When October rolls around and the air turns crisp, there’s no place more magical—or more haunting—than Midtown Manhattan. Nestled between the glittering lights of Times Square and the architectural grandeur of the Empire State Building, this iconic neighborhood transforms into a Halloween playground where history, mystery, and modern style collide. From the glamorous ghosts of the Jazz Age to contemporary costume extravaganzas, Midtown Manhattan serves up Halloween thrills with that signature New York City flair. For even more spookiness, Midtown visitors can take an easy day trip to Sleepy Hollow for more Halloween goodness.
Haunted Houses
Most of the haunted houses in New York City this year are not located in Midtown proper, but are an easy subway ride, Citi Bike jaunt, or Uber ride away. For example, Blood Manor, located in Tribeca, features approximately 10,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways designed to maximize your fears. It’s just a short subway trip from Midtown. The experience lasts approximately 30 minutes if you walk through, 20 minutes if you run, and it’s not recommended for children under 14.
Other highly-rated haunted attractions include Blackout Haunted House, known for its extremely intense, interactive experience, and—for those willing to venture further afield—attractions like the Headless Horseman Hayrides in the Hudson Valley area.
Hotels (Haunted & Not)
Looking to be, well, a bit creeped out in a historic location? Perhaps no Midtown hotel is more steeped in literary lore and ghostly legends than the Algonquin. This historic landmark, located at 59 West 44th Street, was home to the famous Algonquin Round Table in the 1920s, where Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and other literary luminaries gathered for martinis and witty banter. Today, the hotel reportedly hosts more than just living guests. Parker herself is said to make spectral appearances, with some witnesses reporting that her ghost scolds noisy children running through the hallways. Other literary spirits from the Roaring Twenties, including Harpo Marx and George S. Kaufman, are also said to linger in the elegant corridors of this storied establishment.
If you’re looking for a non-haunted Midtown base with contemporary style and festive Halloween spirit, Arlo Midtown offers the perfect blend of comfort and festive celebration. This chic hotel puts you right in the heart of Manhattan’s Halloween action, with Times Square and Madison Square Garden just steps away. The hotel is also the site of a fabulous Halloween celebration open to guests, locals and visitors. On Thursday, October 30, Arlo Midtown’s lobby will host a glam Spookeasy Soiree, with live music, Prohibition-era style cocktails, and singalongs. Costumes are encouraged—think 1920s, vintage, or spooky—and the event is free with RSVP. It’s the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend with style, elegance, and a touch of Jazz Age mystery.
Halloween at Midtown NYC Landmarks
Grand Central Station, the city’s Beaux-Arts masterpiece at 42nd Street and Park Avenue, is stunning by day, but as evening falls, its vast Main Concourse and labyrinthine lower levels take on an otherworldly quality. The terminal’s “whispering gallery” outside the Oyster Bar creates acoustic tricks that seem almost supernatural, and the deep tunnels beneath the station have long been the subject of urban legends about forgotten platforms and hidden passages. On Saturday, October 25, Grand Central is hosting a free Halloween event from 11am to 2pm, with advance registration. The family-friendly event is all about creative costumes, with a Halloween-decorating table, face-painting, a live DJ, photo booth, plus prizes and surprises throughout the afternoon.
The main branch of the New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street houses millions of books and countless stories—including ghostly ones. Staff and visitors have reported strange occurrences in the Rose Main Reading Room and the stacks below. The building’s Gothic Revival architecture and quiet, shadowy corners make it especially atmospheric during Halloween season. This year, the Library is hosting a Teen Takeover edition of “The Library After Hours” on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6:30pm–9pm featuring a costume contest, dancing, games, and photo opps galore.
Just behind the library, Bryant Park transforms each fall with its elegant tree-lined paths taking on an autumnal glow. While not traditionally “haunted,” the park’s proximity to historic buildings and its role as a gathering place for centuries of New Yorkers gives it an undeniable atmospheric quality when the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle. This spooky season, the park hosts “Tricks and Treats,” an annual Halloween party featuring eerie magic tricks, face painting, arts and crafts, and spooky stories, on October 30 from 4pm to 6pm. Additionally, the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park opens on Friday, October 24, 2025, which means the park will be transforming into its festive winter setup right around Halloween time.
Looking for a safe place to trick-or-treat? Families with young ones should head to the East Midtown district on Friday, October 31 from 3pm to 7pm. More than 100 businesses throw open their doors to welcome trick-or-treaters aged 12 and under. Activities include pumpkin painting and plenty of treats, making it a safe and festive way for families to celebrate Halloween in the heart of Manhattan.
For those seeking an immersive, adults-only Halloween experience, the former McKittrick Hotel (home of the famous Sleep No More production) hosts an exclusive four-night Halloween masquerade party called Tell No One at the end of October. Every floor of this historic location transforms into a multi-level, immersive nightlife production, with each night offering a unique theme.
Want to combine Halloween with Broadway? Many theaters around Midtown offer special Halloween-themed performances or pre-show festivities. Check individual theater websites for costume contests, themed cocktails, and special Halloween night performances of long-running shows.
Halloween Costume Shopping
Dubbed “the world’s #1 most unique store,” Abracadabra NYC is a magical emporium that offers the largest variety of costumes, magic tricks, makeup, theatrical props, wigs, and accessories at competitive prices. Whether you’re looking to rent a professional-grade costume or purchase something quirky and unique, Abracadabra has been outfitting New Yorkers for Halloween for years. The store’s expert staff can help you find everything from vintage glamour to contemporary pop culture costumes.
Spirit Halloween, meanwhile, maintains multiple locations throughout Manhattan, with an enormous selection of costumes for every age group, along with spooky home décor, chilling animatronics, and all the accessories you need to complete your look. These seasonal pop-up stores are known for their impressive displays and wide range of licensed character costumes.
A quick subway ride away from Midtown, costume-hunters can also find great looks at Halloween Adventure and Gothic Renaissance in the East Village.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween
For those looking to escape the city for a day and immerse themselves in authentic Halloween lore, Sleepy Hollow, just a short train ride away, is the ultimate Halloween destination. Made famous by Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this charming Hudson Valley village transforms into a month-long Halloween celebration each October.
The crown jewel of Sleepy Hollow’s Halloween season is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, the east coast’s biggest, most electrifying Halloween event featuring breathtaking hand-carved pumpkin displays throughout a historic 18th-century riverside landscape. Displays include the Statue of Liberty, zodiac signs, the Headless Horseman, and much more. The 2025 event runs on select dates through November 16, giving you plenty of opportunities to visit.
Discover delightful and mysterious creatures who will tell your fortune, croon creepy tunes, and tell tall-ish tales of legends and lore at Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow. Shop for Sleepy Hollow swag at the Halloween night market and enjoy cocktails, mocktails, and tasty snacks—just keep your eyes peeled for that pesky Headless Horseman…
Other Sleepy Hollow Halloween attractions include: events and tours at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Tarrytown Music Hall Ghost Tours, the Tarrytown Halloween Parade, and regional apple picking and farmers markets.
Sleepy Hollow is easily accessible from Midtown Manhattan via Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, making it a perfect day trip. The village is walkable, though some attractions like the Blaze may require a short drive or taxi ride from the train station.
Make the Most of Midtown Halloween
Midtown Manhattan offers a Halloween experience that blends towering skyscrapers, historic landmarks, world-class hotels, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re checking into a potentially haunted hotel, dancing at a rooftop party with views of the illuminated skyline, or simply walking the streets in costume among thousands of other revelers, Midtown delivers Halloween magic. Happy Haunting!
