Halloween in New York

When things go bump in the night more frequently than usual, it can only mean one thing. No, not a rodent infestation; it's Halloween! The spookiest time of year has evolved from simple trick-or-treating to a time of grand experiences! And if you're in New York for the festivities, you might want to know what's going on! Well, look no further. In this guide to Halloween in New York, we'll tell you about all the best spooky bits you'll not want to miss. Now fly, my pretties! Fly!

Including:

• When is Halloween in New York?
• Where is Halloween in New York
• Catacombs by Candlelight Tour
• Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour
• Village Halloween Parade
• and more!

When is Halloween in New York?

If you are a human person, then you probably already know this. But this one's for all you non-humans who might be unaware. The spookiest day of the year falls on October 31st; this year, that's a Monday. And you might be thinking, "Monday's a school night; how am I supposed to get my spook on when I've got work the next day?"

Don't worry; we hear you, and we see you. You'll be pleased to know that much of the Halloween hijinks will take place the weekend before the day itself. You'll even find some shenanigans in the two weeks sandwiching the big day. A big Halloween sandwich of fun, if you will.

Where is Halloween in New York?

Well, it's in New York. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. You... specifically clicked this blog. Are you okay? Do you need to sit down and take a moment?

Things to do on Halloween in New York

Anyway, enough with the spooky silliness; you'll want to know what to do over Halloween in New York, right? Well, let's take a look at the best eerie activities on offer.

Be brave on a Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Ever danced with the devil in the pale candlelight? Yes, we've taken some liberties with that quote, taken from the eternally-Halloweeny mind of Tim Burton, but stay with us here. Because you won't be dancing on this candlelight tour of the catacombs beneath St. Patrick's Old Cathedral.

This 90-minute guided tour will take you through the myriad underground tunnels and passageways beneath this holy place. And your creepy yet information-savvy guide will regale you with spooky tales as you go. Many famous New Yorkers rest in these catacombs, and there's sure to be a creepy story for some of them.

Pairing history with spooky dark places? What more could you ask for on Halloween in New York?

Go hunting on a Ghosts of Greenwich Village Tour

Above the dank and dark catacombs, we now travel to Greenwich Village. Did you know it was originally named after a green witch? Neither did we, because it is a lie. There never was a green witch in Greenwich. But you know what Greenwich does have? Ghosts. Tons of ghosts.

That's right, Halloween-goers, you too can discover Manhattan's spine-chilling secrets on a ghostly walking tour of the local neighborhood. Visit Greenwich Village's most haunted hangouts to hear tales of lost children, celebrity ghosts, and park-dwelling phantoms. Let your guide weave creepy tales that go bump in the night. Witness the weirdness of the Hanging Tree, take a spooky stroll around Washington Square Park, and get ready to snap a picture of real ghosts along the way. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky!

Image courtesy of Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock

Do the monster mash at the Village Halloween Parade

Have you seen the news? Every year, New York is taken over by ghouls! 50,000 creatures of the night descend on the Big Apple, taking the streets and terrifying locals. That is, unless those locals are taking part. Because we're talking about the Village Halloween Parade, and if you're in town for Halloween, you won't want to miss it.

The parade runs up Sixth Ave from Canal St to 15th St in Manhattan, so if you want to get involved, you'll need a costume. This year's theme is 'freedom', so really you make of it what you want. If you're keen, head to Sixth Ave and Canal St at 6.30PM and prepare to march at 7PM!

If you'd rather watch from the sidelines, then by all means. Either head to Sixth Ave early to grab a spot (it gets busy as the march draws near), or head to the end of the parade at 14th St to 16th St to catch a whole host of sweaty, tired monsters passing the finish line.

Enjoy cocktail cackles at Hocus Pocus

Fancy sprinkling some camp into your Halloween merriment? Then you'll love Hocus Pocus, a cocktail extravaganza courtesy of A Drinking Game NYC.

Featuring a faithful rendition of the Disney classic Hocus Pocus, you'll watch along as the three witches enact their dastardly plans. Just make sure you've exercised your drinking hand, because every time you hear the bell, you'll need to take a sip.

Can you survive the night, or will the witches' inebriating spells take hold of you before the end? Only time, and your wits, will tell.

Run for your life at the terrifying Blood Manor

If you want to dial up your Halloween with a hefty dose of adrenaline, then look no further than the ominously-titled Blood Manor. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one, because you'll be in for some real terror.

This massive haunted house is located at 359 Broadway, and it's not for the faint of heart. In fact, children under 14 won't even be allowed in for fear of being scarred for life! For those of you daring enough to enter, you'll find haunted halls, petrifying passageways, and a multitude of actors trained in one thing and one thing only - being really scary.

If you survive and want to go next year, then you're in for a treat, because the whole house is refreshed every year. So next time you round that corner you were sure was safe, you might be in for a surprise.

And that's the end of our spooky guide to Halloween in New York? Want some less-spooky ideas for experiences in the Big Apple? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work the city's best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?