As the leaves turn crimson and a chill dances through the air, New York City undergoes a mesmerizing transformation. We’re here to be your guide to all things Halloween in NYC for 2023, and we promise it’s going to be a blast. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, we’ve got the inside scoop on the coolest events, the best costumes, and how to snag those tickets without breaking the bank. From the iconic Village Halloween Parade to vampire masquerades that are sure to give you goosebumps, get ready for an unforgettable Halloween experience in the city that never sleeps. So, grab your broomsticks and vampire capes, because we’re about to dive into the wickedly fun world of NYC Halloween!
Thrills, Chills, And Halloween Delights In NYC 2023!
Halloween celebrated on the highly-anticipated night of October 31st, is a time when the supernatural and the spooky take center stage, and the city that never sleeps, New York City, knows how to do it right. As we gear up for September, it’s the perfect time to prepare for the thrilling and diverse array of Halloween festivities that await in 2023.
2023 Halloween Events In Newyork-Upcoming Adventure Awaits
From the iconic Village Halloween Parade, where tens of thousands of costumed revelers flood the streets of Greenwich Village, to immersive haunted houses like The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, this year promises a hauntingly good time. But Halloween in NYC is not just about scares; it’s also a showcase for creativity. Expect to see an eclectic mix of costumes, from classic monsters to pop culture icons. Whether you’re into the eerie or the enchanting, Halloween in NYC offers something for everyone to enjoy things to do in NYC
The Village Halloween Parade
Date: October 31, 2023
Address: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
The Village Halloween Parade is an iconic event in NYC, known for its creative and spooky procession through the streets of Greenwich Village. Whether you’re a spectator or a participant, this parade is a must-see for Halloween enthusiasts. The best part? It’s free for spectators! If you’re planning to join the parade, check the official Village Halloween Parade website for registration details and costume guidelines.
The Great Jack O’lantern Blaze
Date: September 15 – November 19, 2023
Address (Hudson Valley): Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a mesmerizing Halloween experience that takes place in two locations: Hudson Valley and Long Island. Thousands of hand-carved jack-o’lanterns are set up in elaborate displays. You’ll encounter everything from the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium to a pumpkin Ferris wheel (in Hudson Valley) and an under-the-sea installation (in Long Island). Ticket prices vary based on dates and age groups, so make sure to visit the official Blaze website for detailed pricing information.
Halloween House At The Oculus
Date: September 29 – November 1, 2023
Address: 185 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
Halloween House is a unique All Hallows Eve attraction held at The Oculus. Unlike traditional haunted houses, it focuses on delivering entertainment through meticulously designed themed rooms, devoid of actors and jump scares. The environments include a Glow in the Dark space, a mysterious Vampires’ Lair, a Horror Movie Graveyard, and an indoor pumpkin patch, among others. Tickets are available for adults at $40 and kids at $35. It’s a perfect, fear-free way to celebrate Halloween.
Dreams Of Dracula’s Masquerade Experience
Date: October 4 – November 11, 2023 (Previews from September 22)
Address: Musica NYC, Hell’s Kitchen, NY
“Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience” offers a fresh take on the classic Dracula universe. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure evening that spans two floors and six rooms across 25,000 square feet. Gothic and Victorian costumes are encouraged, and tickets start at $69. This event combines immersive theater, dance, and a decadent masquerade, promising a thrilling Halloween experience.
Pumpkin Nights At The Bronx Zoo
Date: September 28 – October 29, 2023
Address: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
The Bronx Zoo’s Pumpkin Nights is a fall festival that showcases more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins in a jack-o’-lantern trail stretching over half a mile. In addition to the pumpkins, you can enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, festive fall treats, and food trucks. Ticket prices range from $26.95 to $36.95 for adults and from $24.95 to $26.95 for kids. It’s a fantastic all-ages event for families and friends. Additionally, the Bronx Zoo will host Boo at the Zoo on selected dates, providing even more Halloween fun.
