A NYC Halloween Bucket List: 5 Unmissable Events In and Around the City
Each fall, New York City transforms into a haven for spooky celebrations. Whether you're in the mood for haunted cities, Halloween parades, or creative costume contests, it is the perfect time to experience traditional and unique events!
In this article, we will show you five activities we believe are a must-do if you are spending your Halloween in the city.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow becomes a renowned destination for a spooky and unforgettable adventures every Halloween. The city inspired one of the first and most famous ghost stories in the United States, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, written by Washington Irving, one of the founding fathers of American literature.
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Important Halloween events in Sleepy Hollow include Rock N Roll House of Horrors, TarryHollow: Walking Through Time, TaSH Farmers Market, Gothic Harvest Market, and Myths and Mysteries of the Octagon House.
Whether you're a fan of haunted history or just looking for an adventure, Sleepy Hollow offers a thrilling escape into the world of Halloween!
The city is about 30 miles north of New York City, and to get there, you can take the Metro-North Railroad Hudson line. Tickets cost between $22.50 - $30.50 for the round trip, and it takes about 53 minutes to reach your destination.
Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla
The Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla has been a tradition in Central Park since the early 1990s. It is an excellent way to spend time with family and friends. To participate, you have to carve your own pumpkin and drop it in the river.
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The Pumpkin Flotilla will include several attractions, including a magic show, a Halloween dance party, and spooky storytelling. The event is free and will be held on the Harlem Meer on October 24 between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. this year.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Hudson Valley is one of the largest Halloween events in New York. More than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins are illuminated into breathtaking displays. The event also features an all-original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects.
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This year, be ready to meet life-sized dinosaurs and a 24-foot spider web, gaze at the stars at the Pumpkin Planetarium, and see a working carousel! If you get hungry, don't forget to check out the fall-themed sweets and snacks at Café Blaze. If you are a fan of souvenirs and collectibles, visit Blaze Boo-Tique, where you can find exclusive products.
This year, the event takes place from September 13 to November 17 at the Van Cortlandt Manor Croton in Hudson, NY. The event offers several ticket options: Standard Timed Tickets, Anytime Flex Tickets, Special $20 Tickets, and Member Tickets.
The Standard Timed Tickets range between $39-$47, with a scheduled time to enter the event. The Anytime Flex Tickets are $129; you can go anytime, and it includes a free drink and snack from Café Blaze. The Special $20 Tickets are available only from Mondays to Wednesdays after 8:00 PM. Finally, the Member Tickets are 15% off for Members of the Historic Hudson Valley.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
If you are a fan of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail is for you. You will get a chance to enter Tim Burton’s mind and enjoy one of his most famous creations. The trail comprises over 8,300 square feet of light installations with interactive video projections, intelligent LED lighting, and 3D-printed sculptures of the film’s iconic characters.
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The New York Botanical Garden will host the debut between September 27 and November 30. The event offers Timed Entry Tickets, which are $49 for individuals older than 13 years old, and Flex Tickets, which allow you to enter the event anytime for $55.
26th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
This one is for dog lovers! The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest is Brooklyn’s largest dog costume contest, where dogs are dressed in creative, often elaborate costumes. The contest celebrates love, creativity, and dogs' strong bond with their owners. Despite all the fun, dogs enrolled in the contest can win several prizes for categories such as most original, funniest, and best in show costumes.
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The event will happen on Saturday, October 26th, between 12:00 P.M. and 1:30 P.M. at Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, NY. Attending is free; however, if you want your dog to compete, there is a $20 entry fee.
With Halloween around the corner, we encourage you to dive into the festive spirit and explore these incredible events in the city. So, grab your friends, put on your favorite costume, and make this Halloween one to remember. Happy haunting!
Will you be attending any events in or around the city? Leave a comment below!