There are some Halloween celebrations that are worth planning for months in advance. One of them is New York's Village Halloween Parade. Taking place in
the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan, this parade boasts some of the most creative, wacky, and outrageous costumes to take the streets in any given year. In addition to all those in costume who show up every year to march up 6th Avenue, there are also hundreds of puppets, dozens of bands, dancers, and artists for even more Halloween entertainment. If you're looking for a way to spice up your Halloween routine, this is it.
The 2011 Parade
In 2011, New York's Village Halloween Parade is taking place right on
October 31 . What began as a small grass roots movement in the West Village has taken off into one of the most popular Halloween parades in the country. On Halloween, New Yorkers and visitors in all sorts of crazy costumes line up between the hours of 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on 6th Avenue between Canal Street and Spring Street. This turns 6th Avenue into an outdoor party with plenty of people watching, music, dancing, and general revelry.
The Fine Print
Only people wearing costumes are permitted to march in the parade. Once the parade begins at
Spring Street , it marches all the way up 6th Avenue to 16th Street. If you aren't wearing a costume, you can always find a seat along the parade route to admire everyone else's incredible costumes. It might even inspire you to get creative with your costume next year! Many visitors to New York wonder what the best way to arrive at the parade is. Without a doubt, the subway is the best way to arrive. Parking in this area when streets are shut down for the parade is a nightmare, as well is trying to get a taxi.
Tickets
No tickets are required for New York's Village Halloween Parade; the only requirement for marching is wearing a costume. However, the parade is only part of the night in New York City. Some visitors research Halloween parties at nightclubs or bars and buy tickets in advance. The official after-party for the Village Halloween Parade is at Webster Hall. This nightclub is near the end of the route for the parade and many people will go in their costumes directly to the nightclub.
Fair Warning
While New York's Village Halloween Parade is one of the most hotly anticipated events of the season, it also does have a few negative qualities. First of all, you should be the type of person that is very comfortable in crowds of people. Before the parade gets started (and even afterwards), it is incredibly difficult to move through the swarms of people. That means before you arrive, take care of essentials like having a meal and using the bathroom. There is a serious presence of police officers, so the parade is incredibly safe, but the crowds might not be the best place for young children.
Accommodations
The Village Halloween parade was organized by and for New Yorkers. If you're traveling to this event, odds are you want to gain an insider's perspective on Manhattan. The best way to do so is to choose a
West Village vacation rental. Better yet, choose a vacation rental in downtown Manhattan, where you will be within walking distance of the parade. In the West Village, Soho, and even Tribeca, you will be right at the center of the Halloween action. Live like a New Yorker this Halloween with a creative costume and a spacious vacation rental.
West Village Rentals
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