NYC News

Photo: NYBG

1. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the New York Botanical Garden

Running from September 27 to November 30, 2024, this light trail event is a magical tribute to Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Wander through the New York Botanical Garden as it transforms into a vibrant celebration of Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero, with stunning scenes and iconic songs from the film. Taking place on select evenings, this immersive walk-through experience features a backdrop of the autumn garden, bathed in festive light. more

In addition to the light trail, the NYBG’s "Fall-O-Ween" runs from September 28 to October 27, offering pumpkin carving events, Bales & Ales, and family-friendly fall activities. Don’t miss renowned pumpkin carver Adam Bierton’s demonstrations on select October weekends and the annual Pumpkin Carving Face-Off on October 14, where master carvers compete in a festive showdown. more

Photo: The Great Jack O'Lanterb Blaze

2. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze ®

One of New York’s most iconic Halloween traditions, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze lights up two historic locations: Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley (September 13 - November 17) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island (October 4 - November 3). Stroll through mesmerizing displays of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, enhanced with special effects, lighting, and an original soundtrack.

Each walk-through experience is a dazzling celebration of art and Halloween magic. Highlights include themed pumpkin sculptures, including dinosaurs, witches, and even a towering Statue of Liberty! Perfect for families, this beloved event brings spooky wonder to visitors of all ages. more

3. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo

From September 26 to October 27, 2024, the Bronx Zoo hosts Pumpkin Nights, a Halloween spectacular featuring over 5,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns. Open on Thursdays through Sundays, this family-friendly event offers a magical walk through animal-themed pumpkin displays set in biomes such as rainforests, Arctic winter scenes, and more. Live pumpkin carving, costumed characters, fog, bubbles, and colorful lights create a festive atmosphere that delights both kids and adults.

In addition to the pumpkin displays, enjoy Wildlife Theater, outdoor games, and treats from local food trucks. With entertainment and creativity at every turn, Pumpkin Nights is a must-see Halloween celebration in New York City. more

Photo: Boo at the Zoo/Julie Larsen Maher

4. Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

Running every weekend from September 28 through October 27, 2024, Boo at the Zoo is the Bronx Zoo’s annual daytime Halloween tradition, perfect for families. Activities include costume parades, face painting, a spooky Halloween maze, and pumpkin carving demonstrations. Children will love the Creepy Crawly Mystery Wall and the interactive Wildlife Theater show, where they meet "scary" creatures like bats and owls (puppets) in a fun and educational performance. more

Photo: Green-Wood Cemetery/Cititour.com

5. Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn

Key Events:

Nightfall: Time Flies (October (Various Dates), 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Edgar Allan Poe Walking Tour (October 6th, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM)

Spirited Stroll (October 26th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Green-Wood Cemetery hosts a series of unique Halloween events in 2024. "Nightfall: Time Flies" transforms the cemetery into an immersive art installation featuring music, films, and performances that explore themes of time and memory. For those who prefer a more literary experience, the Edgar Allan Poe Walking Tour celebrates the 175th anniversary of Poe’s death, exploring the poet's connections to the cemetery. The "Spirited Stroll" provides a guided walking tour through the cemetery's fall foliage, sharing eerie stories and history along the way. These experiences blend history, culture, and spooky fun in one of NYC’s most historic cemeteries. more

6. BloodManor Haunted House

Location: 359 Broadway, Tribeca, NYC

Dates: Weekends starting September 29th through November 5th (specific times vary)

BloodManor is one of NYC's most terrifying haunted houses, with 10,000 square feet of spine-chilling rooms, dark corridors, and a labyrinth designed to prey on your deepest fears. This intense attraction is not for the faint of heart—guests journey on foot through a space filled with terrifying actors, eerie props, and unnerving scenes. Special "Lights Out Nights" provide an even darker and more thrilling experience. BloodManor is recommended for ages 14 and up, with younger visitors required to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are timed entry to reduce wait times. VIP tickets grant express access, and group rates are available for parties of 15 or more. more

Photo: Seaport Pumpkin Arch

7. Halloween at the Seaport

Pumpkin Arch Return
Dates: September 28 – November 3

Pumpkin photo installation open 24/7 on the Heineken Riverdeck on the north side of Pier 17.

Seaport Kids x Halloween Bash (Saturday, October 26th from 3pm – 5pm on Seaport Square and throughout the cobblestone streets)

The Seaport has incredible Instagram-worthy programming and family-friendly events happening throughout the fall months. Maybe you want to propose under a glimmering pumpkin arch that overlooks the Brooklyn Bridge and warm up with a cup of cider from Tin Building. Or, on October 26th, you want to take your kids to decorate pumpkins and make Halloween-themed crafts with their friends. There will be 600 pumpkins for children to decorate, musical entertainment and other Halloween crafts. Regardless, there is something for everyone at the Seaport this fall.

