Halloween NYC: 2024 Spookiest Activities in the Big Apple
Surrounded by iconic landmarks, towering skyscrapers, renowned shopping havens, and captivating Broadway shows at Times Square, New York stands as a perennial favorite for travelers. Now, add the magic of the Halloween season into the mix, and you’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to explore or revisit this bustling, vibrant city.
Follow along as we unveil some of the most bone-chilling Halloween events NYC waiting for you during Halloween in New York in 2024.
Extend your sojourn beyond the Statue of Liberty sightseeing, leisurely Central Park strolls, and indulgent visits to luxury boutiques along Fifth Avenue. Dive into the true essence of a New York-style Halloween!
From crafting a jack o lantern in pumpkin patches to reveling in costumed parties, NYC offers an array of spine-tingling events for this year that you simply cannot miss.
Embark on haunted house tours, navigate through eerie corn mazes, and witness the grandeur of Halloween parades. The Big Apple ensures that you’ll be commemorating the spooky season unlike anywhere else.
Curious about the distinctive touch that sets New York’s Halloween celebrations apart? Read on!
Halloween Events NYC
Oktoberfest NYC
When: September 8th-October 29th,
Where: Watermark – Waterfront Bar Pier 15, 78 South Street, New York, NY
Summon your inner spirit and unleash a hauntingly good time, because Oktoberfest NYC returns! Gather at Watermark Bar on Pier 15 and bask in the charm of vibrant German decorations. While gazing upon the stunning Brooklyn skyline.
Sink your teeth into the spellbinding blend of beer, music, and authentic German eats.
Savor abundant steins brimming with Pilsner and Kolsch. While pondering whether to relish in Bratwurst or indulge in Bavarian pretzels.
This almost two-month-long Halloween party will transport you to the shadowy alleys of Munich. You won’t want to miss it!
Boo At The Zoo
When: Saturdays & Sundays Sept. 30th – Oct. 29th, , Monday October 9th,
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY
Attention all kids and those young at heart! The Bronx Zoo is back with a spooktacular Halloween event: Boo At The Zoo. And guess what? They’re taking it up a notch this year!
Prepare to be captivated by folktales from around the world, featuring animals you can find right here in the zoo. Delve into the intriguing world of skeletons, showcasing a variety of animal species that call this zoo home.
Plus, there’s a host of other family-friendly activities eagerly awaiting your presence such as:
- Costume parade
- Halloween crafts
- Magic and mind reading
- Pumpkin carving demos
- Wildlife theater
- And many more!
Mark your calendar for a Halloween weekend filled with excitement, grab your trick-or-treating bags. And dress up in your most imaginative costumes! Prepare to embark on an exciting journey to the zoo, where a boo-tiful time awaits!
The Amazing Maize Maze
Where: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY
What’s Halloween without the thrill of navigating through perplexing corn mazes? Brace to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at The Amazing Maize Maze located at Queens County Farm Museum.
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Your adventure starts with a Stalk Talk, equipping you with the skills to conquer the maze by deciphering clues, solving puzzles, and ultimately reaching the Victory Bridge. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of this 3-acre living labyrinth.
This interactive corn maze offers a delightful challenge that’s ideal for the Halloween season. Making it an exceptional choice for families and groups of friends. From their vibrant pumpkin patch to their unnerving costume party, get into the Halloween mood at Queens County Farm Museum!
Blood Manor
Blood ManorWhen: Select nights in October
Where: Tribeca District, 359 Broadway New York, NY
Let out your loudest screams at Blood Manor! Within the chilling expanse of approximately 10,000 square feet, immerse yourself in themed rooms, twisting corridors.
And a labyrinth of passageways meticulously designed to exploit your deepest terrors. With live actors, state-of-the-art special effects, and scenes that will make you jump out of your skin. This is an experience that defies the faint of heart.
It’s unlike any haunted houses you’ve dared to step foot in before! Venture forth into this Halloween event, but heed this warning: only the bravest souls should dare to enter!
Pro Tip: The larger the group, the merrier the experience, and the less daunting it feels! What’s even better? Groups of 15 or more can revel in a discount of up to $10 off on their tickets. So get your gang together and don’t miss out on the chills and thrills!
Pumpkin Keg Season
When: Sept. 23rd – Nov. 6th,
Where: Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Loreley Beer Garden, the largest heated outdoor beer garden in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, welcomes you to their Pumpkin Keg Season. It is when they serve beer from a giant pumpkin keg, creating a unique and festive way to celebrate the fall season.
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Alongside daily specials and enticing happy hour deals, Loreley Beer Garden offers a delectable array of German cuisine such as:
- Bratwurst
- Schnitzel
- Spätzle
- Sauerkraut
- Currywurst
- And many more!
Embark on a flavorsome journey to Germany and indulge in the richness of beers without leaving NYC. Join in this fun and mouthwatering way to embrace the Halloween spirit! Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!
