Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays in New York City. Every year, people in the city rush to put on their costumes, hunt for Halloween-themed treats, and experience all kinds of spooky fun. With Covid-19 presenting an unprecedented challenge to the city, celebrating Halloween might look a little different this year. But fear not—there are tons of cool ways to enjoy Halloween in NYC all month long. From virtual pumpkin carving to drive-in horror movie festivals, here are some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in New York City this year.
Exploring the Great Pumpkin Blaze
One of the most popular Halloween events in New York City is the Great Pumpkin Blaze in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Every year, the Great Pumpkin Blaze features a spectacular display of 7,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns set along a walking path. While this year the event is taking a break due to Covid-19, you can still experience Sleepy Hollow’s Haunted Hayride and the Great Jack O’Lantern Trail online. And if you need to stock up on supplies for your pumpkin carving sessions, check out the vendors at the Great Pumpkin Blaze Marketplace.
Experience a Virtual Escape Room
Escape rooms have become a popular pastime in New York City, with tons of different virtual and in-person options for thrill-seekers. For Halloween, you can explore your creepy side and try out a Halloween-themed virtual escape room. Several companies around the city offer virtual escape room experiences, so you and your friends can face off against the forces of evil from the safety of your own homes.
Go On a Virtual Haunted Tour
The Ghosts of New York tour is one of the city’s most popular spooky attractions. It takes visitors on a journey through eerie settings and recounts chilling stories of hauntings. This year, you don’t have to worry about being stuck in a crowded crowd to experience the tour. You can join an online version of the tour that includes virtual 360-degree tours, historical videos, and plenty of chilling stories.
Check Out a Drive-In Horror Movie Festival
Nothing says Halloween like a horror movie marathon. And while movie theatres may be closed, you can still enjoy a horror movie screening this Halloween. Several drive-in movie theatres around New York will host special horror movie festivals this season. So bundle up, bring some snacks and friends to share the scares with you, and get ready to experience some good old-fashioned terror.
Get Crafty with a Virtual Pumpkin Carving Party
Pumpkin carving is an essential part of any Halloween celebration. This year, instead of interacting with your friends and family in person, why not get together for a virtual pumpkin carving party? All you need is some carving tools, some pumpkins, and an internet connection. Once that’s done, all of you can get creative and carve away to your heart’s content.
Visit the House of Wax
The House of Wax is one of the most iconic Halloween attractions in New York City. Every year, the attraction transforms into a bigger and spookier version of itself with life-like wax figures, real snakes, and plenty of spooky effects. While the House of Wax will remain closed this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, you can still view the attraction on their website and immerse yourself in its spooky atmosphere.
Go Thrifting for the Perfect Costume
A Halloween costume is the most important thing in the Halloween world. And if you’re looking to customize your costume this year, orgothrifting is your best bet. Thrift stores in New York City are a great source for some unique pieces and vintage finds. You can go around hunting for the perfect pieces and create a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume. Plus, it’s a great way to support small businesses in the city.
Booze Up with a Spooky Cocktail
What better way to get into the Halloween spirit than sip on some spooky drinks? Several bars around the city offer specialty cocktails for the occasion, so why not try some of them? From vampire-inspired drinks to dark and boozy potions, you’re sure to get into the spirit with these drinks. Or, if you want to be really creative, you can create your own fun and festive cocktails at home.
Stroll Through Oli’s Haunted Woods
Oli’s Haunted Woods is the perfect outdoor setting for a spooky Halloween celebration. The woods feature spooky decorations, electric chills, and lots of live entertainment. This year, due to Covid-19, the venue will remain closed, but you can still take a stroll through their 4-acre outdoor woods to soak up its spooky energy.
Attend a Virtual Costume Party
If you’re looking to show off your costume and meet some new people this Halloween, you can always attend a virtual costume party. Several companies around the city organize virtual costume parties with interactive activities, performances, and contests for costume awards. So you can dress up in your best Halloween costume, enjoy some spooky vibes, and make some new friends from the safety of your own home.
Take a Virtual Ghost Tour of NYC
New York City is home to its fair share of paranormal activity, so why not explore some of the spookiest locations in the city this Halloween? There are plenty of companies offering virtual ghost tours of the city, so you can experience the thrill without having to physically go anywhere. From creepy parks to haunted mansions, you’re sure to experience some chills and thrills along the way.
Halloween might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some good old-fashioned spooky fun. From virtual pumpkin carving parties to drive-in horror movie festivals, there are tons of ways to celebrate Halloween in New York City all month long. So get your costumes ready and get ready to experience some good frights this season.
