The Best New York Halloween Events This Year in 2025

Discover the best New York Halloween events in 2025! From the iconic Village Halloween Parade to haunted houses, pumpkin festivals, and spooky parties, here are 7 ways to celebrate Halloween in NYC.

New York City takes Halloween to the next level.

From world-famous parades and haunted houses to themed parties and family-friendly pumpkin festivals, the city is packed with unforgettable ways to celebrate the spooky season.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City this October, you’ll find plenty of New York Halloween events that cater to every vibe. Whether you want scary thrills, artistic performances, or just an excuse to dress up and party.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in New York, and autumn is my favourite season here.

There’s something about the crisp October air, the brownstone stoops lined with pumpkins, and the sheer scale of the Halloween celebrations that makes it magical.

If you’re visiting during this time of year, here’s my insider guide to the best things to do for Halloween in New York City.

RELATED New York Halloween Events blog posts to read:

The 13 Best New York Halloween Events in 2025

I had only been living in New York two months when Halloween rolled around, but it’s one of the best and most exciting holidays to celebrate in New York, so I made sure I attended just about everything the city had to offer.

Below is a list of the best New York Halloween events on offer this year, that I highly recommend if you’re spending Halloween in New York.

1. The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade

If you do just one of these New York Halloween events, make it the Village Halloween Parade. This legendary celebration takes over Greenwich Village every October 31st and is the biggest Halloween parade in the world.

Over 50,000 people join in, and more than two million line the streets to watch. I’ve honestly never seen anything like it.

You’ll see everything from spooky skeleton puppets and marching bands to jaw-dropping costumes that range from hilarious to horrifying.

The best part? Anyone in costume can actually join the parade, making it one of the most inclusive New York Halloween events around.

Just head to the line-up area on Sixth Avenue, throw on your scariest (or silliest) outfit, and become part of the action. It’s chaotic, creative, and totally unforgettable to be a part of something like this.

And of course, one of the highlights everyone looks forward to is the mass performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, which never fails to get the crowd buzzing.

All of that said, if you are spectating, be prepared: the sidewalks fill up quickly, and sections of streets and even some subway stations along the route may close temporarily because of the crowds.

Plan ahead and give yourself extra time to get into the Village. If standing in the street for hours isn’t your idea of fun, another approach is to base yourself at a bar in the West Village (this is what we did), soak up the festive atmosphere, and then step out for a quick look when the parade passes by.

Even if you only catch it briefly, it’s something you absolutely don’t want to miss.

RELATED New York Halloween Events blog post to read: Five Brunch Spots in the West Village, Manhattan

2. Washington Square Park Dog Costume Parade & Contest

If you’re looking for New York Halloween events that are cute and festive, this is it.

Every year, the Washington Square Park Halloween Dog Costume Parade event invites dogs (and their humans) to don their best costumes and parade through the park, followed by a costume contest.

It’s adorable, community-driven, and one of the more lighthearted New York Halloween events you’ll find.

The schedule usually starts with registration in the morning (often around 9 a.m.), followed by the parade (around 11 a.m.), and then a costume contest by midday (around 12:30 p.m.).

Expect to see every kind of pup: corgis in capes, doodles with wings, even matching human-dog duos.

It’s a must-do in this list of New York Halloween events if you love pets, costumes, or just want something fun and wholesome between the scarier stuff.

Last year, the WSP dog parade took place on Saturday, October 26th. So keep an eye out on Washington Square Park’s website for announcements, but I would guess this year it will take place on Saturday the 25th.

*A hot (sausage) dog and its vendors at the Washington Square Park Dog Costume Parade*

3. House of Yes Halloween Party

If you’d rather dance all night in your costume, Brooklyn’s House of Yes throws one of the wildest Halloween parties in New York.

This isn’t just any night out in New York, it’s a full-blown immersive experience. Think aerial performers, themed art installations, insane costumes, and some of the best DJs in the city.

