Prepare For Pumpkins: October ‘25 NYC Events

New York City is pure magic in October. As the leaves transform into brilliant shades of amber and crimson, the cool autumn air carries the excitement of “Spooky Season” throughout every neighborhood. This is the time of year when the city trades its summer energy for something more mysterious and enchanting. Jack-o'-lanterns glow in brownstone windows, costumed revelers fill the streets, and an abundance of creative events showcase New York's creative spirit at its most playful. From elaborate pumpkin displays to haunted tours through historic neighborhoods, October offers visitors an unforgettable blend of seasonal beauty and supernatural thrills that could only happen in the greatest city in the world.

Plan to spend Halloween in NYC? Here are some of our favorite haunts.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

Just a short train ride from Manhattan, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze transforms Historic Hudson Valley into a wonderland of carved pumpkin artistry. This spectacular event features over 7,000 hand-carved Jack-o'-lanterns arranged in breathtaking displays that tell stories, create sculptures, and illuminate the night with harvest magic. From towering pumpkin towers to intricate scenes depicting everything from dinosaurs to the Statue of Liberty, the Blaze represents artistic creativity at its most seasonal and spectacular. The event runs throughout October, offering visitors multiple opportunities to experience this unique celebration that has become a beloved autumn tradition for New Yorkers and tourists alike.

The Nightmare Before Christmas at the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden transforms into Tim Burton's whimsical world with an extraordinary exhibition celebrating "The Nightmare Before Christmas." This immersive experience combines the Garden's natural beauty with the film's iconic characters and scenes, creating photo opportunities and interactive displays that bring Halloween Town to life. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, encounter Jack Skellington among the autumn foliage, and experience the perfect blend of horticultural artistry and pop culture celebration. The exhibition captures the film's unique aesthetic while showcasing the Garden's commitment to creative seasonal programming that appeals to visitors of all ages.

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo

Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo sparkles with more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins over a half-mile Jack-o'-lantern trail, creating an after-dark adventure that combines wildlife conservation with Halloween creativity. The evening includes live pumpkin carving demonstrations, interactive experiences, and the chance to see the zoo's nocturnal animals in a completely different setting. This family-friendly event showcases the artistic possibilities of pumpkin carving while educating visitors about wildlife conservation, making it both entertaining and meaningful. The illuminated trail creates a magical atmosphere that transforms the familiar zoo environment into something mysterious and enchanting.

Village Halloween Parade

The Village Halloween Parade stands as New York's most famous Halloween celebration, drawing millions of spectators and thousands of costumed participants for a procession that epitomizes the city's creative spirit. This annual event transforms Greenwich Village into a massive outdoor theater where elaborate floats, giant puppets, and incredibly creative costumes create a spectacle that's equal parts community celebration and artistic performance. The parade route becomes a runway for the city's most imaginative residents, from professional performers to neighborhood families, all united in the spirit of Halloween creativity. The event captures the essence of New York's inclusive, artistic culture where everyone can participate in creating something magical together.

Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park hosts their Halloween Harvest Festival again in 2025, blending contemporary art with seasonal celebration and offering visitors a unique cultural experience along the East River waterfront. The festival features art installations, pumpkin carving workshops, live performances, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline that create the perfect backdrop for autumn festivities. This event showcases the intersection of fine art and community celebration, with activities that engage visitors of all ages while highlighting the park's commitment to accessible public art. 

NYC Ghost Tours

New York's haunted history comes alive through a variety of ghost tours that explore the city's supernatural side. Boroughs of the Dead's historic ghost tours unearth the dark and forgotten past of New York City, combining research and storytelling for educational yet spine-tingling experiences. NYC Ghosts offers walks through Greenwich Village to discover the ghosts and hear their tragic tales, while Haunted Manhattan provides historical, hilarious and completely hair-raising experiences. These tours reveal the city's hidden stories, from colonial-era tragedies to modern urban legends, creating immersive experiences that transform familiar neighborhoods into landscapes of mystery and intrigue.

Central Park Pumpkin Flotilla

Central Park's Halloween celebration includes the enchanting Pumpkin Flotilla, where carved Jack-o'-lanterns float on the park's scenic waters, creating a magical autumn scene right in the heart of Manhattan. This family-friendly event combines the tranquility of the park with the festive spirit of Halloween, offering visitors the chance to participate in pumpkin carving activities before watching their creations become part of a grand gourd regatta. The event celebrates both the season's beauty and the community spirit that makes Central Park a beloved gathering place for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.

The Official NYC Halloween Bar Crawl

New York's nightlife scene embraces Halloween with the Official NYC Halloween Bar Crawl, a mobile costume party that moves through multiple venues across the city. This event transforms the city's bar scene into a massive Halloween celebration, with participants in elaborate costumes moving from venue to venue, creating a mobile party atmosphere that captures the adult side of Halloween celebration. The crawl showcases New York's legendary nightlife while providing a structured way for costumed revelers to experience multiple venues and meet fellow Halloween enthusiasts throughout the night.

Halloween Harvest Fest at Luna Park

Coney Island's Luna Park is once again hosting their Halloween Harvest Fest, a beloved event that combines the theme park's classic attractions with seasonal Halloween flair. The festival features specially decorated rides, Halloween-themed games, pumpkin displays, and family-friendly activities that create the perfect blend of thrills and seasonal fun. This event allows visitors to experience the iconic Coney Island atmosphere with a spooky twist, from riding the Cyclone in costume to enjoying carnival games with autumn themes. The waterfront location provides a unique setting for Halloween celebration that combines classic American amusement park culture with seasonal festivities.

South Bronx Halloween Parade

The 40th annual South Bronx Halloween Parade will take place in 2025, continuing a treasured community tradition that brings a distinct neighborhood spirit to Halloween celebration. This local parade showcases the creativity and community pride of the South Bronx, with costume competitions, local performances, and the authentic neighborhood atmosphere that makes New York's borough celebrations so special. The parade represents the grassroots spirit of Halloween in New York, where every community creates its own unique way of celebrating the season.

October: The Perfect Season for NYC

October's brisk weather creates ideal conditions for exploring the city's outdoor Halloween events, with comfortable temperatures perfect for walking tours, park festivals, and evening celebrations. The changing leaves of the city’s famous green spaces provide a stunning backdrop for photographs, while the earlier sunsets create the perfect atmosphere for spooky events and illuminated displays. Mid-fall is when New York truly shines as a destination, offering visitors the perfect combination of seasonal beauty, cultural events, and the unique energy that makes the city magical during autumn.

Your Halloween Headquarters: Hotel Beacon

Hotel Beacon's prime Upper West Side location puts you at the center of all October's Halloween excitement, with easy access to Central Park events, convenient subway connections to celebrations around the boroughs, and proximity to Manhattan's best Halloween nightlife. Our comfortable accommodations provide the perfect base for costume changes between events, while our knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the city's extensive Halloween offerings and plan your spooky adventures.

Make this October unforgettable with Hotel Beacon as your Halloween headquarters. Check out our special NYC travel offers and book your autumn adventure today. We’ll gladly help you experience the most magical and mysterious month in New York City.