Halloween Events and Ideas in NYC

Whether you're looking for an adults-only Halloween experience or a family friendly fright on your October getaway to New York City, you will have plenty of options to choose from. The Big Apple is filled with exciting events that will let you live up the spookiest time of year in exciting fashion!

At the Staten Island Zoo, you can share an exciting evening of ghosts and goblins with your favorite animals that call the zoo home with the Spooktacular. For two nights only, the Spooktacular transforms the zoo into a Halloween extravaganza, filled with special Halloween shows, creepy crafts, costume contests, and plenty of other activities the whole family will enjoy. The Spooktacular requires an advanced ticket purchase; tickets will not be sold for this event at the gate.

Your family also love spending Halloween at the New York City Aquarium with the Halloween at the A-scarium. This popular event takes place on October 31 and November 1 from noon to 4pm. With the dark aquariums and looming shadows of the deep sea creatures as a backdrop, you will join costumed visitors for a fabulous day of Halloween-themed games and contests, spooky arts and crafts, and more. The New York City Aquarium is located on Coney Island. Kids wearing Halloween costumes are free on these dates when accompanied by an adult.

Halloween also brings one of the city's most famous events, the New York's Village Halloween Parade. This parade takes place on October 31 in Greenwich Village. If you wear your costume, you can line up and walk in the parade. In previous years, the parade has featured a star-studded list of celebrities from TV shows and Hollywood movies. In addition to stars and plenty of costumed paraders, you will also find puppets, bands, and more to create a truly memorable parade experience.

For an adults-only Halloween experience, enjoy Halloween on the Hudson on board the Star of Palm Beach. Wear your costume and enjoy an exciting evening of DJ-spun hits, drink specials, a cash bar and buffet, and more. Win a cash prize for the Best Costume on the ship! All guests are required to show an ID verifying an age of 21 or older.

Adults will love the terrifying experience of Nightmare — New York's Original Haunted House. This haunted house is unlike any other you have ever experienced, bringing your worst nightmares to life through talented and eerily costumed actors, amazing special effects and lighting, and creepy sets. The $30 ticket gives you a truly nightmarish tour lasting about 25 minutes. Nightmare is located at 623 Broadway in Manhattan, and is open from the end of September through the beginning of November. Those under age 12 will not be permitted to enter.

You can also have a blast on Halloween with the Circle Line Downtown's Halloween Costume Party Cruise. This three-hour cruise welcomes you to a costumed Halloween party on the  beautiful 143- yacht ZEPHYR. Your ticket includes DJ-spun hits, a free appetizer, a free drink, a cash bar, and drink specials. This cruise sets sail on October 31, and all guests must be 21 years of age or older.

Make plans to celebrate Halloween in a frighteningly fabulous way this year in New York City!