Halloween in New York City brings everything from rooftop parties and immersive bars to candlelit concerts, haunted houses, and creative workshops. This fall, NYC is packed with unique ways to celebrate. Here are 5 of the best Halloween events to check out.
Read to the end — we’ve added a few bonus Halloween events you won’t want to miss!
Location: New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 10458)
Dates: From September 25th to November 30th — 10-week limited engagement!
Why Go: Step into Tim Burton’s darkly whimsical world as the New York Botanical Garden transforms into a glowing trail inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. Expect larger-than-life Jack Skellington displays, immersive light installations, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages.
Tip: Visit after sunset for the most magical atmosphere, and plan to arrive early, evenings and weekends can get crowded. Bundle up, as the outdoor trail can be chilly in late fall.
Location: Church of the Heavenly Rest (1085 5th Avenue, New York, 10128)
Dates: October 30 and October 31
Why Go: Few experiences capture the Halloween spirit as elegantly as a candlelit concert. Inside the stunning Church of the Heavenly Rest, the Highline String Quartet brings spine-tingling classics and eerie movie themes to life. Surrounded by thousands of flickering candles, the atmosphere transforms into something both haunting and unforgettable.
Tip: Arrive early to secure the best seats in your zone and soak in the candlelit setting before the music begins.
Location: Blood Manor (359 Broadway, New York, NY 10013)
Dates: October 3 - November 8
Why Go: For over two decades, Blood Manor has been the ultimate Halloween destination in New York City, offering 10,000 square feet of pure terror. With its chilling history, elaborate sets, and scare actors waiting in the shadows, every hallway promises a heart-pounding encounter. Whether you’re brave enough to walk or quick enough to run, Blood Manor delivers the city’s most unforgettable haunted attraction.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, the experience takes you through dark halls and uneven passageways, so you’ll want to be steady on your feet.
Location: Pure Terror Scream Park (1010 New York 17M, Monroe, 10950)
Dates: Select nights in September, October, and November
Why Go: Widely recognized as one of the scariest haunted attractions in the country, Pure Terror Scream Park is worth the short trip outside New York City. Just 40 miles from Manhattan, this Guinness World Record–holding scream park offers 10 massive haunted houses, including two brand-new experiences for 2025. With cinematic sets, chilling effects, and scare actors who never break character, it’s the ultimate Halloween adventure for those ready to escape NYC for a night of pure fright.
Tip: Make a day trip out of it, Monroe is about an hour’s drive from the city, so plan to arrive early, grab dinner nearby, and then head into the scream park after dark for the full effect. Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be on your feet exploring multiple attractions.
Location: Drunk Shakespeare (35 West 39th Street, New York, 10018)
Dates: September 24 through October 25
Why Go: If you love theater with a mischievous twist, Drunk Dracula is one of the most original Halloween experiences in NYC. Presented by the Drunk Shakespeare Society, this wild retelling of the classic vampire tale blends improv comedy, audience interaction, and plenty of chaos, all fueled by five shots of whiskey. It’s part performance, part party, and all hilariously unpredictable.
Tip: Come ready to laugh and lean into the interactive vibe, the actors often play off the audience. Seats are limited and cocktails are served right to your chair, so it’s best to book early for the best availability.
Location: Queens Botanical Garden (43-50 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355)
Date: October 26
Why Go: Celebrate Halloween surrounded by nature at Halloween at Queens Botanical Garden, one of NYC’s most family-friendly fall events. Kids can enjoy a day of safe trick-or-treating along the Spooky Trail, take part in seasonal crafts, and dance to live music, while adults kick back with a festive drink in the Beer & Wine Garden. With magic shows, photo ops among the autumn foliage, and a lively vendor fair filled with local treasures, this event blends Halloween fun with the beauty of the season.
Tip: Costumes are encouraged for both kids and adults, it’s the perfect place to snap festive fall photos among the garden’s colorful seasonal displays.
Location: 415 Broadway, SoHo, New York, NY 10013
Dates: Select Dates in October
Why Go: Dare to enter Haunted NYC Bank, one of New York’s most chilling Halloween experiences. Set inside a real abandoned bank in the heart of SoHo. From the moment the vault door closes, you’re thrust into a gripping, cinematic nightmare where live actors, eerie soundscapes, and movie-quality sets blur the line between fiction and fear. Each turn through the dark corridors and vaults reveals new terrors waiting to be uncovered. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and horror lovers alike, this immersive haunted attraction offers the kind of thrill you won’t soon forget.
Tip: Recommended for ages 10+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Be prepared for intense scares, strobe lights, and disturbing imagery. This haunted house is not for the faint of heart.
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dates: Select Dates October - December
Why Go: Step into the shadowy side of art and history with Ghost Stories at The Met, an immersive tour through the museum’s most haunting masterpieces. Led by expert guides, this spine-tingling experience uncovers the eerie legends, funerary relics, and ghostly artifacts hidden within the halls of one of the world’s greatest museums. Discover mummified remains, mourning jewelry, and chilling depictions of death from ancient Egypt to Europe and beyond, all while hearing true tales of unexplained happenings within The Met itself. This isn’t your typical art tour, it’s an atmospheric exploration of humanity’s fascination with the fearsome, the macabre, and the unknown.
Tip: Your tour ticket includes same-day admission to The Met. Arrive early or stay afterward to explore more of the museum’s galleries at your own pace.
Location: 72 Terrace Dr., New York City
Dates: October 30 – November 2
Why Go: Step into a spine-tingling Halloween adventure through the haunted streets of New York City with the Halloween Ghost Hunt. This interactive outdoor experience blends scavenger hunt gameplay with eerie storytelling as you track down restless spirits and solve supernatural puzzles using your smartphone. Whether you’re exploring with family or teaming up with friends, every clue reveals a new haunted location steeped in history and mystery.
Tip: Bring a fully charged phone, wear comfortable walking shoes, and dress up, the hunt covers about 1.5 miles throughout the city.
Location: Torch & Crown (12 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013)
Date: October 24
Why Go: Step into the glittering chaos of the 1970s for Death in the Disco, an interactive murder mystery that turns a New York nightclub into a crime scene. This isn’t your average whodunit, there’s no stage and no assigned seats. You’ll mingle, dance, and investigate your way through the night as secrets unravel and alliances shift. Costumes are required, the stakes are high, and only the most cunning will make it out on top. Whether you’re a true-crime junkie or just looking for a killer Halloween night out, this immersive experience is pure retro intrigue.
Tip: Doors open at 7 PM, and gameplay begins as soon as you enter, arrive on time to get fully immersed in your role and catch all the key clues.
From candlelit concerts and rooftop parties to haunted houses and immersive bars, Halloween in New York City offers endless ways to get into the spooky spirit. Whether you’re looking for bone-chilling scares, hands-on creative workshops, or glamorous costume parties with skyline views, NYC has something for every type of Halloween lover.
Don’t wait until the last minute, these events sell out quickly. Grab your tickets now and make this Halloween in New York City one to remember.
There’s always something happening — find more New York City events here.
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