celebrate

Halloween celebrations will be held all across New York City in the weeks leading up to the holiday.

Photo via Getty Images

Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens for more local events — or submit your own!

There’s no better place to celebrate Halloween than in New York City. Whether you’d like to celebrate Halloween by attending the world’s largest parade, visit the zoo or go to a local Halloween function, NYC is the best place to spend a memorable Halloween month.

Here are some events to celebrate Halloween in NYC. 

Batty Over Halloween Celebration – Queens

Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m.
The Batty Over Halloween celebration will be held at the Great Lawn in Astoria Park. QNS file photo

Being held at the Great Lawn in Astoria Park, the Batty Over Halloween Celebration, hosted by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition, will celebrate its 11th year. This is the perfect chance for children to dress up in costume, gather some candy and enjoy some Halloween fun. The event is free and open to the public.

Catch the World’s Largest Halloween Parade – Manhattan

Oct. 31 starting at 7 p.m.

Did you know that NYC is home to one of the largest Halloween parades? The 53rd annual Village Halloween Party will be held in Greenwich Village, starting at Canal Street and 6th Avenue, going up the avenue to 15th Street. At the parade, guests can watch a variety of Halloween-themed floats while dressed up in eccentric costumes. Plus, watch as dancers dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller in the parade. This event is free and open to the public; however, guests can also buy VIP tickets to avoid lines.

Visit Luna Park’s Halloween Harvest – Brooklyn

Now through Nov. 1
Photo via Getty Images

The iconic Luna Park in Coney Island will transform into a fall wonderland, where guests can dress up in costume while enjoying pumpkin patches, hay bales and seasonal decor, great for a fun photo op. Heading into its 14th year, the Halloween Harvest is perfect for families who want to get into the Halloween spirit without it being too spooky. The event is free and open to the public; however, guests can purchase tickets or a wristband to ride the rides at Luna Park.

Boo at the Zoo – Bronx

Now through Nov. 1

Another fun adventure for the whole family, Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo combines Halloween fun with wildlife experiences. This year, a plethora of new experiences join Boo at the Zoo, including a hay maze, a boo carnival and animal chats (where guests can learn from animal experts about some of the zoo species). The festival also includes a wildlife theater, magic and mind reading and spooky stories to tickle your spine. The event is free with a zoo admission ticket.

Harbor Hounds Halloween Costume Contest and Parade – Staten Island

Oct. 24, from 2-4 p.m.
Photo via Getty Images

Looking for a fun, Halloween activity with your furry friends? Harbor Hounds Halloween Costume Contest and Parade is your spot. Held at Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s South Meadow Lawn in Staten Island, the event features a wide variety of four-legged friends in elaborate costumes, whether it’s a niche reference or a classic Halloween character. Admission is free for Harbor Hounds Members and $5 for non-members.