Visiting The Lucerne Hotel in October means being front and center to the exciting Halloween happenings that take place in New York City. Whether you’re looking for a chilling experience in a haunted house, showing off your creativity through costumes, or creating memories as a family, there’s no shortage of Halloween NYC attractions to choose from during your stay.

Don’t fear the unknown when you stay in our Upper West Side hotel. Read on to learn more about our three picks for fun Halloween events this October.


The Dakota

Less than a mile away from The Lucerne is one of the most historic haunted houses on the Upper West Side. The Dakota apartment building has been the host for many paranormal occurrences dating back to the 1960s. Today, The Dakota is most associated as the location of John Lennon’s murder and home, as well as being the filming site for Roman Polanski’s horror film Rosemary’s Baby. Fans of the musician and supernatural activity should take note of this place (and possibly bring a friend): Lennon reportedly saw a ghost wandering the hallways and named the Crying Lady Ghost while Yoko Ono once said in an interview that she saw John Lennon’s ghost there, too.

The Dakota, 1 West 72nd Street at Central Park West

Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla

Take advantage of The Lucerne’s convenient access to Central Park by attending their Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla. This festivity combines the best of the Halloween season: pumpkin carving demonstrations, costume parades, live music, and spooky stories, all in one event perfect for the entire family. The Pumpkin Flotilla—which is Spanish for a small fleet of ships—allows attendees to place their carved pumpkin in the water and watch it set sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight. Plus this year’s event includes live “Bat Encounter” presentations, making for a true Upper West Side experience.

Sunday, October 30, 2016, 3:30 pm–7:00 pm, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues)

Halloween Celebration at The Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History – known for showcasing the world’s natural wonders – transforms its halls on Halloween into a unique trick-or-treating experience. Surrounded by dinosaurs and science exhibits will be a magnificent spectacle for children and parents alike, with people dressed as beloved cartoon characters, live performance, and arts and crafts tables. Enjoy a different perspective of this iconic museum and don’t forget your costume!

4-7pm, Monday, October 31, 2016, The American Museum of Natural History