In 2025, New York is set to host an array of Halloween parades that will delight families and thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re planning a full-on parade-hopping weekend or just looking for the best spots to watch, this guide covers everything you need to know about Halloween parades in NYC 2025.
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Top Halloween Parades in New York 2025
Village Halloween Parade
The Village Halloween Parade is NYC’s most iconic Halloween event, running up Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to 16th Street in Manhattan.
Expect thousands of costumed participants, live music, and huge puppets.
- Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 2025, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Audience: All ages; family-friendly during early hours
- Nearby Events: Street performers and Halloween fairs in Greenwich Village
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels in Lower Manhattan
- Transport: Subway lines 1, A, C, E stop nearby; rideshare is convenient
- Route Map/Key Intersections: Starts at Canal Street, passes Houston, Bleecker, and 14th Street, ends at 16th Street
Insider Tip: Get a spot near 14th Street for the best parade photography.
Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade
This dog-centric parade is a quirky, fun, and adorable event where dogs in costumes strut alongside their owners. It’s perfect for families and animal enthusiasts.
- Date & Time: October 2025 (exact date TBD)
- Audience: Families and dog lovers
- Nearby Events: Community fairs and pumpkin patches in the East Village
- Accommodation: Local guesthouses and boutique stays
- Transport: Subway lines L and F; car or rideshare possible
- Family Tips: Easy-to-navigate sidewalks for strollers; plenty of shaded spots
Ragamuffin Parade
A long-standing community favorite, the Ragamuffin Parade is family-oriented and full of creativity.
Kids and adults alike participate in vibrant costumes, celebrating a mix of Halloween and traditional fall themes.
- Date & Time: October 25, 2025 (tentative)
- Audience: Families and children
- Nearby Events: Fall craft fairs and local food markets
- Accommodation: Nearby family-friendly hotels or B&Bs
- Transport: Subway and bus lines servicing the parade route
- Route Map/Key Intersections: Starts at Main Street, goes through Elm Street, ends at Maple Avenue
- Family Tips: Stroller-friendly; short route allows kids to participate actively
Coney Island Mermaid Parade (Halloween-Themed Events)
While originally a summer event, Coney Island hosts Halloween-themed variations, merging its signature creative floats with spooky costumes and performances.
- Date & Time: Late October 2025
- Audience: Teen and adult-friendly; daytime family options
- Nearby Events: Boardwalk Halloween celebrations and food festivals
- Accommodation: Beachfront hotels and motels near Coney Island
- Transport: Subway lines D, F, N, Q to Coney Island; limited parking
- Family Tips: Wide boardwalk paths suitable for strollers
Neighborhood & Community Parades
Beyond the city’s big names, local parades pop up in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, offering intimate, family-friendly Halloween fun.
These parades often feature local bands, costumes, and interactive activities.
- Date & Time: Various weekends in October 2025 (exact dates TBD)
- Audience: Families, kids, and neighborhood communities
- Nearby Events: Local Halloween fairs, pumpkin patches, and block parties
- Accommodation: Short-term rentals or local inns
- Transport: Public transit, rideshare, and limited street parking
- Route Map/Key Intersections: Check local community boards for exact routes
- Family Tips: Ideal for strollers and young children; smaller crowds than major city parades
Ticketing & Accessibility
- Free events: Most NYC Halloween parades are free to watch.
- Special seating: Some parades offer reserved seating or VIP viewing areas for better visibility.
- Accessibility: Check official websites for wheelchair access and accessible viewing points.
Directions & Transportation
- Subway: Most parades are accessible via multiple subway lines—check routes beforehand.
- Bus & Rideshare: Convenient options for neighborhood parades with limited parking.
- Local Parking Garages: Use nearby garages in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens for major parades; check for early reservations.
Nearby Seasonal Events & Festivals
Many Halloween parades coincide with:
- Pumpkin festivals
- Street fairs and craft markets
- Themed pop-up haunted attractions
Pairing a parade visit with these events makes your Halloween experience more immersive and memorable.
Local Food & Drink Pairings
- Greenwich Village: street food, seasonal treats, and pop-up Halloween cafes
- East Village: quirky coffee shops and dessert bars
- Coney Island boardwalk: classic carnival foods with a Halloween twist
Accommodation Recommendations
- Lower Manhattan: Boutique hotels near the Village Halloween Parade
- Brooklyn & Queens: Short-term rentals near community parades
- Coney Island: Beachfront hotels for boardwalk-themed events
Final Thoughts
Halloween 2025 in New York City promises unforgettable parades, vibrant costumes, and family-friendly thrills.
Read More: 12 Best Haunted Houses in New York for Halloween 2025
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