The club is known for going all out with decor, so stepping inside feels like entering another world.

Tickets usually sell out fast, so grab them early if you want to experience one of the most talked-about New York Halloween events.

Whether you go as a vampire, alien, or glitter-covered ghost, you’ll fit right in.

Find all of the House of Yes Halloween events here.

4. Spooky Sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History

Ever wanted to spend the night with dinosaurs just like Ben Stiller in Night At the Museum?

The American Museum of Natural History makes that dream a reality with its special Halloween-themed sleepovers.

During this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll explore the museum after dark, watch spooky science shows, and even curl up in your sleeping bag under the giant blue whale.

It’s designed with families in mind, but let’s be honest, it’s just as cool for us adults.

Few New York Halloween events are this unique, and it’s a chance to experience one of the city’s most famous attractions in an entirely new way.

5. Halloween Harvest at Luna Park, Coney Island

For a mix of classic New York amusement and Halloween vibes, head out to Coney Island’s Luna Park for the annual Halloween Harvest.

The rides and games you know and love get a spooky makeover, and the park is filled with pumpkins, hay bales, and festive decorations.

You can try pumpkin picking, carving, trick-or-treating, and watch live performances while enjoying the iconic boardwalk.

It’s perfect if you want a mix of seaside fun and seasonal celebration, and it’s one of the best New York Halloween events for kids, or if you just want to relive your inner child.

6. Take A Day Trip to Sleepy Hollow

Just under an hour from NYC, Sleepy Hollow is legendary for Halloween.

You can walk through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, visit Philipsburg Manor, and absorb the lore of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

During October, the town goes all-in: haunted hayrides, Twilight Village at Philipsburg Manor (a night market filled with folklore, fortune tellers, food, live performances), Haunted tours, and candlelit walks.

Find out what’s happening in Sleepy Hollow this October here.

7. Pumpkin Picking on Governor’s Island

If your Halloween style leans more cozy fall vibes than full-on frights, then Pumpkin Point at Governors Island is the perfect seasonal escape. It’s one of the most wholesome New York Halloween events on this list.

Held every October, this annual event transforms Nolan Park into a sea of autumn colours. Thousands of pumpkins are laid out across the lawns, and visitors are welcome to pick their own (like me in the below picture).

But Pumpkin Point is more than just a pumpkin patch, it’s a full on fall festival. Kids can join arts and crafts workshops, get their faces painted, and go trick-or-treating at the brightly painted houses in the park.

There are live performances and magic shows to keep the festive energy going, plus local food vendors serving everything from cider and donuts to more hearty fall comfort foods.

It’s one of those New York Halloween events that’s perfect for families, couples, groups of friends or anyone who wants a break from the city’s chaos to enjoy a slower-paced, autumn day.

Getting there is also part of the fun. Just hop on the short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, and within minutes you’re on an island with incredible views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty.

Governors Island Pumpkin Patch — *I highly enjoyed my time at the Governors Island Pumpkin Point a few years ago!*

8. Green-Wood Cemetery Night Tours

For a true spine-tingling adventure, head to Brooklyn for a night tour of the historic Green-Wood Cemetery.

By lantern light, guides lead you through gothic mausoleums and winding paths while sharing chilling tales of New York’s past.

Famous figures like Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat are buried here, and the combination of history and atmosphere makes it one of the most atmospheric New York Halloween events.

It’s eerie, fascinating, and beautiful all at once, and definitely a more offbeat way to spend Halloween night in the city.

I always tell people that Green-Wood Cemetery offers a different kind of Halloween thrill. Instead of jump scares or flashing lights, you get an authentic brush with history and a real sense of New York’s past.

RELATED New York Halloween Events blog post to read: 25 Best Unique and Non-Touristy Things to Do in NYC

9. Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar

If you’re looking for a Halloween night out that’s equal parts spooky and stylish, the Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar is a must.

