Halloween in New York

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I mean, any holiday that involves costumes, candy and carved pumpkins has got to be a good time. What other time of the year do you get to go to a party or out to the bars dressed in something totally ridiculous? For those spending Halloween in New York this year, there is of course a plethora of way to celebrate this creepy, crawly holiday. In fact, despite heightening economic concern, New York City is remaining its always upbeat self as it prepares to welcome both residents and visitors of all ages for a wide range of Halloween activities throughout the five boroughs. With everything from the 35th annual Greenwich Village Halloween Parade to a Halloween “Boos Cruise” around the harbor and events with pumpkin carving, costumes contests and haunted houses, New York has something to offer everyone at every age for ghostly themed festivities. With adult-themed parties and kid-friendly events, everyone can find something fabulous (and spooky) to do to celebrate Halloween.

Village Halloween Parade
Starting at 7 pm on October 31 following a route up 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 21st Street

The 35th annual Village parade draws approximately 2 million people, and everyone in a costume is welcome to join this vibrant and convivial parade in the heart of Greenwich Village. With a diverse crowd, bands, artists, dancers and some wacky and wild costumes, this parade is guaranteed to be a festive and great time. Not only will you get to see some of the most wildly creative costumes, the parade is nationally known as a “anything goes,” creative and wild time. Sometimes compared to Carnival, this parade is an absolutely fantastic way to show off you great costume and be a part of a wacky, wild, spooky and creepy event. Giant dinosaur and mammoth puppets also put on a great show.

>>For more information, visit the official Village Halloween Parade Web site

Halloween Weekend at South Street Seaport Museum
November 1-2 from 1-3 pm

This museum will allow visitors to embark on a trip on the Good Ship Adventure, which is complete with pirates, ghosts and other Halloween themed antics. Visitors will also get a Halloween goodie bag full of pirate themed candy, spider rings and tattoos.

Halloween “Boos” Cruise
October 31, boards at 9 pm, returns at midnight

If you are of the over 21 crowd, than this 2 and half hour cruise on the 143 luxury yacht, will tour New York harbor on Halloween evening. There will be lots of fun surprises, a costume contest, giveaways and of course “boos” and cocktails. Your $47 advance ticket price will include a free complimentary drink. Cruising New York Harbor in a costume on a luxury yacht (with drinks) sounds like a pretty fabulous way to spend Halloween to me.

Halloween at the Bronx Zoo
Weekends from October 11-26

The Bronx Zoo will be hosting all kinds of fun Halloween activities on weekends in October. There will be magic shows, spooky stories, costume parades, muical hayrides and a chance to visit bats, cats and a world of reptiles. Plus, kids dressed in Halloween costumes get free admission with every purchase of an adult admission ticket. This is the perfect opportunity to get dressed up, see the animals and enjoy Halloween festivities with your kids.