Spooky season is officially upon us—and if your usual NYC Halloween events aren’t giving you enough of a thrill, it might be time to trade your city plans for something a little more… haunted.
From eerie small towns with centuries of history to haunted forests and horror-movie-famous neighborhoods, these Halloween destinations are all a short trip from NYC—and each one brings its own unique brand of spooky magic. 👻
Here are the best Halloween towns near NYC to visit this fall:
The ultimate Halloween town.
Just an hour north of Manhattan, Sleepy Hollow transforms into a full-blown Halloween village every October.
Don’t miss Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where famed figures like Washington Irving, Andrew Carnegie, and Elizabeth Arden rest, or Irving’s tudor-styled home, Sunnyside, which provides a peek into the author’s life and inspirations.
For immersive experiences, check out Spirits of Sleepy Hollow County or the new Immersive Headless Horseman Files at Philipsburg Manor—perfect for whodunit-loving thrill-seekers.
While you’re there, shop for Halloween-themed souvenirs at The Horseman Shop or The Purple Ostrich, and grab a bite at Piknik BBQ or Croqueteria Sleepy Hollow.
Tarrytown, NY
Neighbor to Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown amps up the old-world, elegant side of Halloween.
Stroll through its historic streets and stop by Lyndhurst Mansion, where “After Dark” ghost tours, costumed balls, and seasonal art shows make for a hauntingly sophisticated experience.
The Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the most haunted theaters in the Hudson Valley, is said to echo with long-gone performers even when empty—perfect for those who love a little theater with their thrills.
For a more interactive experience, check out seasonal performances and screenings, including Halloween-themed shows like Rocky Horror Picture Show or magical evenings that conjure the spirit of the Hudson Valley.
Kingston, NY
New York’s first capital city leans into its 17th‑century spirit with spooky flair.
Colonial ghost tours, historic cemetery walks, and “Boo at the Zoo” weekends at Forsyth Nature Center offer fun for both families and thrill-seekers!
The Old Dutch Church Cemetery Walks recount Revolutionary War–era hauntings, blending history and folklore beautifully against the Catskill backdrop.
Ulster County is also home to one of our all-time favorite haunted houses too, Headless Horseman Haunted Attractions, which was voted the 11th most horrifying haunted attraction in the US last year.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Home to the renowned Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, Croton-on-Hudson turns Van Cortlandt Manor into a glowing sculpture park of more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
For 2025, expect new displays like the “Pumpkin Promenade” and a glowing emerald dreamscape inspired by classic storybooks.
Running through November 16, this is one of the region’s most magical late-fall attractions!
The Hudson Valley town leans into family-friendly Halloween fun with free “Boo at the Zoo” weekends at Forsyth Nature Center and immersive experiences like the Headless Horseman Hideaway, offering spooky sips and surprise visits from the infamous Horseman himself.
Salem, MA
A longer—but bucket-list-worthy—road trip from NYC, Salem is the ultimate Halloween town thanks to its infamous 1692 witch trials.
Every October, the city comes alive for Haunted Happenings, a monthlong celebration featuring parades, lantern tours, psychic fairs, and candlelit tours of the Witch House—the only building still standing with direct ties to the trials.
Visitors can also explore the Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest in Salem (dating back to 1637), and get spooked at seasonal events all over town.
Newport, RI
Newport transforms into a storybook “City by the Sea” for Halloween, blending colonial ghost lore with candlelit mansion tours, haunted taverns, and chic costume parties!
The city’s cobblestone streets, centuries-old mansions, and seaside fog create one of New England’s most atmospheric Halloween escapes.
Wander the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest operating tavern, where flickering candles and mysterious footsteps are said to reveal lingering spirits, or explore Belcourt of Newport and Seaview Terrace, two Gilded Age mansions rumored to host ghostly residents.
There’s also plenty of lantern-lit ghost tours winding through Washington Square to the waterfront Dockside Newport to keep you busy too.
Amityville, Long Island, NY
For true-crime thrill-seekers, Amityville delivers eerie, real-world chills as the setting of The Amityville Horror.
While the infamous Dutch Colonial house is now privately owned, visitors can wander the waterfront neighborhood soaking in the spooky atmosphere.
Nearby Babylon and Bay Shore add to the allure with haunted harbor tours, ghost-story nights, and a string of seasonal events that make Long Island’s most infamous town a uniquely haunting Halloween escape.