This travelling, gothic-themed cocktail experience has popped up in major cities across the world, and this year it’s taking over Someday Bar in Brooklyn.

The menu is just as creative as the setting, with drinks that are creepy, clever, and perfect for Instagram. Expect names like Satanic Panic or Book of Blood, served in goblets, skull glasses, or with a spooky garnish that makes you feel like you’re casting a spell with every sip.

It’s one of those New York Halloween events that blends nightlife with horror vibes, making it an ideal pick if you want to skip the haunted houses and spend your night sipping cocktails in full costume instead.

The bar also encourages guests to really go all out with their outfits, so think leather, lace, fake fangs, or whatever else brings out your inner creature of the night.

That said, Black Lagoon isn’t the only option. Plenty of bars across the city throw themselves into the Halloween spirit, especially in neighbourhoods like the East Village, Lower East Side, and Williamsburg, where themed nights and elaborate decorations are the norm.

Part of the fun is hopping around and seeing just how differently each spot interprets spooky season.

10. Trick-or-Treating and Halloween Decorations

One of my favourite things to do at Halloween in New York is simply to wander the neighbourhoods and take in the decorations.

New Yorkers don’t do subtle when it comes to Halloween. Brownstone stoops are draped in cobwebs, skeletons climb up façades, and pumpkins spill down staircases.

The Upper East Side and Park Slope in Brooklyn are particularly good for this. If you’re travelling with children, these are also some of the best areas to trick-or-treat safely.

But even without kids, there’s something wonderful about strolling the streets on Halloween night, coffee in hand, and soaking in the atmosphere. It feels like you’re part of a movie set.

11. Blood Manor Haunted House

If you love a good scare, Blood Manor is the place to be.

Known as one of the most terrifying haunted houses in New York, this SoHo attraction transforms into a multi-room horror experience during Halloween season.

Expect dark, twisted hallways, creepy clowns, zombies, and monsters jumping out at you when you least expect it.

This isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you want one of the scariest New York Halloween events, Blood Manor delivers.

The sets are movie-quality, the actors are scarily convincing, and the special effects will leave you questioning reality. Perfect if you want to scream your lungs out before grabbing a stiff drink nearby to recover.

12. Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park

Not all of the New York Halloween events have to be terrifying. If you’re looking for something more wholesome, the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park is pure magic.

Every year at the Harlem Meer, you can watch dozens of glowing jack-o’-lanterns float across the water at sunset.

Families, couples, and photographers flock here to soak up the autumn vibes and get that perfect fall-in-New-York moment.

The event usually includes pumpkin carving, storytelling, and trick-or-treating for kids, making it one of the most family-friendly New York Halloween events.

13. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Just outside the city, at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, is one of the most spectacular pumpkin displays you’ll ever see.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze features more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, all lit up and arranged into dazzling displays.

There are pumpkin tunnels, pumpkin carousels, even entire structures built from glowing gourds. It’s become something of a pilgrimage for locals each autumn, and with good reason.

I always recommend taking the train from Grand Central to Croton-Harmon, then hopping on the shuttle bus to the manor. It’s about an hour out of the city, but well worth the journey.

The Blaze is one of those events that captures the magic of Halloween without being scary, so it’s a Halloween event perfect for families as well as adults who just want to be dazzled.

The Best New York Halloween Events in 2025

Whether you’re looking for spine-chilling scares or family-friendly fun, there’s no shortage of New York Halloween events to choose from.

From the legendary Greenwich Village Parade to pumpkin flotillas and haunted houses, NYC transforms into a Halloween wonderland that’s unlike anywhere else.

Be sure to add a few of these New York Halloween events to your itinerary.

You’ll leave with memories (and maybe a few goosebumps) that last long after October 31st.

RELATED New York Halloween Events blog posts to read:

By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

0 Shares

The 13 Best New York Halloween Events in 2025

1. The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade