Halloween in New York City is unlike any other place in the world. Between over-the-top parades, neighborhood trick-or-treating, and elaborately staged haunted houses, the city becomes a thrilling playground for families and fright-seekers alike. 

On the Upper West Side (UWS), October brings a mix of kid-friendly traditions and spooky spectacles, all within easy reach of the iconic New York City Halloween Parade and other seasonal highlights. 

Whether you’re visiting with little ones or planning a night of ghoulish fun, there’s no shortage of Halloween activities in NYC to enjoy. 

The New York City Halloween Parade

No Halloween season is complete without the New York City Halloween Parade, the world’s largest Halloween celebration. Taking place every October 31st in Greenwich Village, this legendary parade features dazzling costumes, towering puppets, and live bands marching up Sixth Avenue. Anyone in costume is welcome to join the procession, making it both a spectator event and an interactive experience.

For families, arriving early is key; kids will love spotting imaginative costumes, from classic witches to characters straight out of comic books. For adults, the artistry and scale of the parade make it an unforgettable night. From the Lucerne Hotel, the parade route is about a 25-minute rideshare away, offering quick and convenient access to this Halloween tradition.

The Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park

If you’re looking for something a little more whimsical, head just 10 minutes on foot from the Lucerne Hotel into Central Park for the annual Pumpkin Flotilla. Families carve pumpkins during the day, then watch them float across the Harlem Meer at twilight. 

The glowing jack-o’-lanterns drifting over the water create a magical, less-spooky experience perfect for young children. In addition to the flotilla, there are crafts, storytelling, and live music, making this a highlight among family-friendly Halloween activities in NYC.

Culture Meets Fright at Lincoln Center

Just a 5-minute rideshare from The Lucerne Hotel, Lincoln Center offers an exciting lineup of Halloween-themed performances and screenings for every taste. This year’s festivities include Beats, Rhymes & Sights: Blade Halloween Film Screening, presented in collaboration with Shaolin Jazz, a fresh take on the cult classic that blends film, music, and visual art. 

For those drawn to the stage, The Juilliard School’s Halloween Concert brings a thrilling mix of orchestral and choral performances, while American Ballet Theatre’s Special Halloween Program adds a touch of elegance to the evening. 

Film fans can also catch Psycho In Concert with the New York Philharmonic or the Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Screening at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, all happening just steps from each other at Lincoln Center. It’s a night where culture meets fright, perfect for guests who want to experience Halloween with a touch of sophistication.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan Happy Halloween Festival

For families with young children, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, only 5 minutes from the Lucerne Hotel, hosts its Happy Halloween Festival. The event includes costume design workshops, a Halloween maze, and hands-on activities designed for younger kids. From hat building to scavenger hunts, it’s a safe and fun way to get into the spirit of the season.

Boo at the Zoo

While not on the UWS, the Bronx Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is one of the top Halloween activities in NYC for families willing to venture a little farther. From the Lucerne Hotel, it’s about a 45-minute rideshare.

Kids will love the animal-themed costume parade, hayrides, and pumpkin carving demonstrations. It’s a festive daytime option for families who want Halloween fun with an educational twist.

Haunted Houses in NYC: Spooky Thrills Nearby

For those who crave chills and thrills, haunted houses in NYC deliver on atmosphere and scares. Two of the city’s most popular haunted attractions are easy to reach from the Upper West Side:

  • Blood Manor in SoHo is about a 35-minute rideshare from the Lucerne Hotel. Known for its professionally staged sets and terrifying actors, Blood Manor is a staple of New York’s haunted house scene. It’s recommended for teens and adults rather than small kids.

  • For guests who want real scares, a standout option for 2025 is Pure Terror Scream Park, located about 50 miles from the city in Monroe, NY. Though it’s outside the five boroughs, it’s one of the region’s most ambitious haunted experiences, with multiple immersive attractions and new themes for 2025.

Both attractions add a spooky edge to the season and are perfect for those who want a break from the family-friendly fare of the UWS.

Trick-or-Treating on the UWS

The Upper West Side is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods for Halloween night trick-or-treating. Brownstones and apartment buildings along West 69th Street and the surrounding blocks go all out with decorations that include giant spiders, skeletons climbing façades, and glowing pumpkins. 

Families stroll through the neighborhood, collecting candy while admiring the creativity of residents. This Halloween activity is just a 10-minute walk from the Lucerne Hotel, making it one of the most convenient options for guests staying in the area.

A Halloween Hub on the Upper West Side

From floating pumpkins in Central Park to trick-or-treating on picturesque brownstone-lined streets, the Upper West Side offers a mix of festive, safe, and spooky events for every age group. And when you’re ready to explore further, the legendary New York City Halloween Parade and some of the best haunted houses in NYC are just a short ride away.

Staying in the Lucerne Hotel puts you in the midst of it all, with family-friendly fun right outside the door and citywide Halloween activities within easy reach. Whether you’re looking for thrills, costumes, or a night of neighborhood fun, the Lucerne provides the perfect home base for a Halloween adventure in New York City.

Book your stay today for spooky fun this Halloween!