Halloween in New York City: A Spooktacular October
Booyoke, Booyoke—it’s quite the town this time of year.
From eerie graveyard strolls to ghostly tours, New York City offers plenty of opportunities to spook yourself silly this October. Whether you want to mingle with the spirits in Brooklyn or take a haunted trip in Upstate New York, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the haunted season.
Let’s forget about pumpkin spice lattes. This fall, it’s all about thrills and chills in the NYC area.
The Bronx is Buzzing
Things are heating up in the Bronx, where Halloween is in full swing with Jack Skellington at the helm. New York’s Botanical Garden (located at 2900 Southern Boulevard) is back for year two with a light display inspired by Tim Burton. The “Nightmare Before Christmas” trail, featuring 8,300 square feet of lights and projections, is brighter and larger than ever.
Families will enjoy the creepy atmosphere, with tickets for adults priced at $37.50 and children’s tickets at $27.89. But you’ll want to hurry; the glowing pathway is only available until November 30th.
Just around the corner, the Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Boulevard) shines with its Harvest Glow event, ongoing from October 12th through Halloween. The night comes alive with 5,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns amid misty forests and animal-themed displays.
Adding to the excitement, there’s a moonlight dinosaur safari along with 60 animatronic creatures. Tickets here cost $34.95 for adults and $24.95 for children.
Grave Culture
Brooklyn’s Greenwood Cemetery is hosting some spooky fun this fall with a dusk festival featuring circus performances and eerie art. This unique event takes place on October 16th and 17th, costing $85 per ticket. If you’re feeling brave, you can also join an after-hours walk exploring the historic grounds and catacombs for $30, available every Friday and Saturday in October and November.
In Manhattan, there’s a chance to dive into the darker side of the city’s history with a candlelight tour at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral (266 Mulberry St.). Over 80 minutes, participants can explore the cemetery where influential figures have been laid to rest. Tours begin at $32 from Thursday through Monday, running until the year’s end.
Ghost Valley
If haunted attractions are your thing, the historic Hudson Valley boasts the Headless Horseman Hayride and various spooky attractions that scream Halloween. Spanning 65 acres of historic grounds, this venue offers eerie trails and chilling experiences like the Blood Moon Hayride.
For a real scare, there are haunted houses and mazes, available every Friday through Sunday until November 1st, with tickets priced at $79.81.
Another captivating sight is the “Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze” in Croton-on-Hudson. Featuring life-size dinosaurs and illuminated pumpkin displays, this annual spectacle runs until November 16th, with ticket prices starting at $24.
Scary Knowledge
For those who enjoy a bit of learning with their scares, the Merchant House Museum in Manhattan offers a spooky tour led by a paranormal investigator. If you’re up for some spine-chilling tales and the latest in ghost research, tickets range from $45 to $70.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art also offers ghost storytelling tours, focusing on creepy works of art throughout history. Tickets are $47.50, allowing you to explore ghostly secrets from multiple cultures.
Lastly, consider a whimsical spin on Brooklyn’s ghost stories with a Madame Morbid trolley tour, featuring a mix of local folklore and trivia for $59 to $69.
Enchanting Shopping
If you’re looking to shop for all things supernatural, visit Enchantments in the East Village, the city’s oldest occult shop. Here, you can find everything from tarot cards to spell books, perfect for enhancing any witchy ambiance.
October is a particularly busy time for this shop, as many seek to connect with the spirits of loved ones who have passed. Owner Stacy Wrap mentions that customers commonly purchase cleansing items during this season.
Another noteworthy spot is Apothe Curry on Crosby Street, offering a modern twist on witchcraft essentials, including herbal remedies and events focused on magical practices.
