‘Tis the season to start digging our coats and preparing for the winter. Even though it is only October, a few Canadian gusts of wind leave behind a chilly trail that keep most (or at least myself) longing for spring to come.
However, and despite the dropping temperatures, no city celebrates Fall and Halloween like New York City. Get yourself ready for spook-tacular events, giant Corn Mazes, K-9 Halloween costume competitions, Jack’ O Lanterns, and haunted houses.
Gothamists and visitors alike, are you ready for the best Halloween 2015 plans in New York City?
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| Source: Photopin |
1. Take a Candlelight Ghost Tour at Gotham’s Most Haunted House
I bet you have visited many haunted houses with props, actors, and likely lots of fake blood. You won’t find this at Merchant’s House, a real brick-and-mortar haunted house where the spirits of its 19th-century inhabitants still scare visitors and workers alike.
During the month of October, the Merchant’s House Museum offers a 50-minute candlelight tour where they unveil the dark secrets of Seabury Treadwell and his family, who lived and died in the house. The knowledgeable staff will share, preserved room after preserved room, tales and real stories about ghostly presences, unexplained voices, and paranormal activity.
Care to try something else? Other spooky activities and events, such as the recreation of a 19th-century funeral and graveyard procession or a macabre concert with songs from the crypt, are available under reservation.
From $25.
For more information and ticketing, visit http://merchantshouse.org/october2015/
2. Trick-Or-Treat with Other Adults at the Village Halloween Parade
Who said Halloween is just for kids? Gotham adults love costumes and candy as much as anybody else, including their furry friends. New Yorkers will celebrate the 42nd annual Village Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31, and participate once more in what has become America’s largest public Halloween event. This year’s theme, “Shine a Light”, will surely attract masses to dance and parade along with over 50 bands, puppets, and dancers.
Are you in costume and want to take part in the fun? Great, because anybody can participate! Just go to Sixth Avenue at Canal Street between
6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for a spooktacular night. Note to the Beginners in New York: Though the parade starts at 7 pm, take your spot early! Last year, over 2 million people filled the sidewalks to spot their favorite costumes, and it gets pretty crowded.
Free
For more information and to access the full contest requirements, visit https://www.halloween-nyc.com/participate.php
3. Celebrate a Spawtacular Halloween with your Furry Friend
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| Source: New York Friki Boy |
Where can you find what is probably the biggest Halloween pet costume competition in the Globe? Only in New York City! Bring your best four-legged friend to Tompkins Square Park next Saturday, October the 24th at noon to enter a competition where you can win thousands of dollars in prizes, aside from having lots of fun. Are you a reptile person, or don’t you just have the creativity to craft a costume for your dog? Worry not! This is a public event in which you can just stroll down to admire the creativity of both humans and critters.
Free for visitors. Suggested donation of $5 for contestants.
For more information, visit http://www.tompkinssquaredogrun.com/halloween/
4. Ghosts of New York Walking Tour
Are you the walking type? You might pass by the spirits of Edgar Allan Poe, Houdini, or even Walt Whitman with this 90-minute guided tour. But beware! Once you have heard the chilling ghost stories of your beloved neighborhood, you might not want to go back alone at night.
$20
For reservations and more information, visit http://www.ghostsofny.com/
So many events to fit in a New York minute! Trick or Treat?
