6 Best Halloween Ideas in NYC

Halloween is just around the corner and if you are looking for some spooky fun in NYC, we have you covered with some of the best Halloween events around! From haunted houses to harvest festivals, there is something for everyone this fall season. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting hayride.

Carve a Pumpkin

Did you know that Jack-o-Lanterns first started as a way to ward off spirits? Back in the early days of Halloween, people would create scary faces on pumpkins so that demons and other evil creatures wouldn’t come near them.

Today, carving jack-o-lanterns is a popular tradition for families across the country. You can get all sizes and shapes of pumpkins at Queens County Farm Museum or the local grocery store, for that matter. In addition, you can print free family-friendly carving ideas and coloring books for the kiddies at the Pumpkin Lady website.

Visit NYC Haunted Houses

The Big Apple is home to tons of great haunted houses, and there are several scattered throughout the five boroughs. They promise scares and screams for thrill seekers with nerves of steel.

Here are some of the spookiest & coolest activities that really stand out

Queens Haunted Hayride

If you are looking for a spooky outing for the whole family, look no further than the Queens Haunted Hayride! Located at Randall’s 20 Island Park, this hayride is one of NYC’s longest-running haunted attractions and will give you goosebumps. The hayride lasts about 20 minutes and you’ll be transported through the spooky scenes in an open-air tractor-pulled wagon. So make sure to bundle up!

Nightmare Gothic

Located at Teatro SEA at The Clemente on Suffolk Street, this elevated haunted house offers an immersive event. Additionally, it is considered by many to be New York City’s scariest. The theme of Nightmare Gothic changes annually and attracts a large crowd of dedicated fans that leave traumatized but wanting more.

Blood Manor

This haunted house on Broadway has been ranked one of the best in the country and is recommended for those who crave a real scare. There are 10,000 SF of themed rooms that are filled with creepy props, weird characters, and spine-chilling special effects that will leave you looking over your shoulder for weeks.

Fright Nights at Coney Island

For those who love all things scary and amusement park rides, the Fright Nights at Coney Island are perfect. The event features haunted houses, a scary maze, carnival games, and all your favorite rides at Luna Park on Coney Island.

Bane Haunted House

The Bane Haunted House has been voted the  “Scariest Haunted House” five years in a row by the Star-Ledger and is listed as one of the most terrifying attractions by publications like Travel & Leisure Magazine and Buzzfeed. Located on 618 W 46th street in New York City, their scary environment will leave you questioning what’s real and what isn’t and is not recommended for those who scare easily.

Catch Some Horror Films at the Alamo Drafthouse

Looking for a relaxing night out with some chills, thrills, good food, cocktails and beer? If so, check out the spooky movie screenings at Alamo Drafthouse in Manhattan. 

This cinema offers special movie showings of cult classics like Nightmare on Elm Street and Beetlejuice, as well as brand-new releases like Halloween Ends and Terrifier 2. In between covering your eyes, we suggest checking out their Pulp Fiction-inspired “Royale with Cheese” they bring right to your table. 

Revel at NYC Halloween Costume Parties

Looking for Halloween party ideas? You’ve come to the right place since NYC is home to some of the best costume parties in the country. There are tons of great events happening in October. Take, for example, the one at Loft 51, located at 627 West 51st Street, between 11th & 12th Ave. They are throwing a weekend bash Oct. 29-30 that features DJs, dancing, cocktails, and the chance to win prizes for the best costumes.

Another popular Halloween party in NYC is the Tribeca Social on 6 Murray Street in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s happening on Oct. 29 and features plenty of Halloween party activities to keep you entertained. Be sure to check out both spooky venues if you dare!

Get a Festive Brew

Looking for something fun to do on Halloween night? How about a festive brew at the Lorely Beer Gardens in NYC open the 14th-31st? Located on the Lower East Side, this fun venue offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some tasty beers and seasonal drinks with friends. Outside food is welcome and there will be plenty of great tunes to dance the night away. So don’t miss out! Once you’re done there, head out to the Black Lagoon pop-up bar that’s running Oct 1 – 31. The venue lets you mingle with floating pumpkin heads or try chilling cocktails in a bloody bathtub.

Take a Hot Tub Boat Tour for Halloween

If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a Hot Tub Boat Tour down the Hudson! Sea the City is one of the top-rated places for Fall activities in NYC, and they are offering several tour options throughout October where you and your party can bring your own beer and wine and have your own intimate party. 

We’ll float by spooky landmarks like the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, which is rumored to be haunted, and other spectacular NYC sights. So why not book a tour now and have some Halloween fun? And remember, you can never be too old for trick-or-treating!

So there you have it — 6 great ways to spend Halloween in New York City this year. Whether you’re looking for a scary good time or simply want to relax with friends and family, there’s truly something for everyone in NYC this Halloween season. So grab your costume and get ready for some fun! Happy haunting!