The hardest thing about celebrating Halloween in New York City is deciding just what to do! This list gathers the best ideas for celebrating Halloween in New York City, no matter how old (or young!) you are.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our Halloween Events for Kids and Halloween Events for Adults for even more ideas!
1. Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of Ghouls
Dan Cross
The Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of Ghouls at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is one of New York City's most exciting Halloween traditions. Wear your costume, and enjoy this annual Halloween event which begins with the screening of a classic silent horror film accompanied by outstanding organ music, followed by The Grand Procession of the Ghouls. The Procession features outstanding costumes, creatures, and special effects designed by Ralph Lee.
- Visitors Guide: Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of Ghouls
- Photos: Pictures of the Grand Procession of the Ghouls
2. New York's Village Halloween Parade
Heather Cross
Every year the Halloween parade in the Village is host to the craziest, scariest, and most impressive costumes. The Village Halloween Parade begins at 7 p.m. on 6th Avenue and Spring Street and continues up 6th Avenue to 21st Street. Whether you want to march in the Halloween parade or just watch, this annual event is a great experience.
- Visitors Guide: New York's Village Halloween Parade
- Photos: Pictures of New York's Village Halloween Parade
3. Merchant's House Museum Halloween Events
- Ghost Tours of "Manhattan’s Most Haunted House"
Take a candlelight tour of the Merchant's House, where Seabury Trewell died in 1865.Tours begin every half hour from 6-10 pm on October 23-24, & 29-30, 2009. Reservations strongly suggested. Not appropriate for very young children. $25, $13 members - Mid-19th Century Funeral & Cemetery Tour
On Sun, October 25, 2009 at 3 p.m. participate in a recreation of the 1865 funeral of Seabury Tredwell. 19th-century mourning dress encouraged. $15, $10 members - Spine-Tingling & True: Ghost Stories of the Merchant’s House Museum
On Saturday, Oct 31 at 7 & 9 p.m. join Anthony Bellov, master ghost-storyteller, for an evening of terror by candlelight. $25, $15 members
4. Halloween in Central Park 2009
Enjoy a variety of events in Central Park to celebrate Halloween from October 15-30, 2009, including pumpkin carving for adults and families, a Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Sail, Halloween Crafts and a Haunted Castle.5. Gotham City Ghost Tour by NYC Discovery Walking Tours
Come on this walking tour of the historic, infamous, eerie and macabre of Greenwich Village history. You'll see the spooky cemetery at St Marks; the hanging elm, a 19th century execution site; the home of Edgar Allan Poe; and the burial ground at Washington Square.Saturday, October 31 at 1 & 4 p.m., and Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 & 2:45 p.m.
Cost: $18
Reservations and meeting place: 212-465-3331
