It’s the fourth week of October and we all know what that means – Halloween’s officially a week away. Halloween’s probably one of the biggest events of the year; there’s always a million things going on during or around October 31st. Everyone has their own way of celebrating Halloween, whether that be trick-or-treating with your little siblings, crashing a frat party, going out for a night on the town with the girls, catching the newest Dracula movie in theaters, or curling up in a ball in bed while watching Halloween classics such as Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown. However, if you don’t have any plans yet, keep reading and consider these events going on in NYC that may make your night a little bit more festive.
1. Haunted Houses
Now, we’re not talking about those childish haunted houses with parents dressed up as white-tablecloth ghosts and silly string being sprayed into your face. We’re talking about the real deal. If you’re fearless enough, check out some of New York City’s popular Haunted House attractions such as Blood Manor or Nightmare NYC. Tickets for popular haunted house attractions range between $30 to $65 a ticket, but if you’re in for an adreneline rush and a unique way to spend your spooky day, you may want to give this option a try.
2. Parades
Parades are always a good time. They’re free events so a great option for anyone on a budget. A popular Halloween parade that occurs annually in New York is the Village Halloween Parade which has been held on Halloween night for the past forty years. You’re bought to see a ton of creative and creepy costumes, over-the-top floats and puppets, and talented performances. Just be sure to be weary of who’s around you. When everyone’s in disguise and you’re staying in a large crowd in the middle of NYC, it’s never a good idea to let your guard down, no matter how great of a time you’re having.
3. Parties
Nothing says celebrating like a good party. Whether it be a costume ball or a haunted-themed event, when you’re in the Big Apple, you can pretty much find a party in every nook and cranny, starting from about a week before Halloween, lasting to a good week into November. Some parties even offer a packet deal, so invite your friends, grab your prettiest masquerade mask, and party like it’s 1999!
4. Murder mystery
There’s no better time to round your friends up and be detectives in a murder case than during Halloween! The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden hosts murder mysteries where a skeleton is found underneath the floor boards and it’s up to you and your crew to determine the killer. This event is much more mild than the intense haunted houses mentioned, so it would be a great family event is you have tough younger siblings.
5. Ghost tours
Have you ever taken a walk down Wall Street? I bet you haven’t taken one like this! During October, there are Wall Street Walks led in the city’s financial district. This tour is approximately 90 minutes long and leads you through cemetaries, dark alleys, and what is considered to be one of the most haunted parts of NYC. Now, I’m not sure what’s scarier, taking a ghost tour down Wall Street or seeing my tuition bill. I guess you can check it out to see for yourself! (the tour, not my bill)
No matter what you have planned for October 31st, whether it be as spooky as going to Blood Manor or if you’ve got your heart set on a bowl of popcorn while watching Casper Meets Wendy, I hope you ladies all have fabulous Halloween and always remember to stay safe! Don’t forget to have fun, because remember…