THE BEST HALLOWEEN-THEMED SPOTS IN NYC
In New York City Halloween is not limited to October 31st. In fact, the city celebrates this haunted holiday all month long. We rounded up the best Halloween-themed locales and events throughout the city that satisfy trick-or-treaters to thrill-seeking adults. Plus, don’t miss out on post-Halloween festivities in celebration of Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos on November 1st. Here is our list of the best spots to enjoy Halloween in NYC:
1. The Village is hands-down the place to be on October 31st. Don your Halloween costume and join spectators at the 41st annual Village Halloween Parade along Sixth Avenue between Spring and 16th Streets at 7pm. Enjoy creative costumes, musicians and dancers in the city’s biggest Halloween gathering.
2. The Haunted Pumpkin Garden is a yearly hit at The New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx). Dare to walk through a pumpkin patch with creatures roaming about, says Time Out New York. NYBG also celebrates Halloween with pumpkin carving activities, a display of North America’s largest gourds (October 25-26) and other special events. The Haunted Pumpkin Garden runs through October 31.
3. For those who enjoy getting spooked, several haunted houses crop up in Manhattan every October. Encounter all your worst nightmares from demons to dolls at Blood Manor at The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street). For an even more terrifying experience go on “Lights Out Nights” when visitors navigate Blood Manor with just the glimmer of glow sticks. NIGHTMARE: NEW YORK has been around for years, and this year it will take visitors on a journey through the city’s eerie past (107 Suffolk Street).
4. Queens County Farm (73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park) has a family-friendly lineup of events to celebrate Halloween and autumn. In late September, the farm unveiled “The Amazing Maize Maze” in the shape of the American flag (the corn maze runs until October 26). On October 18th, bring flashlights and experience the “Maze by Moonlight” until 9pm. The farm also hosts a haunted house and hayrides (October 24-26), and has a pumpkin patch on weekends until October 26th.
5. For those who prefer Halloween treats over partaking in actual festivities, you’ll devour Cider Week NYC. Running from October 21-31, this apple-obsessed festival spans restaurants, bars and shop throughout the city in appreciation of craft ciders. On Halloween, sample Farnum Hill Ciders at Frankly Wines (66 West Broadway) from 5:30-7:30pm. For a schedule of events go here.
6. Nitehawk Cinema (136 Metropolitan Avenue) in Williamsburg will host several Halloween-themed screenings in the coming weeks. Don’t miss “Spoons, Toons & Booze Halloween Special” on October 18th and 19th, which includes vintage cartoons (Halloween episodes, of course), cocktails, cereal and brunch dishes. This popular event allows the 21+ crowd to relive childhood, but this time with a Bloody Mary in-hand. The little ones can enjoy Halloween at the dine-in cinema as well. The “Lil’ Hawk Friendly Halloween” program will screen Monster House on October 11th and 12th for ages 6+.
7. If you can muster up the energy to continue the festivities the day after Halloween, then head to Hotel Americano (518 West 27 Street) for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) bash at 9pm. Hosted by El Museo del Barrio’s Junior Council, enjoy dancing and cocktails into the wee hours of the night.