Wondering what to do on Halloween in
NYC? Well, you've got lots of options. New York City goes big for holidays and Halloween is no exception. No matter what day of the
week it falls on, the actual holiday is met with revelry and costume parties throughout the city. The season around Halloween is also full of fun tours and attractions. If you're considering traveling to NYC for Halloween this year, here are a few fun things to do throughout the city.
1. Halloween Parade in the Village
The biggest celebration in NYC has to be the Halloween Parade in the Village. This huge parade began as a small grass roots operation in 1973 and now has over 50,000 people marching up
6th Avenue each year. The best part is that you don't need to sign up to participate. Anyone wearing a costume can join the festivities and march along admiring all the incredible costumes on October 31. Book an
NYC rental near 6th Avenue for the best access.
2. Shopping for a Costume
You might think that coming to New York with a costume is traveling prepared, but part of the fun could also be shopping for a costume. New York is known for its massive costume emporiums and although the prices can be on the high side, there are some fantastic (and elaborate) options. Shop for your costume at
Ricky's (locations throughout the city at Halloween),
The Creative Costume Company , or
Screaming Mimi's for a vintage take on Halloween.
3. Boo at the Bronx Zoo
While Halloween has a reputation for partying in NYC, there are also plenty of activities planned just for families. Boo at the Bronx Zoo is an annual celebration held on the weekends in October that includes face painting, pumpkin painting, storytelling, and hay rides. Kids that are dressed in costume are admitted for free with a paying adult. A bonus is
vacation rentals in the Bronx aren't as expensive as those in Manhattan.
4. Nightmare: Fairy Tales
If you're wondering where you can find a haunted house right in the middle of Manhattan, look no further than the neighborhood of
NoHo for Nightmare: Fairy Tales. This 25-minute tour through a haunted house kicks off in the end of September and lasts through the beginning of November. Purchase tickets online in advance for a small discount.
5. Circle Line's Halloween Costume Party Cruise
Most other days of the year, the Circle Line is a boat tour that introduces New York visitors to the major sights on both
the Hudson and
the East River. In celebration of Halloween, the Circle Line puts on a costume party cruise for a night of dinner and dancing on October 31. Adults looking for a unique way to party on Halloween might want to throw on their costume and head for the boat dock to jump aboard this cruise.
6. Nightclub Costume Balls
Throughout New York, there are special nightclubs that offer costume parties. Tickets are often expensive and sold out in advance, but people visiting the city might want in on the action. One of the best known is
the Halloween Bash at Webster Hall (in the
East Village). This party, held annually on October 31, includes a costume contest with a big cash prize.
7. Greenwich Village Scavenger Hunt
Who says scavenger hunts are just for kids? This scavenger hunt through the streets of
Greenwich Village explores secret cemeteries and buildings known for a ghost presence. Purchase tickets in advance for these scavenger hunts typically held on the weekend nearest Halloween (dates to be announced).
NYC Vacation Rentals for Halloween
New York is expensive any time of year, and Halloween is no exception. Spread your budget further by choosing
vacation rentals. You can split the cost with friends and will often find yourself surrounded by New Yorkers in a local neighborhood to celebrate the festivities of Halloween. The more money you'll save on accommodations, the more options you'll have as far as what to do on Halloween in NYC.
Book a Rental in Greenwich Village
Enjoy loft living in our spectacular St. Marks Terrace Suite located in Astor Place in the heart of Greenwich Village. This approximately 2000 square foot floor-through New York luxury rental is a duplex featuring 14’ ceilings, exposed brick, orig...
Beautiful West Village One bedroom / 1 bath Apt available for short term / long term lease fully furnished in a landmark building.
Very clean apt, nicely decorated with beautiful furnishings, queen size bed, fresh sheets and towels provided.
F...
You won't find a better location than this bright and comfortable vacation rental, which is perfectly maintained to accommodate your needs away from home. The subway is right outside the door, and the bus stop is steps around the corner. You are a...
Cinematographer's studio on a quiet tree lined street in the West Village, The Safest Neighborhood in NYC. A great secluded retreat for two people. Contemporary furnishings enhance the minimalist design of this trendy studio. Walnut stained floors...
This renovated Greenwich Village apartment occupies the full second floor of an historic building, and offers charming details and authenticity along with modern amenities. The space features a large living room, a dining room great for entertaini...
