New York City is famous for going all out during Halloween, and there’s no shortage of parades to celebrate the spooky season in style. From massive citywide spectacles to unique parades of ghouls, NYC has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to join in on the fun or just want to marvel at the creativity on display, here’s a list of the best Halloween Parades in NYC that you won’t want to miss!
Tompkins Square Park Dog Halloween Parade – Date for 2024 TBA
The best dog parade in NYC! Creative Canines (and their owners!) don some of the cutest and most creative costumes you’ve ever seen at the annual Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade that celebrates Halloween. Once called “the largest dog costume parade in the world” by CNN, this annual fur friend event showcases hundreds of dogs in costumes and thousands of spectators. The crowds aren’t the only thing that’s big! This year’s parade contestants will be competing for thousands of dollars in prizes.Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. 500 East 9th Street in Alphabet City. Runway competition begins at 1pm. More information HERE.
Procession of the Ghouls – October 25 and October 26
Welcome to the Procession of the Ghouls, a Cathedral Halloween Extravaganza and parade of monsters, ghouls and demons, to the ghostly sound of organ music. The night kicks off with a film screening of a black and white movie (this year: Phantom of the Opera), accompanied by creepy tunes played on the cathedral’s great organ. After the movie ends, a gastly group of ghouls and goblins from the Mettawee River Theater Company emerge from the gate, and infiltrate the church in a ghostly parade. Smoke machines, spooky lighting, and soaring demons, are all mixed with grand puppetry, spectacular costumes and theatrics. It’s a very unique, spooky event – and if you are a fan of halloween theatrics – this must be added to your bucketlist. )Heads up: Obviously – this is not for young kids! Great for teens and those who love a good scare.) Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Two nights! Friday October 25th and Saturday October 26th – 7pm. Tickets HERE. Watch our video on the event HERE.
Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla – Date for 2024 TBA
A parade of pumpkins! The iconic festive flotilla—featuring homemade jack-o’-lanterns floating over the open waters —is a must-see NYC event for kids of all ages. Celebrate Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 26th by watching the Harlem Meer light up with floating pumpkins. Feel free to dress for the occasion! October 26th, from 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Sail starts at dusk. Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla. Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, located inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. Read more about pumpkin guidelines and the event HERE.
Washington Market Park Halloween Parade & Party – Sunday October 27
The annual Washington Market Park’s Halloween Party and Costume Parade is the park’s longest-running event and is a Halloween highlight every year. The festivities start with a children’s costume parade through the streets that leads into the park. In the park, you will find a dozen free events, from penny-in-a-haystack to a bone dig in the sandbox, carnival games and a hay circle on the lawn. Washington Market Park. 310 Greenwich Street, Tribeca. 1:00-3:00. Parade line up at 12:45 near CitiGroup Plaza (Beach Street at N. Moore Street). More information HERE.
March to the Arch: DUMBOWEEN Halloween Celebration – Thursday October 31
A childrens parade with a skyline view! Don your most imaginative costume and make your way to Dumbo for a spooktacular Halloween March to the Arch! Starting at at Washington Street (between Front and Water Streets) costumed participants will joyfully promenade to the Dumbo Archway, while being serenaded by live music and accompanied by puppets. The parade is just one part of the celebration! After the parade, revel in family-friendly festivities within the Archway, and take kids on a delightful trick-or-treating adventure through the local stores. Be sure to grab a map of participating stores online before setting out, or simply seek out the pumpkin signs displayed in shop windows. March to the Arch, part of DUMBOWEEN. Parade line up 4pm. More information HERE.
The Best Halloween Parade in NYC: Village Halloween Parade – Thursday October 31
The biggest parade of them all! This famous ghoul fest runs every year on Halloween eve and consists of a massive costumed Halloween parade through Greenwich Village’s streets. Anyone is allowed to march – but you MUST be in costume. The people you will meet while marching in the crazy NYC scene guarantees a ghoulishly good time for all. Don’t miss the famous Michael Jackson Thriller dance that happens in route. NOT recommended for small children due to the scary costumes and craziness of the Village neighborhood. Village Halloween Parade. 7:00 – 11:00 Halloween night. The parade runs up Sixth Ave from Canal Street to West 15th St in Manhattan. FREE. Must be in costume to march. Route Map HERE More info HERE.
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