10 Spine-Chilling 2025 Halloween Events in New York City You Can’t Miss
Why This Halloween NYC Guide Will Haunt You—in the best way
Every October, New York City morphs into a playground of macabre marvels and spine-tingling spectacles.
In 2025, the Big Apple is pulling out all the stops with events ranging from nightmarish parades to immersive haunted installations. Whether you’re chasing thrills at haunted houses, lighting up Instagram with ghostly glow-ins, or howling alongside dogs in costume, this guide has everything you need.
If you’re searching for 2025 Halloween events in New York City, you’re in the right place to plan a hauntingly good time.
Top Halloween Events in NYC: Your Must-See Haunted Highlights
1. The Village Halloween Parade
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Summary: Celebrating its 52nd year, the Village Halloween Parade returns on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. A landmark of NYC’s spooky calendar, the parade showcases giant puppets, marching bands, elaborate costumes, and a vibrant community vibe. At 8:00 p.m., the parade is broadcast live on Spectrum News NY1. NYC Village Halloween Parade
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Location: Greenwich Village, Sixth Avenue (from Canal Street to 15th Street).
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Website & Contact: halloween-nyc.com NYC Village Halloween Parade
Watch details, volunteering, or after-party info for “House of Yes” in Brooklyn are all available there. NYC Village Halloween Parade
“This year’s parade promises to be our most creative yet,”
Whether you’re marching or spectating, this is quintessential 2025 Halloween events in New York City energy.
2. Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Van Cortlandt Manor)
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Summary: Venture just outside the city to Hudson Valley’s Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson. Over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins create surreal scenes—statues, bridges, planetariums—plus themed cocktail lounges like Headless Horseman’s Hideaway. Runs select nights from mid-September through November 17. Secret NYC
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Location: Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson (~1 hour north of NYC).
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Website & Contact: Via SecretNYC.co or Time Out NYC listings Secret NYC
3. Bronx Zoo Harvest Glow
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Summary: From late September to October 31, the Bronx Zoo’s Harvest Glow transforms zoo pathways with thousands of illuminated, animal-themed jack-o’-lanterns. Expect “Creatures of Darkness” thrills, live pumpkin carving, games, face painting, and more. It runs Thursday through Sunday. Secret NYC
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Location: Bronx Zoo.
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Website & Contact: Official Bronx Zoo site or zoo listings via SecretNYC Secret NYC
4. Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
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Summary: The Halloween spirit isn’t just for humans! The Tompkins Square Park Dog Parade sees thousands gather as pups strut in elaborate costumes for charity. Established over three decades ago, this event is heartwarming and hysterical. AP News
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Location: Tompkins Square Park, East Village.
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Website & Contact: Look for updates via AP News or NYC event listings. AP News
5. NYC Halloween Bar Crawl (Eventbrite)
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Summary: For the nightlife crowd, this Bar Crawl on Saturday, November 1, 2025 covers multiple venues, a free kickoff party, and 2–3 free drinks/shots. A spirited way to keep the Halloween party going—especially if you’re into hitting the bars in costume. Eventbrite
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Location: Bars across NYC (event page lists specific venues).
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Website & Contact: Eventbrite page for “2025 New York City Halloween Bar Crawl” Eventbrite
6. NYC Parks Halloween Events
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Summary: The Parks Department hosts family-friendly Halloween festivities throughout October—think pumpkin decorating, mini-haunted walks, and storytelling. Dates like October 9 and October 30, 2025 are already on the calendar, with more likely to be announced. NYC Parks
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Location: NYC Parks across all boroughs.
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Website & Contact: NYC Parks Halloween page NYC Parks
7. Nighttime Haunted Houses & Immersive Parties
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Summary: NYC’s haunted houses and immersive parties are legendary, with rooftop haunts, wild costume contests, and themed dance nights all over town. Tripster’s guide calls 2025 the year to “go all in.” Tripster
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Location: Various—Manhattan, Brooklyn, rooftops, and clubs.
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Website & Contact: Tripster’s “NYC Halloween Party” guide for venue details Tripster
Final Screams: Planning Tips & Must-Do Moments
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Reserve early. Events like the Village Halloween Parade and Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze fill fast.
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Mixed-mood options? Grab dimly lit but family-friendly events like Parks programs during the day, then hit the haunted houses or bar crawls at night.
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Be social. Share your costume or dog-parade pics with #VillageParadeNYC or #HarvestGlow for bonus Halloween cred.
No matter your vibe—spectacle, scare, or silliness—this roundup has something wickedly right for you.