Photo: Seaport Halloween Bash

8. The Amazing Maize Maze

Location: Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, NY

Dates: Fridays–Sundays, September 7th–October 26th; also open October 14th

The Amazing Maize Maze offers a delightful fall experience for families and puzzle-lovers alike. This 3-acre corn maze features clues and puzzles as visitors make their way to Victory Bridge, offering a stunning view of the maze. The adventure starts with a "Stalk Talk" to get everyone ready for the challenge ahead. For an extra thrill, try the "Maze by Moonlight" on select evenings, where participants can navigate the maze in the dark. Tickets can be purchased online, with discounts for members and children under 3 admitted for free. Special dates, such as the Halloween on the Farm event, offer additional attractions included with maze admission. more

Photo: Cititour.com

9. Paws on Parade at Bryant Park

On Saturday September 21st, 2024 from 11am to 4pm, Bryant Park, in conjunction with AKC Museum of the Dog, will host its dog parade and social. This event brings together local dogs and dog lovers of all ages, in a festive gathering culminating in a parade of pups around the park. For one day only, leashed dogs will also be allowed to join their people on the lawn to sit, stay, and lounge. Other festivities include food and drink vendors, craft stations dog-themed children’s books, and more. It promises to be a truly paw-some event as dog lovers and their four-legged friends band together for a day of fun in the park. more

Photo: Ascarium/Frank Black

10. New York Aquarium Turns into “Ascarium” Again for Halloween

This October, the New York Aquarium is getting into the Halloween spirit with the return of Ascarium, a family-friendly festival that takes over the New York Aquarium during the last two weekends of October. Perfect for all ages, guests will enjoy a variety of fall entertainment, activities, and parades while learning about the incredible (and sometimes spooky!) marine wildlife at the aquarium.

Guests can participate in frightfully fun activities, including: Face Painting, Storytelling, Halloween Crafts, Magic Shows, Pumpkin Display, Spooky Scavenger Hunt, Augusta Sea Lion’s Carnival of Aquatic Anomalies, carnival-style sideshow and more. Ascarium runs October 19-20 and 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, and available for purchase. more

Photo: Matthew Murphy

11. Jay Armstrong Johnson and Friends Are Back in I Put a Spell on You: ALiiVE at Webster Hall

Broadway's Jay Armstrong Johnson and an all-star cast return for the highly anticipated Halloween concert meets dance party, I Put a Spell on You: ALiiVE, at Webster Hall on Monday, October 21, 2024 at 8pm. This thrilling event pays homage to the cult-classic Hocus Pocus, with Johnson reprising his role as the wickedly entertaining Winifred Sanderson. He’ll be joined by Tony Award-winner J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), Tony nominee Robyn Hurder (Moulin Rouge!, A Beautiful Noise), and more, in a spectacular night of music, magic, and Broadway-level production. Directed by Heath Saunders, the event promises unforgettable performances, jaw-dropping costumes, and a bewitching dance party.

With a lineup of famous villains and Broadway stars, I Put a Spell on You: ALiiVE is not just a concert but a full-on theatrical experience, featuring larger-than-life choreography and a costume contest. The night also supports a vital cause, as proceeds will benefit the Ali Forney Center, the nation's largest organization serving LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Don’t miss out on this spellbinding celebration—tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so reserve your spot now!

Photo: SLEEPY HOLLOW at HERO

12. Step Into the Legend: SLEEPY HOLLOW at HERO, Beneath Rockefeller Center

This fall, HERO, the immersive 13,000-sq-ft exhibition space beneath Rockefeller Center, is bringing the hauntingly beautiful world of SLEEPY HOLLOW: AUTUMN’s HARVEST to life. Opening on October 12 and running through November 10, this family-friendly installation transports guests into Washington Irving’s legendary tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Set against the backdrop of an autumn harvest festival, SLEEPY HOLLOW offers a multi-sensory experience with enchanting rooms like a lifelike cornfield maze, a toadstool bounce house, and the eerie Haunted Tunnel, where storm clouds gather as the Horseman’s midnight ride approaches. Guests of all ages can enjoy freshly pressed cider, cozy up by The Witch’s Hearth, or pick their own pumpkin at the installation’s Pumpkin Patch.

