C3P0 and R2D2 at the Village Halloween Parade.
Photo by Amanda Moses
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade was a graveyard smash, drawing an estimated 2 million spectators to Lower Manhattan on Oct. 31.
Kicking off at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue, approximately 80,000 costumed participants made their way toward West 16th Street in Greenwich Village, showcasing everything from spooky ensembles to flamboyant, larger-than-life creations. This year’s theme, “Body & Soul,” celebrated movement, dreams, and the Year of the Horse, inspiring a procession filled with music, dance, and theatrical flair. Even legendary director Spike Lee joined the festivities, walking the route and filming the iconic “Thriller” dance troupe.
Dance and music took center stage throughout the evening, with performances ranging from funky disco numbers and Miss Congeniality-inspired dance groups to the Dolly Parton drumline. The parade also embraced cultural traditions, featuring musical tributes to Día de los Muertos. A mariachi group led by a young singer had spectators singing along and enthusiastically shouting, “¡Viva México!”
Adding to the spectacle, floats featuring shouting zombies and even Subway Mania wrestlers brought unexpected fun to the parade. After hours of elaborate costumes, lively performances, and Halloween revelry, the parade culminated around 11 p.m.
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade in 2026.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Village Halloween ParadePhoto by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses 
The 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade.Photo by Amanda Moses