Spooky season is winding down, so now is the time to map out a plan for trick or treating in NYC. You certainly don’t want those candy bags to go empty, do you?
Not only have we provided insight on street closures ahead of the Village Halloween Parade and a guide to Trick-Or-Streets, the car-free celebration across the five boroughs, but we’ve also uncovered where little ghosts and goblins will most enjoy snagging sweets.
Since NYC is considered the best city to celebrate Halloween, might as well make the most of it. Happy snacking!
Chelsea, Manhattan
One of our favorite food halls, Chelsea Market takes its trick-or-treating quite seriously and dedicates the entire day to the tradition. Stop by on the 31st for sweets and enjoy a slew of performers throughout the day. Plus, you can rest easy knowing your little monsters aren’t getting mixed up in traffic while scouring for candy. Learn more on the Chelsea Market website.
Upper West Side, Manhattan
One of our favorite neighborhoods for Halloween decor, the Upper West Side gives a particularly spooky yet welcoming vibe with its cobwebs scattered across brownstones along Columbus Avenue and Central Park West. It’s one of the ultimate family-friendly neighborhoods in the city, so why not celebrate Halloween uptown?
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Like the Upper West Side, Park Slope has a reputation for its family-friendly atmosphere, particularly during kid-friendly celebrations like Halloween. The 2024 Park Slope Civic Council Children’s Halloween Parade begins on day itself and kicks off with trick-or-treating at 3pm, followed by the parade at 6:30pm, providing ample time to snag the best treats.
Staten Island Mall, Staten Island
While yes, trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity, there’s something particularly alluring about hunting for candy at an arcade. Meet Dave & Boo-ster’s, Dave and Buster’s family-friendly trick-or-treating extravaganza that has a little bit of everything: costumes, a candy scavenger hunt, and of course, your kiddo’s favorite games. $10 tickets include a $15 power card with unlimited video game play. The event will take place from 4-7pm.
Astoria, Queens
Halloween on 31st Avenue kickstarts on the 31st at 4pm, and it’s the perfect family-friendly atmosphere to ring in the spookiest day of the year. Celebrate the holiday with a pumpkin patch, decorating stations, selfie opportunities, and of course, sweet treats!
Jackson Heights, Queens
Coined as the largest children’s Halloween parade in the city, the Jackson Heights annual event will take place on Thursday, the 31st at 5pm. Considering over 3,000 bags of candy are distributed, are you really willing to miss out? The event takes place from 37th Avenue from 89th to 76th Streets.
Riverdale, Bronx
Wave Hill in the Bronx is home to one of the city’s most bucolic atmospheres, and for the first time, it will host “Hill-O-Ween,” a “eerie treasure trail” filled with festive moments and photo-ops, fun music, and of course, candy. Registration is recommended. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and keep in mind that masks that cover faces are not allowed.