The New York City Village Halloween Parade is a must-see event for anyone who loves Halloween. Every October, the Greenwich Village neighborhood comes alive with costumed characters and creepy crawlers who parade throughout the streets. It’s one of the oldest and most famous Halloween events in the country, attracting more than 200,000 spectators every year. The first NYC Village Halloween Parade was held in 1917 and has been an annual tradition ever since. The city’s thriving arts scene in Greenwich Village provided a perfect setting for this spooky spectacle. Today, it remains one of the most popular carnival events in New York City, if you want to experience something truly magical this fall season, check out the details below and mark your calendars!
When is the New York City Village Halloween Parade?
The New York City Village Halloween Parade occurs each year during the last weekend of October. It’s traditionally held on the last Saturday of the month, but there are occasional exceptions. In the event of bad weather, the parade is rescheduled for the following weekend. You can get the exact dates and times for Halloween events in NYC by checking out the Halloween NYC website. The Halloween Parade is the highlight event of NYC’s Village Halloween Weekend. Other annual events include the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade of Costumes, the Kids’ Halloween Parade, a Zombie Walk in the East Village, and the New York City Zombie Walk.
The history of the New York City Village Halloween Parade
The first Halloween Parade in New York City was held in Greenwich Village in 1917. The original Village Halloween Parade was a parade of costumes, not of jack-o-lanterns. The costumes were created by artists, architects, and designers who were living in Greenwich Village at the time. They decorated their own costumes, and their own bodies, and carried lanterns on the streets, in order to show off the designs to the public. There was no charge to attend this event, and it was held on a cold New York night in October, under the cover of darkness, which is why the event is called a parade. In the first few years, the parade was held in daylight and attracted a small number of spectators. However, it soon became apparent that the real excitement happened after dark, when most other people were in bed. The parade was not widely publicized, but the word got around, and crowds of spectators started to appear. These spectators came not only to watch the parade, but to participate and join the fun. The spectators dressed in costumes, and they helped to make the parade what it is today, the largest and most famous Halloween parade in the world.
Where is the parade held?
The New York City Village Halloween Parade is held each year in Greenwich Village, in Manhattan. The parade route runs along Sixth Avenue from 16th Street to 19th Street, then ends in Washington Square Park. Sixth Avenue is closed to traffic from 14th Street to 19th Street. The parade route is roped off, and spectators are permitted to watch from the sidewalk. There is no charge for admission. You may bring your own chairs, stand on the curb along the parade route, or sit on the sidewalk. The parade route is about two and a half miles long, and it takes about four hours to march through the whole thing.
What to expect at the NYC Village Halloween Parade
More than 200,000 people attend the New York City Village Halloween Parade each year. Many spectators come dressed in costumes, and the whole parade route becomes a giant party. There are food stands, and people are welcome to bring their own food and drink. The New York City Village Halloween Parade is a non-stop parade of marching bands, giant puppets, costumed characters, and live performances, all culminating in a fireworks display at the end. The parade route is about two and a half miles, and it takes about four hours to march through the whole thing. So, if you plan to attend the parade, be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a blanket or chair to sit on, a small bag to carry your things, and a positive attitude. The New York City Village Halloween Parade always draws a wide variety of costumed characters. Some are designed to frighten, but most are designed to entertain. If a person scares you, just step out of their way.
Tips for attending the New York City Village Halloween Parade
- Come early to get a good spot along the parade route. Arrive at least two hours before the parade begins. The parade starts promptly at 8 p.m., and the best viewing spots fill up fast.
- Wear warm clothes or a jacket. The parade takes place on a cold night in October, and you might get caught in a light rain.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be standing for a long time on a sidewalk. - Bring your own food and drinks. There are food stands along the parade route, but they close early. There is no charge for admission to the parade, and you can sit or stand along the sidewalk.
- Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on. You will get tired if you stand for hours on a sidewalk.
- Visit Washington Square Park after the parade. It is a great place to hang out after the parade.
Final words: Don’t miss out!
The New York City Village Halloween Parade is a must-see event for anyone who loves Halloween. If you love costumes and fireworks, this is an event you don’t want to miss. The parade route is roped off, and you can sit or stand on the sidewalk to watch the parade. There is no charge for admission, and you can bring your own food and drink. The New York City Village Halloween Parade is a giant party that attracts more than 200,000 spectators. The parade route runs along Sixth Avenue from 16th Street to 19th Street, ending in Washington Square Park.