As Halloween approaches, New York City transforms into a thrilling playground of spooky attractions, haunted tours, and eerie events that promise unforgettable scares and festive fun. From haunted houses that test your courage to immersive parties that transport you into otherworldly realms, there’s something for every thrill-seeker and Halloween lover in the city that never sleeps. Whether you prefer a chilling ghost tour through the city’s haunted history or a high-energy, costume-filled bash, NYC has it all for celebrating the year’s spookiest season.
This year’s lineup of Halloween happenings is bigger and better than ever, offering an eclectic mix of horror, history, and playful frights. From iconic events like the Village Halloween Parade to spine-tingling experiences at haunted hotels and immersive pop-ups, NYC has become the ultimate Halloween destination.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail – Now through November 29, 2024
For a truly enchanting and spooky experience this Halloween, head to The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden. Inspired by Tim Burton’s beloved classic, this immersive light display transforms a sprawling outdoor space into Jack Skellington’s eerie world. Guests can wander through dazzling light installations featuring iconic scenes and characters from the film, from the twisted spires of Halloween Town to Oogie Boogie’s lair. Perfect for all ages, the light trail blends Halloween thrills with whimsical charm, offering an unforgettable evening of spooky storytelling and dazzling visuals. It’s a must-see for fans of the film and Halloween lovers alike.
New York’s 51st Annual Village Halloween Parade – October 31, 2024
New York’s 51st Annual Village Halloween Parade is a must-see spectacle that captures the city’s vibrant and creative spirit. Held in the heart of Greenwich Village, this iconic event features thousands of participants dressed in elaborate, often outrageous costumes alongside massive puppets, performers, and live bands. With a theme that changes each year, the parade is a mix of artistry, fun, and community, making it one of the world’s largest and most exciting Halloween events. Whether you’re marching in costume or watching from the sidelines, the Village Halloween Parade is an unforgettable celebration of all things spooky and spectacular in NYC.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Hudson Valley – September 13 – November 17, 2024
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one of the most mesmerizing Halloween experiences near NYC. Located at Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley, this annual event features more than 7,000 intricately carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged in dazzling displays. The Blaze is a breathtaking spectacle of creativity and craftsmanship, from towering pumpkin sculptures to glowing tunnels. Set against the backdrop of historic grounds and paired with eerie music, this immersive, family-friendly event offers a magical and festive Halloween adventure just a short drive from the city. It’s a must-see for all ages to get into the spooky spirit.
Black Lagoon Pop-Up – October 1 – October 31, 2024
The Black Lagoon Pop-Up in Brooklyn is the ultimate Halloween destination for horror fans and cocktail enthusiasts. This eerie, gothic-inspired bar transforms into a spooky haven for the season, offering a menu of creatively macabre drinks and a hauntingly atmospheric setting. With dark, moody decor reminiscent of classic horror films, guests can sip on themed cocktails like “The Screaming Banshee” while soaking in the creepy yet cool ambiance. Whether you’re in for the Instagram-worthy decor or the chilling vibes, the Black Lagoon Pop-Up is a must-visit for those looking to celebrate Halloween with a bit of dark glamour and edge.
Blood Manor – Various dates from September to November
Blood Manor is NYC’s premier haunted attraction, delivering spine-chilling scares that will leave even the bravest souls trembling. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this multi-level haunted house features terrifyingly immersive scenes filled with grotesque creatures, eerie sounds, and heart-pounding special effects. With each room more terrifying than the last, Blood Manor takes horror to the next level, creating an intense, adrenaline-fueled experience. Perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a truly terrifying Halloween adventure, this haunted house is a must-see for anyone eager to test their courage this spooky season.
City of Gods – October 25th & 26th
City of Gods is one of NYC’s most extravagant and immersive Halloween parties, transforming a massive warehouse into a mythological realm of gods, monsters, and mortals. This high-energy event combines cutting-edge costumes, electrifying music, and stunning visual art installations to create an otherworldly experience. With themed rooms, live performances, and a lineup of top DJs, City of Gods is the perfect destination for those looking to celebrate Halloween in epic style. Whether you don a divine costume or dance the night away, this party is a must for anyone seeking an unforgettable Halloween adventure in the city.
The Haunted Hotel III: Carnevil – October 26, 2024
The Haunted Hotel III: Carnevil is a thrilling and twisted Halloween experience that transforms a New York City hotel into a nightmarish carnival of horrors. Combining the eerie ambiance of a haunted house with the unsettling charm of a creepy circus, this immersive event offers a journey through darkened corridors filled with sinister clowns, bizarre sideshow acts, and spine-tingling surprises at every turn. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of fear and fun, Carnevil delivers high-intensity scares and hauntingly unforgettable visuals, making it one of the most exciting Halloween attractions in NYC this year.
The Top 8 Ghost Tours In NYC
For a chilling dive into New York City’s haunted history, the Top 8 Ghost Tours offer a spine-tingling mix of storytelling and eerie exploration. Highlights include the Merchant’s House Museum in Noho, where the restless spirits of the Tredwell family are said to linger, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest home in Manhattan, rumored to be haunted by past residents including Eliza Jumel and Aaron Burr. Don’t miss the Boroughs of the Dead: Macabre New York City Walking Tours, which take you through the dark and unsettling side of the city’s history. Other must-see stops include Greenwich Village’s most haunted historic spots, where tales of ghostly apparitions send shivers down your spine. These ghost tours are perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, revealing the spooky secrets hidden within NYC’s streets.
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours offers a uniquely eerie way to explore New York City’s haunted past, perfect for Halloween thrill-seekers. Set aboard a vintage, Victorian-style trolley, this spine-chilling tour winds through Brooklyn’s most haunted sites, from hidden cemeteries to notorious crime scenes. Led by a costumed guide brimming with macabre tales, the 90-minute tour delves into the borough’s dark history, uncovering ghost stories, urban legends, and supernatural encounters. With its spooky ambiance and historical insights, Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours provides an unforgettable, atmospheric ride through Brooklyn’s haunted side this Halloween season.
Explore 8 Cool Abandoned Places
Exploring NYC’s eerie and forgotten corners, the 8 Cool Abandoned Places offer a haunting glimpse into the city’s past. Highlights include the crumbling Renwick Smallpox Hospital on Roosevelt Island, a gothic ruin that once treated infectious disease patients, and the looming Red Hook Grain Terminal, a massive industrial structure left to decay on the Brooklyn waterfront. The North Brother Island Ruins provide a secluded, ghostly setting with overgrown buildings that once housed a quarantine hospital. These and other abandoned spots around the city reveal a side of NYC where history, mystery, and decay converge, perfect for Halloween adventurers seeking a spooky, off-the-beaten-path experience.