New York City in late October becomes ground zero for thrills, chills, costumes, and community. Halloween in NYC is a rich tapestry of haunted houses, spectacular parades, themed parties, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re a local or visiting The Carnegie Hotel, you’ll want to map out your nights carefully so you can soak it all in. Here are some of the best Halloween activities NYC offers in 2025, plus ideas for things to do in NYC for Halloween that are close to Midtown, so you don’t miss out on anything.
One of the signature Halloween events is the NYC Village Halloween Parade. On Friday, October 31, 2025, the process begins at 7 p.m. and marches up Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 15th Street; it’s only a half-hour ride share from The Carnegie Hotel. The theme for 2025 is “Potluck,” a celebration of community and creativity where costumes inspired by food, desserts, or feasts are encouraged. Everyone in costume is welcome to march in the parade, no registration fee required, though spectators and marchers alike are advised to arrive early to claim a good vantage point.
If you want something more terrifying, haunted houses in NYC deliver. Blood Manor is one of the city’s premier haunted house attractions. Located at 359 Broadway in Tribeca, Blood Manor NYC opens select nights with timed entry tickets, and it’s only about a half-hour ride share from The Carnegie Hotel. The attraction occupies around 10,000 square feet of rooms, hallways, and maze-like passages designed to frighten. It is not recommended for young children, those with heart conditions, or anyone sensitive to darkness, loud sounds, or strobe lighting. Its hours vary, but on Thursdays, it typically opens by early evening and runs late into the night; weekend hours are longer.
For lovers of immersive, atmospheric Halloween in NYC events that combine art, lights, and a little theater, the Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden is returning this year. Running from September 25 through November 30 on select evenings, this all-ages experience transforms gardens with light installations, video projections, and sculpture inspired by Tim Burton’s beloved film. Adults and children alike can enjoy walking through scenes that evoke Halloween Town and Christmas Town. The event is around a half-hour ride share from The Carnegie Hotel.
If dancing, socializing, and costume shows are what get your heart racing more than ghosts and ghouls, some of the best Halloween parties in NYC are what you need to be looking out for. Most of the parties begin late on October 31 and offer skyline views, cocktails, DJs, and usually a costume contest or two. Many venues around the city, especially in Midtown, Chelsea, and the East Village, host themed events, live music nights, and bar specials. For the best Halloween parties NYC has to offer, checking local listings ahead of time helps you secure tickets or reservations, as these events often sell out.
For more family-friendly things to do in NYC for Halloween, check out the Hallowscream Fright Walk at J. Hood Wright Park. On Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., participants of all ages can don their best costumes and navigate a spine-tingling haunted walk with immersive scares. Safety is a priority, so be sure to wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, avoid jewelry, and note that bags are not allowed inside. Parents should supervise children under 13, and waivers must be signed by an adult. The Hallowscream Fright Walk is just a 17-minute ride share from The Carnegie Hotel, making it an easy and exciting addition to your Halloween itinerary.
To make the most of your time during Halloween in NYC, here’s a suggested evening: start with an immersive light trail experience at the New York Botanical Garden in early evening, then return toward Manhattan for dinner, perhaps near Times Square or Hell’s Kitchen, switch into your costume, then head to a rooftop or themed party in Midtown around 9 or 10 p.m., and finally join the Village Halloween Parade NYC at 7 p.m. on October 31. If you prefer more chill nights, pick one haunted house or one immersive trail one night, and reserve the parade as your Halloween night centerpiece.
Don’t forget practical tips: check event times and buy tickets in advance, dress in layers for chilly October evenings, wear comfortable shoes (you’ll likely walk or stand a lot), and keep transit in mind since subways and streets surge with crowds on Halloween night.
Halloween in NYC is magical because it is bold, creative, inclusive, and full of surprises. In 2025, you get impermanent art, parades, haunted houses, light trails, and parties in one city that never sleeps. Let your costume tell a story, let your scream be shared, and let your night be unforgettable at some of the top Halloween NYC events.
When you decide you want to dive into the thrills and revelry of Halloween in NYC, book your stay at The Carnegie Hotel and make it your home for the season.