In New York City, an assortment of locations takes part in the festivities, offering places to take the kids trick-or-treating and chances to listen to ghoulish local tales. In this article, you will encounter some of the events taking place for Halloween, including a get-together brewing at the American Museum of Natural History.
Ghostly Tales and Tours at the Merchant House – October 29 and 30; Special Event October 31
With a history that traces back to 1832, the Old Merchant House in the Village is the perfect place to go when you're looking for a scare this Halloween holiday. How much spookier can you get than visit a location where nine deaths and eight family funerals have taken place? The candlelit tour of the old mansion promises a creepy experience. On Halloween night, storyteller Anthony Bellov will share frightening stories (Spine-Tingling & True: Ghost Stories of the Merchant's House Museum) regarding spirits thought to occupy the halls.
The Merchant's House Museum is located at 29 East 4th Street – between Lafayette and the Bowery. The cost of the Merchant House events is $25 for general public and $13 for members who wish to enjoy the tour, where reservations are required. The family-friendly ghost tours are $10 per person for adults and kids, where the storytelling event held on Halloween night is $25 for the general public and $15 for members. For more details, contact 212-777-1089.
Ralph Lee's Halloween Extravaganza & Procession of the Ghouls – October 30
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine will open its doors for an evening filled with plenty of thrilling effects. First, kick back with a screening of the classic 1922 horror film Nosferatu, where the cathedral organ helps set the mood. The well-known Grand Procession of the Ghouls takes place following the movie, where a collection of puppet and other creatures come to life with special effects. The church is located at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, which is one block east of Broadway. This event is held between 7pm and 10pm. For more information, contact 212-316-7488. Cost: $20
Halloween at the American Museum of Natural History – October 31
Who would have thought that the place to be on Halloween was the American Museum of Natural History? From 2pm to 5pm, start your ghoulish festivities early by checking out the more than 30 halls offering an array of activities and treats, including trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, arts-and-crafts, and live entertainment provided by David Grover and the Big Bear Band. The museum is located at 79th Street and Central Park West. Cost: $10 for general public and $9 for museum members.
Annual Haunted Forest and House at Inwood Hill Park – October 31
If you are interested in checking out a Halloween event in New York City that's more on the PG-13 side of things, the Inwood Hill Nature Center (located at 218th Street and Indian Road) presents a haunted house and haunted forest extravaganza. Some of the cast of characters you will encounter include Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and Werewolf. This event is entirely free with pizza, beverages, and other treats. This event will take place between 5pm and 10pm.
