Halloween in NYC 2025: Parades, Parties & Spooky Fun Near Times Square
Halloween in New York City isn’t just a holiday; it’s a full-scale transformation. By late October, the city hums with energy: brownstone stoops glow with jack-o’-lanterns, creative costumes spill into the streets, and rooftop bars buzz long into the night. Whether you’re drawn to legendary parades, atmospheric concerts, or immersive seasonal attractions, there’s no better place to experience it all than from the center of the action in Times Square.
Margaritaville Resort Times Square offers a vibrant, resort-style base that keeps you close to the city’s most iconic Halloween events while giving you space to unwind. After a night of parades and parties, retreat to rooftop cocktails, a heated pool, and a warm, laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from the October chill.
The Best Halloween Events Happening Near Times Square
From city-defining parades to rooftop costume parties, New York’s Halloween season is packed with experiences for every type of traveler. Here are eight standout events, all easy to reach from Margaritaville Resort Times Square.
The Village Halloween Parade
Location: Greenwich Village
When: October 31, evening
The Village Halloween Parade is the city’s most iconic Halloween event, featuring thousands of costumed participants, towering puppets, live bands, and an electric atmosphere that takes over downtown. It’s a once-a-year spectacle that’s best enjoyed with the convenience of a Midtown home base, hop on the subway from Times Square and be there in minutes.
Halloween House NYC
Location: 50 W 34th St (5-minute walk)
When: Daily throughout October
This immersive, walk-through experience is designed for all ages, with themed rooms, photo ops, and theatrical set design. It’s a playful, family-friendly way to soak up the Halloween spirit, located just around the corner from the hotel.
Boo at the Zoo – Bronx Zoo Halloween Celebration
Location: Bronx Zoo
When: Weekends in October
A New York family tradition, Boo at the Zoo fills the Bronx Zoo with pumpkin trails, magic shows, costumed performers, and seasonal treats. It’s a perfect daytime excursion that pairs easily with an evening back in Midtown.
Rooftop Halloween Parties Across NYC
Location: Midtown & Downtown rooftops
When: Final two weekends in October
Halloween meets skyline views at the city’s best rooftop venues, where DJs, themed cocktails, and costume contests create unforgettable nights. From Midtown lounges to downtown hotspots, these parties capture the energy of NYC after dark.
Candlelight Concerts: Halloween Special
Location: Various Midtown venues
When: Select nights in October
For something moodier and more refined, candlelight concerts offer Halloween classics and cinematic scores performed live in atmospheric, candlelit spaces. Many of these venues are a short walk from Times Square, making this an elegant way to mark the season.
Times Scare: Haunted Broadway Walking Tour
Location: Times Square
When: Evenings throughout October
Step into Times Square’s haunted history on a guided Broadway ghost tour. Theatres become storytelling stages for eerie tales of backstage hauntings and unexplained encounters, all starting just steps from Margaritaville’s front doors.
Pumpkin Nights at Hudson Yards
Location: Hudson Yards
When: Mid-October through Halloween
Hudson Yards glows with carved pumpkins, illuminated installations, and fire pits perfect for cozy fall evenings. Just a 15-minute walk from the resort, it’s a scenic stop for anyone looking to blend seasonal atmosphere with city exploration.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley
Location: Croton-on-Hudson (via Metro-North)
When: September–November
This celebrated day-trip destination features more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins displayed in intricate riverside scenes. It’s a must for photographers and anyone seeking a spectacular fall experience beyond the city skyline.
Halloween Comes to Life at Margaritaville Resort Times Square
This Halloween, you don’t need to go far for a night to remember. On October 31, Margaritaville Resort Times Square transforms into a multi-venue celebration with festive drinks, music, and rooftop energy, all just an elevator ride away.
Kick things off with the Pirate Booty Bar Crawl, a property-wide adventure that winds through Margaritaville’s bars, from the laid-back License to Chill to the lively 5 o’Clock Somewhere rooftop. Each stop brings a different vibe, making it a fun way to explore the resort while getting into the Halloween spirit.
As the night goes on, head to LandShark Bar & Grill for the Halloween After-Party, where the energy ramps up with music, costumes, and plenty of space to celebrate without the Midtown gridlock. It’s the perfect option for travelers who want to embrace NYC’s Halloween buzz, without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
Celebrate Spooky Season with a Resort-Style Retreat
When the Halloween crowds thin and the city streets quiet down, Margaritaville Resort Times Square becomes your personal retreat in the heart of Manhattan. Just steps from Broadway and the parade routes, the resort brings a sense of ease to what can otherwise be a hectic weekend in the city.
Unwind with rooftop cocktails overlooking the skyline at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, or refuel after a night of costume parties with tropical classics at Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar. The heated rooftop pool offers a surreal contrast to crisp autumn nights, and the resort’s laid-back atmosphere creates a smooth transition between the city’s Halloween buzz and your own version of paradise.
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or your partner, everything you need, dining, drinks, entertainment, and comfort, is right on-site. No subway rides, no taxis, no stress.
Book Your Halloween Getaway Early
Halloween is one of New York’s busiest and most atmospheric times of year, and rooms across Midtown book up fast. Staying at Margaritaville Resort Times Square means you can enjoy the full intensity of the city’s Halloween events by day, then retreat to a warm, tropical escape by night.
Planning ahead is the best way to lock in availability and make the most of seasonal perks. Explore the exclusive offers running during the fall, and find the perfect base for your Halloween adventure among the resort’s Rooms & Suites.
Here, the city’s biggest celebrations are just minutes away, but the chaos stays outside your door.
