20+ Spooky & Fun Things To Do in NYC for Halloween Season 2025
October in New York City has its own kind of energy — the streets get crowded with costumes, stoops turn into haunted movie sets, and the whole city feels like it’s waiting for Halloween night. To help you plan, I’ve pulled together spooky and fun things to do in NYC for Halloween season this 2025, so you don’t have to wonder where the best parades, pumpkin trails, or haunted houses are happening. And because some of the most exciting events are just a short trip away, I’ve also included a few options outside the city for when you’re up for a little adventure.
To avoid surprises, always double-check the official pages for updates. Also, remember that even though admission is free, you might need to RSVP or pay for extras like food, drinks, and activities.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in NYC This Halloween
Parades & Festivals
illage Halloween Parade
If you’re only picking one Halloween event in NYC, make it this parade. Thousands of people flood Sixth Avenue in wild costumes, with giant puppets and live music, making it feel like a giant street party. It’s the definition of spooky fun in the city.
- When: October 31, 2025
- Where: 6th Avenue from KING St to West 15th
- Tickets: Free (VIP tickets are also available)
- Website: https://halloween-nyc.com
- Best For: Anyone who wants the full NYC Halloween experience.
40th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade
Looking for something festive before the big night? The Bronx parade brings floats, costumes, and performances that feel like the whole neighborhood is celebrating together. It’s an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit early.
- When: October 25, 2025
- Where: Westchester Ave & Southern Blvd, The Bronx
- Tickets: Free admission
- Website: https://www.bxcb2.events
- Best For: Families and locals.
4th Annual NYC Bosties Halloween Parade
Halloween isn’t just for people — dogs get their moment too. Boston terriers strut through Williamsburg in costumes that are funnier than anything you’ll see on humans. Trust me, you’ll want front-row seats for this one.
- When: October 19, 2025
- Where: Starts at Bushwick Inlet Park (Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Instagram: @nyc_boston terriers
- Best For: Dog owners and pet fans.
Halloween Howl and Healthy Hound Fair
If one dog parade isn’t enough, head to Carl Schurz Park the same weekend. Over 200 pups show off their best Halloween looks while judges decide which furry friend wore it best.
- When: October 19, 2025
- Where: basketball/hockey court and John Finley Walk
- Website: https://www.carlschurzparknyc.org
- Best For: People who can’t resist dogs in costumes.
Howl-O-Ween at Spicy Moon Bowery
Want to mix Halloween fun with a good meal? This vegan Szechuan spot teams up with Korean K9 Rescue for a doggy adoption party and a costume contest. You’ll leave full and maybe with a new furry friend.
- When: October 25, 2025
- Where: 265 Bowery, New York
- Tickets: TBA
- Website: https://www.koreank9rescue.org
- Best For: Foodies who love dogs.
Family-Friendly Fun
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at NYBG
If the kids can’t stop singing “This is Halloween,” take them here. The Bronx Botanical Garden transforms into Jack Skellington’s world with glowing pumpkins and scenes from the movie. It’s spooky, but still sweet enough for little ones.
- When: September 25-November 30, 2025
- Where: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
- Best For: Families and Tim Burton fans.
Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
This one feels like a Halloween carnival at the zoo. You’ll find glowing lanterns shaped like animals, night safaris, and pumpkin carving shows all in one place. It’s perfect if you want spooky without the nightmares.
- When: Until October 31, 2025
- Where: 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://bronxzoo.com
- Best For: Families with kids.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
If pumpkins had a concert, this would be it. Thousands of them are carved into wild displays that light up the night. It’s one of those must-do Halloween traditions around NYC.
- Best For: Couples, families, and anyone who loves fall.
- When: Until November 16, 2025
- Where: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://pumpkinblaze.org
Family Cruise Halloween Party
If trick-or-treating wasn’t enough, extend Halloween with a boat party. Costumes, contests, and skyline views make it feel extra special. Plus, you can still wear that costume you love one more time.
- When: November 1-2, 2025
- Where: Pier 36 NYC (299 South Street, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best For: Families who want something different.
Halloween at Queens Botanical Garden
Here, enjoy trick-or-treat trails, Halloween crafts, and bug encounters for the kids. Adults aren’t left out — there’s a beer and cider garden to relax in.
- When: October 26, 2025
- Where: 43-50 Main Street, Flushing
- Tickets: Free – members. Non-member adults – $10 / non-member child – $8
- Website: https://queensbotanical.org
- Best For: Parents who want stress-free fun.