Medieval Festival
When: September & October (Exact Date TBA)
Where: Fort Tryon Park, Riverside Dr To Broadway, New York, NY
Experience the legendary Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park. This NYC park will transform into a vibrant medieval village filled with costumed performers, lively period music, dance, magic, jugglers, jesters.
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And an exhilarating equestrian joust between knights on horseback. This free event brings the spirit of the Middle Ages to life, featuring local residents adorned in medieval attire, banners, and processional flags.
Attendees of all ages can immerse themselves in the festivities and revel in this bygone era’s culture and traditions. As they explore costumed vendors showcasing medieval crafts, food, and drink.
The festival, set around the renowned Cloisters museum of medieval art, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time. Against the stunning backdrop of the picturesque Palisades and the Hudson River.
Pro Tip: With restless spirits rumored to roam, venturing to New York alone might not be the wisest choice! Gather your friends and loved ones and secure Go New York City Explorer Pass or New York Pass by Go City through Tripster to save big on your NYC adventure!
Halloween Parade NYC
Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla
When: October 27th,
Where: Central Park, New York, NY
When the spooky season comes, there’s one vegetable that immediately takes the spotlight: pumpkins! Head to Central Park for a one-of-a-kind experience at this year’s Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla.
Prepare to be awestruck as 50 intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins gracefully glide across the Harlem Meer during twilight. Join in on the enchantment of this NYC Halloween parade, as your own jack-o’-lantern becomes the star of this captivating tradition.
Enjoy the beauty of autumn foliage, engage in pumpkin carving, and partake in the lively costume parade. It’s a Halloween event that you won’t want to let pass you by.
Pro Tip: Visiting Central Park or New York for the first time? No need to fret! Ensure a smooth and enriching experience by booking our expert-guided tours and diving into our comprehensive Things to Do in Central Park: The Complete Visitor’s Guide.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
When: October 21st,
Where: E 10th St, New York, NY
Who says our furry friends can’t join in the Halloween festivities? Join this year’s Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, where dogs and their owners come together. To showcase their creativity through imaginative and elaborate costumes.
With its roots dating back to 1990, the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade proudly claims its spot as a beloved New York City tradition. And is touted as the largest dog costume parade in the world.
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Witness tails wagging and paws dancing, as this parade exemplifies the unbreakable bond between dogs and their owners. In addition to the parade, there are also food trucks and pet supply vendors at this Halloween event.
And if you put in the effort to create an exceptional costume for your dog, you might just walk away with exciting prizes!
Village Halloween Parade
When: Monday October 31st
Where: Greenwich Village, New York, NY
Immerse yourself in a dazzling explosion of colors accompanied by the resounding melodies of marching bands. Experience the harmonious symphony of creativity at the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade!
This treasured annual Halloween parade NY celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Presenting the perfect opportunity to unveil your most extraordinary costumes and face paint.
Join the gathering at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Canal Street. Casting its spell northward all the way to 15th Street. Don your most splendid costume, and let your creative spirit soar.
From Beetlejuice to Barbie costumes to even larger-than-life multi-person floats, this parade promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you march as a participant or marvel as a wide-eyed observer. You won’t regret being a part of it!
New York City Hotels
Embark on a spooktacular journey to NYC this Halloween! If you’re already spellbound by the allure of the Big Apple during this haunting season. Then your next quest is to find the perfect hotel to rest your bones.
Fret not, for Tripster has conjured up a bewitching list of New York City Hotels that will fit your budget and preferences. Whether you’re in search of hotels with an indoor pool for relaxation, yearning for a complimentary breakfast to energize your mornings.
Seeking pet-friendly accommodations for your furry companions. Or desiring shuttle services to whisk you away on exciting adventures, we’ve conjured up a spell to ensure your stay is enchantingly delightful!
But that’s not all! With our special New York Ctiy Vacation Packages, you can combine together two enchanting Attractions for the price of one!
So, don’t let time slip away like a restless spirit and book through Tripster today!
Experience Spooky Delights in New York this Halloween!
New York is famously known as the City of Dreams. But when the chilling winds of the Halloween season sweep through its streets. It morphs into a realm of spooky events, parties, and festivities that will weave a nightmare into your memories for years to come.
Are you ready to unleash your inner party animal at Oktoberfest NYC, indulge your love for beer at Loreley Beer Garden. Or immerse yourself in history at the Medieval Festival?
Perhaps you’re planning a family outing to the Bronx Zoo. Treating your canine companions to the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Or pumpkin up the jam at Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla?
With a spectrum of thrilling options before you, the choice is entirely yours. No matter which path you tread, New York promises to reveal a different side of Halloween—one that’s not just about fear, but about pure joy and excitement.
Don’t be a zombie and join the Halloween frenzy in NYC!
Tell us, How Will You Celebrate Halloween NYC This Year?
What other Halloween activities in The City That Never Sleeps did we miss? Leave us a comment below!
