Where to See the Best Halloween Decorations in NYC (2025)
Forget pumpkin spice lattes; the real sign that spooky season has arrived in NYC is when the brownstones start their annual Halloween glow-up. New Yorkers do not mess around when it comes to decorations, turning entire blocks into elaborate, spooky, and sometimes hilarious displays. This is your ultimate guide on where to see the best Halloween decorations in NYC, from the chic haunts of the West Village to the over-the-top mansions of the Upper East Side.
Note: Decorations go up throughout October, but the best time to see everything in its full glory is usually the week leading up to Halloween. Also, remember that these are people’s homes, so be respectful, stay on the sidewalk, and don’t touch the displays.
Where to See the Best Halloween Decorations in NYC
Upper West Side: Creative & Classic Brownstones
The UWS has a fun, family-friendly, and super creative Halloween vibe. The brownstones here are famous for their elaborate and often witty displays.
The Legendary “Spider-Man” House
This is a true classic. The brownstone at 248 West 74th Street is famous for its massive, Spidey-themed web and decorations that are a nod to the neighborhood’s most famous (fictional) resident. It’s a must-see every year.
- Price: FREE
- Location: 248 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023
- Pro Tip: This is a single, famous house. It’s a great starting point for a UWS walking tour.
West 69th Street (between Central Park West & Broadway)
This is arguably the best Halloween block in the entire city. The residents go all out, with a fantastic mix of spooky, funny, and incredibly elaborate decorations. It feels like a friendly competition to see who can outdo each other, and we all win.
- Price: FREE
- Location: West 69th Street (between CPW & Broadway)
- Pro Tip: This block is a designated “trick-or-treat street” on Halloween night and gets absolutely mobbed in the most fun way possible. For a calmer viewing experience, go the weekend before.
West 81st & 82nd Streets
These blocks, especially between Columbus and Amsterdam, are always packed with amazing displays. You’ll find everything from giant skeletons and intricate pumpkin carvings to full-on haunted house setups on the stoops.
- Price: FREE
- Location: West 81st & 82nd Streets (between Columbus & Amsterdam)
- Pro Tip: Good for: A long stroll. This area is less crowded than the 69th Street spectacle but just as impressive.
Upper East Side: Polished & Professional Spooks
The UES brings a more elegant and often professional approach to Halloween. Think grand, cinematic, and perfectly executed.
East 78th Street (between Park & Lexington)
This block is known for its beautiful mansions that get a full spooky-chic makeover. Expect gorgeous, autumnal displays mixed with skeletons in top hats and other classy ghouls.
- Price: FREE
- Location: East 78th Street (between Park & Lexington Avenues)
- Pro Tip: This is where you go to see how the other half haunts. The scale of the decorations on these massive homes is incredible.
The Ralph Lauren Mansion
The flagship store on Madison Avenue always has one of the most tasteful and stunning Halloween displays in the city. It’s less about jump scares and more about an elegant, gothic, and incredibly photogenic atmosphere.
- Price: FREE (to look from the outside)
- Location: 867 Madison Ave, New York
- Pro Tip: The window displays are works of art. It’s a perfect stop on a UES walking tour.
East 94th Street (near Park Avenue)
Keep an eye out for a few specific townhouses on this street that are known for their incredibly detailed and often politically satirical skeleton displays. The themes change every year, making it a fun surprise.
- Price: FREE
- Location: East 94th Street (between Park & Madison Avenues)
- Pro Tip: This area is quieter, making it a nice, relaxing walk. The creativity of the displays here is top-notch.
West Village: Charming & Spooky-Chic
The winding, historic streets of the West Village are the perfect backdrop for some of the city’s most atmospheric Halloween decor.
Perry Street & Charles Street
These two parallel streets, especially between Bleecker and West 4th, are prime Halloween territory. The charming brownstones are adorned with pumpkins, ghosts, and skeletons that feel perfectly suited to the neighborhood’s historic vibe.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Perry Street & Charles Street (between Bleecker & W 4th St)
- Pro Tip: Good for: That perfect fall in NYC photo. Grab a coffee and just get lost wandering these beautiful, spooky streets.
The “Pumpkin House” in the East Village
While not technically the West Village, it’s close enough and a must-see. Every year, the owner of this building covers the entire balcony with an incredible display of dozens of unique, hand-carved pumpkins. It’s a true work of art.
