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 spooky decorations, there’s something for everyone to experience. We’ve compiled your Halloween Bucket list with 7 things not to miss in NYC. Happy Haunting!
The Famous Pumpkin Arch | October 22nd – November 17th 2025
The epic pumpkin arch is coming back to Pier 17 for the 2025 season on October 22nd. 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 | Through November 30 2025
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.
Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest | September 19 – November 2 2025
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.
Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla | Thursday October 30 2025
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 24 – 25 2025
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 24th and Saturday October 25th – 7pm. Tickets HERE. Watch our video on the event HERE.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow | October 12 – November 10
Harvest Glow is back! The reimagined, family-friendly nighttime Halloween spectacular returns to the Bronx Zoo—bigger and better than ever! Stroll an animal-themed illuminated Jack O’Lantern Trail, experience the Dinosaur Safari at night, and enjoy live pumpkin carving, Wildlife Theater, new games, and so much more—all included for one price. Watch our video on the experience HERE. Use our code LKBCGLOW to save 20% on tickets! Harvest Glow. Bronx Zoo. 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY. More information HERE.
The Best Halloween Parade: Village Halloween Parade – Friday October 31 2025
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.