NYGB’s Fall-O-Ween
Date: Opens Saturday, September 16, 2023
Address: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
NYBG’s Fall-O-Ween is a delightful celebration of autumn and all things pumpkin. It’s an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy the warm and spooky spirit of the season. The event boasts an impressive display of hundreds of pumpkins and gourds, creatively arranged to create a visual feast. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities, including mini pumpkin decorating and 3D pumpkin carving. For those interested in Halloween-themed entertainment, two special Spooky Garden Nights on Saturday, October 21, and Saturday, October 28, will promise dancing skeletons, decorating trick-or-treat bags, live shadow puppets, plant potting, and much more. Master pumpkin carver Adam Bierton will make select appearances to showcase his intricate and nature-inspired pumpkin carvings.
Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
Address: Tompkins Square Park, Avenue A & East 7th Street, East Village, NY
If you’re looking for a unique Halloween experience that’s sure to make you smile, don’t miss the Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade. While the Village Halloween Parade offers its own thrills, this event adds an adorable twist. Dogs take center stage, dressed in remarkable and often elaborate costumes. You’ll be amazed at the creativity and effort that goes into these outfits, as participants compete for the title of Best in Show. Whether you’re a proud dog owner looking to join the competition or just a spectator, this canine contest is a heartwarming and entertaining way to celebrate Halloween.
Rooftop Cinema Club Halloween Movies
Date: Various dates through October 31, 2023
Address: Various rooftops in NYC
For a cinematic Halloween experience with a view, Rooftop Cinema Club is your go-to destination. This fall, they’re screening a wide range of Halloween-themed movies on some of NYC’s most scenic rooftops. Yes, you will see yourself sipping wine, munching on vegan popcorn, and enjoying classic films like “Hocus Pocus” and “The Shining” under the starry night sky. The lineup caters to all tastes, from spine-tingling horror to family-friendly favorites. As Halloween approaches, the screening schedule includes iconic films like “Hocus Pocus” and “Halloween.” It’s a unique and atmospheric way to enjoy your favorite movies during the spooky season.
Halloween Harvest At Luna Park
Date: Friday, September 22 – Sunday, October 29, 2023 (Weekday holidays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Address: Luna Park, 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Luna Park, NYC’s classic amusement park in Coney Island, invites you to join their annual Halloween Harvest celebration. This month-long extravaganza offers fun for all ages. Expect thrilling activities like balloon twisting, caricature portraits, and pumpkin decorating. Tractor racing and a pumpkin patch add to the festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for families and friends looking to celebrate the warm and spooky spirit of autumn. Additionally, indulge in autumn treats such as spooky churros and Halloween-themed cotton candy. Don’t forget to sample the pumpkin spice offerings, including gelato, funnel cake, and fried Oreos.
The Haunted Laboratory
Date: Starts Friday, September 22, 2023 (Various dates through Halloween)
Address: The Drunken Laboratory, 299 Vandervoort Ave, Brooklyn, NY
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind Halloween adventure, The Haunted Laboratory at The Drunken Laboratory in Brooklyn offers a spirited experience. The event centers around the League of Inebriation Technology (L.I.T.), a storied institution dedicated to studying the celebratory effects of alcohol. Guests are invited to don lab coats and goggles and immerse themselves in an evening of scientific exploration—with a supernatural twist. At the Haunted Laboratory, where ticket pricing starts at $45, will also have the chance to participate in experiments, from exothermic reaction experiments that send heat erupting into the air to ghoulish trivia quizzes.
Wrap Up
As we wrap up our spine-tingling tour of the 10 best Halloween events in NYC for 2023, one thing is clear: this city knows how to celebrate the season of scares like no other. Whether you’re a fan of elaborate parades, immersive experiences, or simply want to indulge in some spooky cinema under the stars, there’s something for everyone in the Big Apple. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a Halloween season filled with thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories. NYC’s Halloween spirit is waiting to enchant you—don’t miss out on the wicked fun!
