The night will also feature the annual “Thriller NYC” performance, with hundreds of zombies dancing to Michael Jackson’s classic track.
Photo : AP
Manhattan’s most dazzling street spectacle — the Village Halloween Parade — is back for its 52nd year on Friday night, bringing thousands of costumed New Yorkers and visitors to the heart of Greenwich Village. This year’s theme, “Potluck!”, embodies a spirit of community sharing and creative diversity, according to parade organisers. “It’s about everyone bringing something to the table — art, costume, food, or joy — and creating something bigger together,” said parade director Jeanne Fleming, who has led the event since 1985.
The 2025 Grand Marshal will be City Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity by rescuing fresh produce and delivering it free to New Yorkers in need. “City Harvest perfectly represents this year’s theme,” organisers wrote on the parade website. “They’ve been nourishing this city for decades — rescuing, feeding, and sustaining communities.”
When and Where: Parade Timing, Route, and Participation
The parade will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, starting from Canal Street and Sixth Avenue before heading north along Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. Costumed participants are invited to line up beginning 6:30 PM at Canal and Sixth Avenue, with no pre-registration required.
Last year, city officials estimated over 65,000 participants and 1.5 million spectators attended — numbers that could climb higher this year, with mild weather forecast and the event falling on a Friday night.
For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be broadcast live on NY1 and PIX11, and streamed on the official Village Halloween Parade website.
Street Closures and Traffic Advisory
The NYPD has announced significant street closures and traffic restrictions in Lower Manhattan during the parade hours. The following roads will be closed or partially restricted at the discretion of law enforcement:
Sixth Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) between Canal Street and 16th StreetAdjacent cross streets from Hudson Street to BroadwaySpring, Broome, Prince, Houston, and Bleecker Streets may also experience rolling closures
Spectators are advised to use public transport, as nearby subway stations — Spring St., Houston St., W. 4th, and 14th St. — will remain open but are expected to be crowded. The MTA will run additional evening service on select lines to accommodate large crowds.