- Price: FREE
- Location: The corner of Canal Street and the Manhattan Bridge access road.
- Pro Tip: The carvings are intricate and best viewed at dusk when they are all lit up. The display usually goes up in the last two weeks of October.
Brooklyn’s Best: Community & Creativity
Brooklyn brings a super creative, community-focused energy to its Halloween decorations.
Cobble Hill & Carroll Gardens
These neighborhoods are fantastic for a Halloween stroll. The stoops of the classic brownstones are covered in decorations that are often more playful and creative than scary. It’s very family-friendly and feels like a true neighborhood celebration.
- Price: FREE
- Location: General area around Court Street & Smith Street in Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens
- Pro Tip: Many of the local shops and restaurants also get in on the fun, so the whole area feels festive.
Brooklyn Heights
Get ready for some of the most beautiful and historic brownstones in the city, all decked out for Halloween. The vibe is similar to the UES but with a cozier, Brooklyn feel. The area right around the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a great place to start.
- Price: FREE
- Location: General area north of Atlantic Avenue and west of Court Street.
- Pro Tip: You get the bonus of incredible views of the Manhattan skyline from the nearby promenade after your spooky stroll.
Dyker Heights
Wait, isn’t that a Christmas thing? Yes, but don’t sleep on their Halloween game While not as universally over-the-top as their Christmas light extravaganza, a growing number of houses in Dyker Heights put up massive, professional-level Halloween displays that are well worth the trip.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Primarily from 83rd to 86th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
- Pro Tip: It’s a preview of the Christmas insanity. You’ll see some of the same houses testing out their spooky spirit before they go full Santa.
More Spooky Neighborhoods Worth a Wander
Chelsea
The neighborhood of Chelsea, especially the beautiful side streets off of 9th and 10th Avenues, is a fantastic spot to wander. The historic brownstones get a full festive treatment, and you’ll often find cool, artistic displays that feel a bit more modern and edgy than in other parts of the city.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Side streets between West 21st and 24th, between 9th & 10th Avenues.
- Pro Tip: It’s a great area to explore before or after a walk on the High Line. The Chelsea Market also gets a fun, spooky makeover inside.
SoHo
While you won’t see many stoops here, SoHo is all about the chic, high-fashion Halloween vibe. The cast-iron buildings and luxury boutiques create super stylish and artistic window displays. It’s less about skeletons and more about avant-garde spooky aesthetics.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Main shopping streets like Broadway, Prince, and Spring Street.
- Pro Tip: This is the place for high-end window shopping. You’ll see fewer residential decorations and more incredibly creative displays from top brands.
Nolita
This trendy neighborhood, nestled between SoHo and the Lower East Side, has a charming and artistic Halloween spirit. Keep an eye on the Elizabeth Street Garden, which sometimes hosts a community pumpkin patch and features beautiful, rustic decorations among the sculptures.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Spring Streets.
- Pro Tip: The garden is a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the middle of downtown chaos. Seeing it with a touch of spooky season charm is a special treat.
Astoria, Queens
If you want to see how a real, vibrant NYC neighborhood celebrates, take a trip to Astoria. Known for its strong community feel, many residential blocks go all out with decorations that are more fun and creative than outright scary. It’s a blast to see the sheer variety of styles.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Wander the streets around Ditmars Boulevard or 30th Avenue.
- Pro Tip: This is a great area to see a different side of NYC. It feels much more local and less tourist-focused, offering a truly authentic Halloween experience.
Harlem
The historic districts of Harlem are absolutely stunning, and they shine during Halloween. The beautiful brownstones in areas like the Mount Morris Park Historic District (around West 120th-124th Streets) often feature elegant, spooky, and sometimes elaborate displays that highlight their gorgeous architecture.
- Price: FREE
- Location: Mount Morris Park Historic District, Harlem.
- Pro Tip: The architecture here is the real star. The Halloween decorations just add to the incredible character of the neighborhood, making for a beautiful and historic walk.
This list of where to see the best Halloween decorations in NYC is your key to the city’s best free show. Happy haunting!
Ready for More Spooky Season Fun?
Once you’ve seen all the amazing decorations, you might be looking for more ways to celebrate. Check out our guide to 20+ Spooky & Fun Things To Do in NYC for Halloween Season for haunted houses, parties, and more
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the nature of residential decorations means they can change year to year. Please be respectful of private property during your explorations.
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