter book left off, following Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and raising children. The play is filled with thrilling adventures, magical moments, and a few surprises along the way.
4. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Get into the spirit of Halloween by visiting a pumpkin patch in the city. Pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
A visit to Pumpkin Point is a must for anyone seeking a family-friendly Halloween experience. Located on Governors Island, this scenic pumpkin patch offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline while providing a fun-filled day for all ages. With its colorful displays of pumpkins, hay bales, and festive decorations, Pumpkin Point creates a charming and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, games, and delicious food. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the spirit of Halloween and create lasting memories.
5. Events at New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) located in the Bronx, is a renowned botanical garden home to over a million plants from around the world including rare and endangered species. Throughout the year, the garden hosts seasonal events that showcase the beauty and diversity of the plant world and fall is a wonderful time to explore.
Wonder down the rabbit hole and venture into the fantastical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with NYBG’s ‘Wonderland: Curious Nature.’
‘Fall-o-Ween‘ is alive with fun-filled activities and plenty of pumpkins, gourds and fall flowers.
For Tim Burton fans, you will not want to miss ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail‘ as Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero come to life showcasing scenes and songs from the film.
6. Explore a Ghost Tour with Boroughs of the Dead
Discover the spooky side of New York City with a guided ghost tour from Boroughs of the Dead. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours delve into the fascinating stories of famous and lesser-known individuals buried within these hallowed grounds.
From Edgar Allan Poe to lesser-known individuals with intriguing tales, the tours provide a glimpse into the city’s rich history and the lives of those who have come before. The cemeteries visited, such as Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn and Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, offer a peaceful yet haunting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a unique and educational experience.
7. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a stunning Halloween event that takes place at Van Cortlandt Manor in Westchester County and Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Nassau County. The event features thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminated by night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can witness a breathtaking display of hand-carved pumpkins, each with a unique design, and immerse themselves in the synchronized lighting and haunting soundtrack. The event also features larger-than-life installations, making it a perfect family-friendly experience.
8. Carve a Pumpkin with the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers
If you’re looking for a truly unique Halloween experience, the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers are a must-see. These talented artists have a knack for transforming ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art.
The Maniac Pumpkin Carvers are known for their intricate and detailed designs. They often incorporate pop culture icons, horror themes, and imaginative concepts into their carvings. From realistic portraits to fantastical creatures, their creations are sure to amaze and inspire.
The Maniac Pumpkin Carvers use precision tools and techniques to achieve their stunning results. Their attention to detail is evident in every carving, from the delicate lines to the intricate patterns.
Learn how to carve a perfect pumpkin at a Maniac Pumpkin Carving workshop.
9. Enjoy a Halloween-Themed Dinner
Indulge in a delicious Halloween-themed dinner at one of New York City’s many restaurants. From spooky cocktails to creepy cuisine, there’s something for everyone.
Jekyll & Hyde Club is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and thrilling dining experience in New York City. With its Gothic décor, eerie atmosphere, and live entertainment, this restaurant offers a truly unforgettable night out. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while being transported to the world of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Beware of the spooky special effects!
The Haunted House of Hamburgers is a popular restaurant in Farmingdale, New York that is known for its spooky atmosphere and delicious food. It is a great place to go for a Halloween-themed meal or just to have a fun night out with friends all year-round!
10. Take a Halloween-Themed Cruise
See the city from a different perspective with a Halloween-themed cruise. Enjoy spooky entertainment, delicious food, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Join the Glamour & Ghouls on the Hudson Halloween cruise party on the Hudson River aboard the luxurious Sir Winston. Enjoy a night of dancing, drinks, and stunning views. Dress to impress in your most glamorous Halloween costume and celebrate with an upscale crowd. The cruise features a DJ, open-air deck, and ample space to socialize. Don’t miss this Halloween experience!
All aboard the Halloween cruise party with the Majestic Yacht on Saturday, October 26th at 6:00 PM. Board at Pier 36, Dock 4 in New York City. The yacht departs at 7:15 PM. Dress up in your best costume and dance the night away to a mix of hip-hop, reggae, soca, EDM, Latin, and more. Buy tickets in advance to secure your spot. This is an unforgettable Halloween night.
There are plenty of cruise events to choose from!
What will you be doing for Halloween in New York?
No matter what your New York Halloween plans include, make sure you’re ready for a spellbinding adventure. With so many spine-tingling activities to explore, from haunted history walks to extravagant costume parties, you’re bound to make plenty of memories. Enjoy the eerie ambiance and colorful celebrations as you embrace the Halloween spirit in the city that never sleeps.
Looking to Travel for Halloween
If you’re planning on taking a trip during this festival, discover Things to Do in Chicago for Halloween or if you’re stuck for travel ideas check out these Spooky Places to Visit for Halloween.
Photo by Danil Зakhvatkin – Unsplash
