Best Halloween Events in New York & New Jersey 2025
1. Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, New York
The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade is the biggest Halloween parade in the world. It started in 1974. Now, more than 80,000 people join it and about 2 million people come to watch every year. The 2025 theme is “GLADIATOR II.” It celebrates ancient Rome with art and costumes. The parade has giant puppets, dancers, bands, and many creative costumes. Date: October 31, 2025, Location: 6th Avenue, NYC, Contact: info@halloween-nyc.com
2. Bronx’s Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
For the fans of Tim Burton’s Disney caper, The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail in the Bronx is a perfect outing. Organised at the iconic New York Botanical Garden, pumpkins in animated versions, haunting trees and a host of life size characters dominate for about a mile of Christmas lights within the venue. Dates: September 25 – November 30, 2025 , Place: Bronx, NY , Contact: thenightmarebeforechristmaslighttrail.com
3. Halloween Harvest Festival, QueensThe Socrates Sculpture park is also a sight for a breathtaking Halloween outing in Queens, which is free for all and is fettered with food outlets, live music and art and craft workshops for visitors to try their hand. It also is the place for NYC’s second-largest dog costume contest, where pets show off their Halloween looks. Date, October 25, 2025 (Rain date: Oct 26) , Location: Long Island City, NY , Contact: 718-956-18194. Headless Horseman Haunted Halloween, Ulster Park
Running since 1992, the Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses is set on a 65-acre property in the Catskills. It features six haunted houses, hayrides, corn maze, and spooky walking trails with new themes each year. For 2025, organizers promise expanded attractions and more interactive scares. Dates: Sept 20 – Nov 1, 2025 , Place: 778 Broadway, Ulster Park , Contact: info@headlesshorseman.com
5. Pure Terror Scream Park, Monroe
The Pure Terror Scream Park in Monroe, NY, is 40 miles from NYC and is in the Guinness World Records for being the longest and scariest haunted house. It has 10 huge haunted houses in one spot, with professional actors, cinematic sets, and top special effects. Dates: Sept 19 – Nov 2, 2025 , Location: 1010 NY-17M, Monroe, NY , Contact: (845) 300-4448
6. Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Croton-on-Hudson
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor is a family favorite with 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. The displays include Pumpkin Planetarium, Pumpkin Zee Bridge, and Pumpkin Carousel, with an amazing 170,000+ visitors yearly. Dates: Sept 12 – Nov 16, 2025 , Location: Croton-on-Hudson, NY , Contact: (914) 631-8200
New Jersey’s top Halloween events 2025
1. Haunted Wild West City, Stanhope
The Haunted Wild West Halloween in Stanhope mixes Old West fun with scary thrills. It offers a haunted train ride, spooky walking trails, live actors, tarot reading, and live music. Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, October 2025 , Tickets: $25 online, $30 offline , Contact: (973) 347-8900.
2. Brookdale Haunted Theater, Lincroft
The Brookdale Haunted Theater at Brookdale Community College is celebrating its 22nd year in 2025. The event is run by students, staff, and alumni, and is award-winning for its creative indoor haunted house. It features dark mazes, blackout zones, and special effects, winning Best Overall Halloween Attraction in NJ for 7 years. Dates: Oct 10–12, 17–19, 24–26, 30, Nov 1–2 , Time: 6–10 PM , Location: Lincroft, NJ , Contact: (732) 224-2411.
3. 13th Hour Haunted House, Wharton
The 13th Hour Haunted House in Wharton, NJ, is celebrating 10 years in 2025. It includes three haunted houses – House of Nightmares, The Attic, and The Darkside – plus nine escape rooms and a Haunted Hatchets game. Dates: Fridays & Saturdays in October , Location: Wharton, NJ , Website: 13thhour.com , Contact: (862) 244-4454.
4. Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest, Jackson
Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest 2025 runs on select nights from Sept 12 to Nov 2, 2025. The park features haunted mazes based on The Conjuring, Saw, and Trick ‘r Treat, plus scare zones with pirates and clowns. Visitors can also ride the new The Flash: Vertical Velocity coaster while exploring spooky zones. Location: Jackson, NJ , Contact: (732) 928-2000.
FAQs
Q1. What are the best Halloween events to visit in New York in 2025?
Top Halloween events in New York include the Greenwich Village Parade, Bronx’s Nightmare Before Christmas Trail, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
Q2. Where can I celebrate Halloween in New Jersey in 2025?
You can enjoy haunted attractions like Six Flags Fright Fest, Brookdale Haunted Theater, and 13th Hour Haunted House in New Jersey.