Halloween Decorations in the Neighborhoods
Sometimes the best Halloween activity is just walking around. From Village stoops to Brooklyn brownstones, New Yorkers go all out with decorations. Grab a coffee, wander, and enjoy free spooky entertainment.
- When: Throughout Halloween season
- Where: Multiple NYC neighborhoods
- Tickets: Free admission
- Best For: Budget-friendly fall nights.
Performances, Haunted Attractions & Pop-Ups
Cathedral of St. John the Divine’s Halloween Extravaganza
Halloween in a cathedral? Yep, and it’s every bit as dramatic as it sounds. A horror movie, live organ, and ghostly performers make it an October highlight.
- When: October 24-25, 2025
- Where: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York
- Tickets: $50 General Admission
- Website: https://www.stjohndivine.org
- Best For: Theater fans and history lovers.
Spirits: An Immersive Tale of Fright & Woe
Ever wanted to solve a ghost story while sipping cocktails in a speakeasy? This interactive theater experience puts you inside Olive Thomas’s haunting 1920s tale, complete with music, games, and eerie secrets.
- When: Until November 1, 2025
- Where: Carmine’s – Time Square (200 W 44th St, New York)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best For: Theater fans and cocktail lovers.
Drunk Dracula NYC
Want Halloween with more laughs than screams? One actor downs shots of whiskey and then tries to retell Dracula. The result is chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly fun.
- When: Until October 24, 2025
- Where: 35 West 39th Street, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://drunkdracula.com
- Best For: Friends looking for a funny night out.
Blood Manor
This haunted house is not for the faint of heart. Expect jump scares, creepy actors, and enough fake blood to make you second-guess your life choices. You’ll scream, then laugh at yourself.
- When: Until November 8, 2025
- Where: 359 Broadway, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.bloodmanor.com
- Best For: Hardcore thrill seekers.
Brooklyn Horror Film Festival
Want something low-key but still spooky? This festival brings indie horror films to theaters all across Brooklyn. It’s perfect for a cozy October movie night.
- When: October 6-25, 2025
- Where: Nitehawk Cinema – Williamsburg (136 Metropolitan Ave.
Brooklyn) and Nitehawk Cinema – Prospect Park (188 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn) - Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://brooklynhorrorfest.com
- Best For: Horror film buffs.
Annual Times Square Halloween Party at Sir Henry’s
Times Square already feels intense, but add Halloween and it’s next level. DJs, lights, and costumes turn it into a massive dance floor.
- When: October 31, 2025
- Where: 795 8th Avenue, New York
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best For: Partygoers who want it big.
Black Lagoon Pop-Up at Someday Bar
Head to Someday Bar as it morphs into a goth den with eerie lighting and sneaky scares. Then order bubbling potions and smoky concoctions that look wicked and taste even better.
- When: Until November 2, 2025
- Where: 364 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
- Price: Varies
- Website: https://blacklagoonpopup.com
- Best For: Cocktail lovers and goth-core fans.
Tours & Ghost Walks
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours
For a spooky night that doesn’t involve running from chainsaw guys, hop on this trolley. You’ll cruise through Brooklyn while hearing creepy stories from the past. It’s spooky season with a side of history.
- When: Until November 2025
- Where: 510 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn
- Tickets: $69 (September-October) / $50 (November)
- Website: https://www.madamemorbid.com
- Best For: Thrill seekers.
NYC Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour
Like your Halloween with a dash of true crime? Walk through Chinatown, Little Italy, and other locations while hearing mob stories mixed with ghost tales.
- When: Until November 26, 2025
- Where: 24 Mulberry St. (tour finishes in Washington Square Park)
- Tickets: Click here.
- Best For: Tourists and true-crime fans.
Green-Wood After Hours
Halloween doesn’t get more atmospheric than a cemetery at night. Green-Wood’s tours share fascinating stories and even let you peek inside the catacombs.
- When: Multiple dates
- Where: 500 25th St, Brooklyn
- Tickets: Click here.
- Website: https://www.green-wood.com
- Best For: History fans with a spooky streak.
You’ve got your activities planned, now let’s talk about food! Continue the Halloween fun with a themed meal or cocktail at one of the spots in our guide to the Best Halloween-Themed Bar & Restaurants to Dine in NYC (2025).
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