Get spooky in the Big Apple: Celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023

Halloween is a big deal in the U.S., with many Americans participating in the holiday each year. Imagine carving pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, and trick-or-treating, all in the heart of the Big Apple! If you want to celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023, you’re in for a surprise. New York City is massive, with five boroughs hosting various Halloween events. If you have just gotten to the city, thanks to some of the best movers NYC has, they you are just in time to get all spooky!

The origins of Halloween celebrations in New York City

So, where and when did Halloween in NYC start? Back in the 19th century, Halloween was more about community gatherings and less about scares and candy. Fast forward to today, and it’s a city-wide party! Halloween has become a significant event, from historical walks in cemeteries to parties in haunted mansions. According to a 2021 report by NewYorkFamily.com, over 50 events were organized throughout the city for this holiday. That’s not just for adults; kids have plenty of options, too. Whether you’re a long-time resident or someone who has just settled in thanks to seasoned moving companies Manhattan is proud to have — you’ll find something that tickles your fancy.

Get spooked at Halloween House

Now, let’s talk about one of the most exciting places to celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023: the Halloween House in the Financial District. Located in the center of Wall Street, this event is memorable. The Halloween House usually runs for a week, ending on October 31st, and it’s open from 6 PM to 11 PM.

The event is all you would hope for during this time of year — walking into a haunted mansion setup, complete with ghostly figures and chilling sounds. You can roam through different rooms, each designed to give you a mini-heart attack. Whether it’s the creepy dolls in the children’s room or the eerie lights in the hallway, each area has its unique touch.

This event is perfect for adults looking for a good scare. But don’t worry; less intense areas are designed for families with kids. Ticket prices generally range from $25 to $35, but early-bird tickets can save you some cash. With Financial District movers at your service, you will relocate to the city just in time to pay this mansion a visit.

The Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour is a must-do when celebrating Halloween in New York in 2023

Next on our list of activities is the Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour. Located in one of NYC’s most historic neighborhoods, this tour offers a mix of frights and insights. TripAdvisor ratings place it as one of the top 10 walking tours in the city, and it’s easy to see why. As Halloween approaches, the tour amps up the spook factor. Operating daily from 8 PM to 10 PM, you’ll get a dose of haunted history. If you plan to change neighborhoods, Greenwich Village movers can help you settle in without a hitch so you can be even closer to the tour!

This walking tour is not for the faint-hearted, though. You’ll learn about the haunted past of iconic buildings and maybe even encounter a spirit or two! While it might be a bit too intense for young kids, it’s perfect for adults and teens. A ticket typically costs around $35 per person.

Enjoy pumpkin picking at Decker Farm

Halloween is all about scares, but we have to shift to something more laid-back, too. Decker Farm is your go-to spot to make the most out of the fall season while you celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023. According to Time Out New York, it’s one of the best places in the city to pick your own pumpkin. Open throughout October, the farm welcomes visitors from 11 AM to 4 PM on weekends.

Besides pumpkin picking, you can enjoy a hayride or navigate through a corn maze. With lots of activities, it’s an excellent place for a family day out. Kids can let loose and enjoy, while adults can appreciate the rustic charm of the farm. Ticket prices are usually around $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

In today’s world, especially in big cities like New York, people often lose touch with nature. We spend most of our days indoors, staring at screens. This disconnect from the outdoors isn’t good for our well-being. Studies from Harvard Health show that spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mental health. That’s why places like Decker Farm are so important. They offer an escape from city life and a chance to connect with nature. For kids, it’s an educational experience as well. They learn about farming and the importance of natural cycles. So, a visit to Decker Farm isn’t just a fun Halloween activity; it’s also a way to become one with nature and spend quality time with your family. Because of this, make sure to hire the best movers Staten Island on time so that you get here when the pumpkin picking season is at its peak.

Have family fun at Boo at the Zoo

According to a 2019 report by CBS New York, the event attracted over 25,000 visitors. Operating on weekends from late September through October, Boo at the Zoo offers daytime activities from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Boo at the Zoo serves up a mix of fun and education. Kids can go trick-or-treating, watch magic shows, and even participate in a costume parade. There’s also an “Extinct Animal Graveyard,” where you can learn about animals no longer with us. It’s both fun and educational and gives your family time to relax and rewind after a move with the best movers in Bronx. Even though handled by professionals, you will likely feel tired after such an event!

Take the Ghostly Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tour

Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tour in Williamsburg is a Brooklyn experience like no other. Launched in 2017, the tour takes you on a unique journey aboard a Victorian-style trolley. As you cruise through the streets, you’ll get a different perspective on the city. And it’s not just any perspective; it’s a spooky one that digs deep into Brooklyn’s spooky past.

