Halloween 2026: Events and Things to Do in New York

1/ Join the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village

• The famous Halloween parade in Greenwich Village is New York’s main Halloween event. The parade is known for its impressive choreography of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Head to 6th Avenue at 8th Street. Anyone can participate as long as you know the dance moves!
• The parade continues with hundreds of giant puppets and nearly 40 musical groups. This part is also open to everyone. To join, show up in costume at the starting point—the corner of 6th Avenue and Canal Street—between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. The parade runs up 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street.
• Date: October 31, 2026, from 7 pm to 10:30 pm.

2/ Follow Floating Pumpkins in Central Park

• Central Park celebrates Halloween with a unique event: a flotilla of carved pumpkins launches on Harlem Meer, in the park’s northeast corner. The pumpkins set sail at 6:30 pm as darkness falls. You can participate by bringing your own carved pumpkin—drop it off at the Dana Discovery Center between 4 pm and 5:45 pm. The flotilla is limited to 50 pumpkins, so it’s first come, first served.
• Date: October 30, 2026, at 4 pm.

3/ Hunt for Pumpkins on Governors Island

• Halloween is a great chance to explore Governors Island in a new way. Head to Nolan Park, a lawn on the island’s east side, to visit Pumpkin Point. Hundreds of pumpkins await, and you can take one home with a donation.
• Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 10 am to 5 pm.

4/ Halloween at the Oculus

• The shopping center at the World Trade Center station hosts Halloween House—a family-friendly haunted house. Walk through themed rooms and join a pumpkin hunt. A different way to experience the Oculus!
• Date: October 14, 2026, from noon to 2 pm. Free, ages 5 and up.

5/ Halloween at Essex Market in the Lower East Side

• The popular market in the Lower East Side celebrates Halloween with “Trick or Streets!” Expect parades, candy giveaways, face painting, and live music. Nearly 1,100 pounds of candy will be handed out!
• Date: October 31, 2026, from 3 pm to 6 pm. The parade starts at noon.

6/ Events at the Bronx Zoo

• Join the “Pumpkin Nights” at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo displays over 5,000 decorated jack-o’-lanterns in every style imaginable. Watch demonstrations on how to carve a pumpkin, plus games and food.
• Thursday to Sunday, September 25 to October 31, 2026, from 6 pm to 10 pm.

7/ Events at the New York Botanical Garden

• The New York Botanical Garden celebrates “Fall-o-Ween,” blending autumn and Halloween. The garden transforms into a pumpkin kingdom with hundreds of pumpkins on display. Take a selfie with a scarecrow!
• Through October 27, 2026.

8/ Halloween at Coney Island

• Through the end of October, the amusement park at Coney Island celebrates Halloween. Beyond decorations, Luna Park offers classic Halloween treats.
• Date: Friday to Sunday, through November 2, 2026.

9/ Watch the Costumed Dog Parade

• Another Halloween classic: the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in the East Village. In recent years, the parade has moved from Tompkins Square Park to the East River Park Amphitheater, located along the FDR Drive at Grand Street. The event remains as fun and quirky as ever!
• Date: October 17, 2026, from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Book Our Special Halloween Guided Tours

• Want to give your kids a Halloween thrill? Check out our Halloween guided tours in New York.
• Traveling with children under 12? Join our treasure hunt through Brooklyn’s streets. A local adventure full of surprises!
• For older kids, try our Halloween tour with a pumpkin carving workshop. Your guide will show you the best decorations, then you’ll carve your own pumpkin.