What to do in New York City for Halloween--Part 1--Events that require reservations October 02 2017

Jekyll and Hyde Club NYC

There is never a lack of things to do in New York City for Halloween.  Almost every bar has some sort of activity, and there are plenty of private parties and happenings that people can choose to do closer to October 31.  Soon we will tell you more of the best options out there for people who haven’t made reservations, however for now, the team at New York NightLife have pulled some ideas for you that require a little planning ahead or that you can do earlier in the month of October to get your Halloween fix. 

A few general notes:

  • Not all Halloween-themed events only take place on October 31, though most events expecting costumes are limited to the 31, or have specific costume mentions. 
  • Scary Haunted Houses and Horror inspired Escape Room opportunities take place for the entire month of October, and some even into early November. Google haunted houses NYC or escape rooms NYC to find ones that best suit your interests and needs.  It is likely that you will need to book these at least a couple of weeks in advance for a Halloween or near-Halloween time. 
  • The closer to Halloween, the more advance time you probably need to make reservations for specific events.
  • Many restaurants offer Halloween Prix Fixe Meals.  If you have a favorite restaurant, checkout their website to see if they are doing something special for Halloween and book as soon as you make up your mind on where you want to go.
  • If there is a place you know you want to be at or near for Halloween festivities, such as the New York Village Halloween Parade or a bar with a ghostly reputation or scary theme such as Beetle House, the Headless Horseman or the Slaughtered Lamb, then plan to arrive as early as possible and hang out all day.  If one of these bars is your desired location, plan to get there as early as you can and be prepared to spend a lot of money.  More on non-reservation Halloween plans again soon.

Beetle House NYC

  • Also, the publication Time Out New York typically keeps an updated list of Halloween events going on in and around NYC.  Check out their website for new ideas here.

The Jekyll and Hyde Club

This spooky bar located features special effects and live entertainment.  While the Jekyll and Hyde Club is open year round,  and  is usually a popular spot with tourists, this time of year is extremely busy for them.  This place offers reservations for their Premium Reserved Seating for the dates October 26 through October 31 for $79 per person for a select period of time.  While they also have a standard reservation available for $59 per person at other dates and times, this option is not available the closer we get to Halloween.  The admission price does not count food and drink, so be prepared to spend more money in order to have a the full Halloween experience.

Haunted Lantern Tours at Fort Totten Park

Lantern Tour Fort Trotten Park Queens

People who enjoy being scared, but also like historical information will likely enjoy this tour at Fort Totten Park in Queens at Cross Island Parkway with the entrance at Shore and Abbott Roads.  These tours only take place on October 27-28 at 6:30 PM and are free.  They are said to be very dark and supposedly very scary.  Guests are not allowed to use their phones for light.  For more information visit the New York Parks website here.

[Image NewYorkCityParks.org]

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

The tri-states most magical light display of all things Halloween and fall takes place in the Hudson Valley and is now in its 13th year.  This event has activities for the entire family and some haunted house events more suited to adults.  This event is known to sell out, so get your tickets early.

According to the HudsonValley.org website:

Tickets cost : Adults: $20 (Fri-Sat $25)    Children 3-17: $16 (Fri-Sat $20)

Blaze takes place on 40 evenings! Visit Friday through Sunday, Sept. 29-Oct. 1; Thursday through Monday, Oct. 5-9  (Columbus Day weekend); Thursday through Tuesday, Oct. 12-31; Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 2-5; Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 9-12, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25 (Thanksgiving weekend).

Van Cortlandt Manor is located on South Riverside Avenue off Route 9 in the village of Croton-on-Hudson.

Tip:  For GPS: Use 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

    Hope you enjoy these suggestions of things to do for Halloween in NYC.  And don’t forget, you can always engage in one the great tours or bar packages available from New York NightLife. The rooftop bars and many of the locales that are passed during these tours will be decorated for Halloween, so you you will be able to enjoy fully enjoy the festivities. 

    [Featured Image Ollies]