The tour is highly rated on Yelp and Google reviews, operating every Friday and Saturday evening. It’s perfect for adults and kids aged 12 and up who are captivated by ghost stories and creepy sites. During the ride, you’ll pass by old cemeteries, ancient landmarks, and even buildings where famous people are said to have encountered ghosts. Your tour guide will share chilling stories that bring these places to life, making for an unforgettable experience.

Tickets are generally priced at $45 per person. So, if the haunted history of Brooklyn intrigues you and you’re far from Williamsburg, our partners, movers Brooklyn is proud to have, can help you move and settle in just in time for a spooky story.

Join the Kids Halloween Concert in Downtown Brooklyn

If you are looking for a way to celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023 that’s fun for the whole family, the Kids Halloween Concert in Downtown Brooklyn is the event to attend. According to Brooklyn Magazine, it’s one of the top family-friendly events of the Halloween season. The concert is scheduled for October 29th, and it starts at 11 AM. Tickets are often reasonably priced, making it an affordable option for families.

Perfect for kids under 10, this event offers a variety of live music performances, all while keeping the Halloween spirit alive. Children are encouraged to come in their best costumes, and parents can join in the fun, too! This is one of the reasons why it’s important to give the box of costumes last to your trusted Downtown movers. If you do this, it will be the first to unload and unpack when needed.

Taste Halloween-themed treats in Chinatown

When it comes to Halloween celebrations, Chinatown offers a unique twist by incorporating traditional Chinese flavors into the festive mood. As per Eater NY, several local bakeries and restaurants join the holiday spirit by crafting Halloween-themed delights. For example, Golden Steamer on Mott Street offers pumpkin-flavored mooncakes that have quickly become a seasonal favorite.

But it doesn’t stop at baked goods. Dim sum restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor often feature Halloween specials, such as dumplings shaped like little pumpkins or spiders. Imagine savoring a dumpling that looks like a spooky spider but is filled with delicious shrimp and chives. You get both a visual and culinary treat!

Participate in the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

Pet owners, this one’s for you! Tompkins Square Park in East Village hosts a Halloween Dog Parade every year. A New York Post article reports that around 500 dogs participate annually. Dressed in the most creative costumes, from superheroes to witches, they make for an adorable sight.

Take the Haunted Lantern Tour

Adding an educational twist to your Halloween celebrations, the Haunted Lantern Tour at Fort Totten Park is unlike any other. The tour walks you through Civil War-era buildings, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the past. One of the highlights is the Water Battery, an artillery fortification from the 1860s. While its original purpose was to protect the East River approach to New York Harbor, today, it serves as a backdrop for your Halloween adventure.

The tour is guided by experts dressed in period costumes, adding authenticity to the experience. It’s usually held in the evenings, making the historical sites even more mysterious under the cloak of darkness. Spooky stories tied to the fort are told as you navigate through the aged structures, making you wonder if the chill you feel is just the autumn air or something more supernatural.

With its unique blend of history and spookiness, the Haunted Lantern Tour is perfect for those who want to do more than trick-or-treat on Halloween. The tour adds a cultural richness layer, making your celebration more meaningful and memorable.

Feel the thrill at the New York Haunted Hayride

Let’s not forget about Randall’s Island. With the New York Haunted Hayride, this island offers something different. According to a survey from NYC Go, 20% of New Yorkers say this is their favorite Halloween event. The hayride takes you through a forest filled with actors dressed as scary characters.

Dance the night away at NYC’s Halloween Parade

If you’re an adult seeking a lively Halloween, you can’t go wrong with Greenwich Village and its Halloween Parade. Time Out highlights that the NYC Halloween Parade draws a massive crowd, featuring over 60,000 spirited participants each year. But it’s not just about costumes and dancing; the musical element is a major attraction, too. Expect to hear everything from pop and rock to techno beats blaring from the floats. In the past, local bands and even some nationally recognized artists have joined the parade, amplifying the atmosphere.

But there’s more than just the parade to keep you entertained. While strolling around, you’ll find numerous food trucks serving delicious seasonal treats. Local bars and restaurants also enter the Halloween spirit, offering special menus and themed cocktails for the night.

Enjoy the Harvest Fest at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed Halloween experience, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has got you covered. Their official website says their Harvest Fest offers a peaceful break from the typical Halloween frenzy. There, you can engage in traditional fall activities like:

• Pumpkin painting
• Collecting colorful leaves and
• Scarecrow making.

The garden provides a perfect background of fall foliage for those who love nature. There are also live music performances, usually featuring acoustic and folk musicians, which add to the festival’s tranquil mood. So, if a chill vibe is what you’re after, the Harvest Fest is your ideal destination.

How will you celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023?

New York City offers many Halloween activities. From hayrides and lantern tours to dancing in parades and enjoying ethnic treats, there’s no shortage of options. This makes October the perfect month to visit NYC – not just because of the events but also because the weather is cooling down, and so is the tourist season. So pick your favorite activities and celebrate Halloween in New York in 2023 like you never did before!