With weekly events such as Seedling Saturday Harvest Parties featuring costume contests and storytime, and Sleepy Hollow Halloween Cinema on Wednesdays screening classics like Beetlejuice and Ghostbusters, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a festive family outing or a unique autumn date night, SLEEPY HOLLOW at HERO offers a one-of-a-kind, no-travel-needed escape into one of New York’s most beloved Halloween legends. For an even spookier experience, don’t miss Friday Witching Hour, where happy hour potions and brews set the mood for a thrilling evening in the heart of the city.

Photo: Nubeluz

13. Experience Enchantment at Nubeluz's Black Tie Halloween Masquerade Ball

On Thursday, October 31st, Nubeluz by José Andrés at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad will transform into a spellbinding wonderland for its second annual Black Tie Halloween Masquerade Ball. Running from 9 PM to midnight, this upscale event promises an unforgettable night filled with enchantment and allure. Guests will enjoy a stunning view of the NYC skyline while sipping on classic cocktails and indulging in creative cuisine. The atmosphere will be enhanced by captivating entertainment, including performances by DJ Danny Estrella and mesmerizing aerial artistry.

This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and style, so dress to impress with your most exquisite masks and elegant attire. Ticket prices start at $275 and include a premium open bar featuring specialty beverages, along with a selection of Nubeluz's beloved snacks, sandwiches, and cones. For those looking for a more exclusive experience, booth and table options are available for groups, offering guaranteed seating for up to 6 or 8 guests. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an enchanting evening where sophistication meets Halloween spirit—secure your tickets today through OpenTable.

Photo: South Street Seaport Museum

14. Sinister Secrets at the Seaport

For those eager to embrace spooky season, the Sinister Secrets of the Seaport tour has posted dates through October, offering a perfect pre-Halloween adventure. This captivating tour explores the darker side of New York City’s South Street Seaport, unveiling scandalous, dubious, and eerie tales that have haunted its cobblestone streets and waterfront for centuries. Your guide will recount gripping stories sourced from headlines spanning the 1790s to the 1990s, shedding light on the seaport's intriguing past and its role in shaping the city’s global significance. Along the way, participants can engage in an interactive "Ear for Crime" game, with a prize awaiting the winner at the end of the walk.

Meeting at Ryan Maguire’s Bar & Restaurant on Cliff Street, tour-goers will enjoy one complimentary drink as part of the registration and can arrive early for extra scandalous stories inspired by the bar’s historical decor. This approximately one-mile walking tour is perfect for fans of true crime, history buffs, and those seeking a unique New York experience.

Photo: Loreley Beer Garden

15. Haunted Beer Garden at Loreley Beer Garden: October 16th - November 3rd

Get into the spooky spirit at Loreley’s Haunted Beer Garden from October 16th through November 3rd, with a seasonally decorated indoor and heated outdoor space. Admission is free, and guests can enjoy festive Halloween vibes with no cover charge. Special seasonal drinks start October 1st, but the haunted transformation begins on October 16th, bringing Halloween-inspired decor and a menu of spooktacular delights.

Visitors can indulge in unique offerings like pumpkin kegs filled with Southern Tier Pumking beer, pumpkin spice cocktails, and pumpkin spice cold brew cocktails. Sip on hot bourbon cider, German Glühwein, seasonal craft ciders, and a rotating Oktoberfest craft beer list with specials. Open daily, the Haunted Beer Garden starts at 5 pm on weekdays and 12 pm on weekends. Whether you're craving Halloween-themed cocktails or classic seasonal brews, this haunted haven is the perfect fall destination.

Photo: Cititour.com

16. Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares: A Haunted Maze Experience at Rockefeller Center

Step into the spine-tingling world of Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares, an all-new haunted maze located at Rockefeller Center. Running from September 20 to October 31, this seasonal event takes visitors through ten terrifying rooms that bring Jimmy Fallon’s worst nightmares to life. Perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of horror, the experience features a labyrinth of fear designed to test your bravery. Groups of friends and family will encounter sinister characters, from mad scientists and malfunctioning robots to werewolves and other nightmarish creatures lurking around every corner.

With every room offering more frightful surprises, Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares promises an unforgettable journey into the macabre. The experience runs select nights from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with timed ticket entries available to ensure an immersive adventure. Located at 630 5th Avenue in the heart of New York City, this exclusive event is not recommended for children under 13 due to its intense nature. Tickets are on sale now—are you daring enough to face Jimmy Fallon’s worst fears?

More to follow!

ALSO SEE:

WHAT'S IN STORE AT THIS YEAR'S VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE!