New York City never holds back when it comes to Halloween, and this year promises to be just as thrilling! Whether you’re a fan of dressing up, braving a haunted house, or simply enjoying the festive fall decorations, there’s something for everyone to experience. We’ve compiled a list of the best Best things to do this Halloween in NYC all month long. Check back as we continue to update and add to the list. Happy Haunting!
The Famous Pumpkin Arch | September 27 – Early November 2024
The arch is back, and it’s gourd-ous! The epic pumpkin arch is back at Pier 17 for the 2024 season. The beloved 10-foot-tall Pumpkin Arch sits right on the waterfront overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge – making it the perfect spot for Fall Pics. The arch is completely FREE and open to the public. Heads up: the arch is very popular, expect a line to have photo time with the pumpkins. Pumpkin Arch. Pier 17 in the Seaport District, NYC.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail | September 27 – November 30 2024
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and others on a walk of Halloween wonders, as fan-favorite characters, scenes, and songs from the immortal film come to life amongst the trees and leaves of the New York Botanical Garden. Bringing Burton’s distinctive characters to life, the outdoor Halloween Town adventure features over 8,300 square feet of dazzling light installations with cutting-edge technology including interactive video projection, intelligent LED lighting, and 3D printed sculptures of the film’s iconic characters. This first-ever Disney spectacle illuminates the art of the classic film against a botanical backdrop —a must-see New York event for fans of all ages, and those who love seasonal and Halloween fun. New York Botanical Garden. 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx. Tickets HERE.
Tonightmares Haunted Experience by Jimmy Fallon | September 20 – October 31 2024
Step into a haunted maze like no other with Tonightmares, brought to you by Jimmy Fallon! New for 2024, Rockefeller Center is transforming into a chilling labyrinth featuring ten terrifying rooms, each inspired by Fallon’s own nightmares. The experience was created in collaboration with the same team behind Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights and includes a series of bone-chilling scenes. Each room delivers escalating terror, with spine-tingling surprises around every turn. NOT recommended for children under 14. Tonightmares. Rockefeller Center, 630 5th Avenue, New York NY. Use code SPOOKYJFT15 for 15% off Tickets! Discount valid until end of day October 10th. Link HERE.
Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest | September 20 – October 27 2024
No bones about it, Halloween Harvest at Luna Park is the perfect place for little ones to bring in the fun fall season. Every weekend through Halloween there will be costumed trick or treating, the city’s best pumpkin patch, and Halloween-themed arts and crafts – there are endless activities, and our favorite amusement park pulls out all the stops for Halloween. The entire park was beautifully transformed into a fall fest, with hay bales, autumn flowers, pumpkins, corn stalks, and more! And the best part – it’s just a quick subway ride from the city. Luna Park Halloween Harvest. Select days – check the schedule online. Luna Park in Coney Island. 1000 Surf Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11224. More information HERE.
Pumpkin Point | October 26-27 2024
Governors Island’s annual pumpkin patch, Pumpkin Point, is back! This year’s patch will feature thousands of pumpkins and fall-themed activities and treats in historic Nolan Park. Each visitor will be encouraged to take one pumpkin home with them, free of charge. Be sure to check the website for the exciting lineup this year, including arts & crafts, performances, storytelling, magic and more. Pumpkin Point. Governors Island Nolan Park. FREE. More info HERE.
Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla | Wedensday October 30 2024
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 by watching the Harlem Meer light up with floating pumpkins. Feel free to dress for the occasion! Sail starts at dusk. Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla. Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, located inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. FREE. Read more about pumpkin guidelines and the event 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.
Sleepy Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest | October 12 – November 10
This Fall, journey to the heart of an American legend at Rockefeller Center in Celebration of Halloween! Sleepy Hollow: Autumn’s Harvest offers a multi-sensory journey for curious minds of every age with cutting-edge digital art that brings Sleepy Hollow to life. Each chamber offers a unique blend of history, folklore, and interactive play. From eerie woodlands to festive harvests, HERO continues its mission of bringing New York’s rich folklore to life. HERO. Rockefeller Center – Rink Level. 15 West 49th Street. New York, NY. More information HERE.
Boo at the Zoo | Septemeber 28 – October 27 2024
Pick out your spookiest costume and get ready for the annual Halloween craze – Boo at the Zoo. This family-friendly, not-so-scary cherished tradition brings together fun Halloween activities with the Bronx Zoo’s resident wildlife. From annual favorites such as the hay maze, pumpkin carving demos, and wild costume parades, this is one event you will not want to miss! This year the event is bigger and better than ever with Pumpkin Nights. The nighttime family Halloween event, will take place on select evenings, where you can follow an animal-themed illuminated jack o’lantern trail and learn what animals do after dark. Boo at the Zoo. September 28 – October 27. Bronx Zoo. 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460. More on the fun festivities 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. This is just one of many Halloween parades! Ready our list of the top Halloween Parades in NYC HERE.
There’s no better place to enjoy the Halloween season than in New York City – the month of October is chocked full of spooky fun for little ghouls and girls of all ages. Our guide to Halloween events for kids HERE.
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