Halloween in New York, the original Celtic custom is always celebrated on the last day of October. Every year in October, countless children in their favorite costumes go out on the streets of NYC go door to door, “scare” people and call out “Trick or Treat!”
But, there’s way more than just children running around when it comes to Halloween in New York. NYC is adorned with pumpkin head lanterns, house entrances are decorated to the point where it looks like it’s from a horror movie and there are lots of crazy events and parades. In this article, we’ll let you know where to celebrate Halloween, where you can buy the craziest costumes and where you can watch the annual Halloween Village Parade.
The 16 Best Things To Do During Halloween in NYC
There’s a lot of things going on during Halloween in New York and these are just some of our favorites:
01
Be part of the world famous Halloween Parade in NYC
Other Events
in
SoHo
The main event for Halloween in New York is New York’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade on October 31st. There are usually more than two million viewers. The parade was organized in 1973 and about 50,000 participants in costumes and bands ensure an unforgettable experience through the streets of New York. This is our number one tip in case you were wondering what can adults do for Halloween in New York.
The parade takes place at 6:30 PM on 6th Avenue and Spring Street. The actual start of the parade starts at 7 PM. If you want to have a good view of the spectacle, you should come early and secure a place along the route. The Village Halloween Parade ends north of 6th Avenue and 16th Street. Please note that many roads are closed during the parade and subways will be crowded.
It is very much worthwhile to watch this parade, especially if it’s your first time experiencing New York City. The creativity of the participants is limitless!
02
Spend the evening in one of the halloween themed bars
Bar
in
Midtown Manhattan
We’re here to make sure you ghouls and gals have the best possible time, so we’ve put together our favorite Halloween bars in NYC. So check out our guide to the best Halloween Bars NYC.
03
Have Dinner in a spooky Halloween Theme Restaurant in NYC
American Restaurant
in
Hell's Kitchen
Looking to have yourself a scary, sit-down dinner for Halloween in NYC? Then get ready to dig in, because there are a bunch of deliciously demented Halloween theme restaurants in New York City.
My tip: here you find my list of my favorite Halloween Themed Restaurants in NYC.
04
Ghost Tours in New York City
Walking Tour
in
Greenwich Village
This is for you aspiring ghost hunters. Make sure to check out the “Ghosts of Greenwich Village.” This tour is one of the best ghost tours in New York City. It’s a very nice introduction to get you ready for Halloween in New York and at the same time, you’ll take a trip into the spooky past of the city.
You will be guided on this tour mainly in Greenwich Village and experience scary, historical backgrounds of the area. Discover NYC’s dark side. Here are a few other great tours to do during Halloween in NYC.
05
What can adults do for Halloween? Enjoy a spooky broadway show!
Broadway Show
in
Midtown Manhattan
Our Highlight
Besides everything that I just mentioned above, there are a couple of other great things to do for adults during Halloween in New York. If you’re into Broadway Shows, the spookiest one is Phantom of the Opera. It’s also the longest playing show on Broadway and an absolute classic.
