2026 Guide To Finding Free Halloween Decorations In NYC
Last Updated on December 21, 2025 by Erin Donahue
Halloween is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to add some spooktacular content to your social media feeds! New York City is once again transforming into a haunted wonderland of skeletons, pumpkins, and over-the-top stoops. Whether you’re capturing photos for your feed or simply love soaking up spooky season vibes, these neighborhoods are some of the best places to find epic Halloween decorations in NYC.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite streets, when to visit, and how to get there by subway. This article is a work in progress, so be sure to check back for updates!
Map of Halloween Decorations in NYC
When is the best time to see Halloween decorations in NYC?
It goes without saying that come October 1st, Halloween decorations start popping up outside of people’s homes. This time of year marks the unofficial start to the holiday season since Christmas lights and decorations go up immediately the day after Halloween.
Best Neighborhoods to See Halloween Decorations in NYC
Upper East Side (UES)
Old money UES is known for its townhouses, and they’re the perfect subject for street photographers and content creators. When I first moved into the city, I lived on 2nd Ave and would wander all the streets on the way home after work. Every October, many blocks in the neighborhood are transformed into a picture-perfect setting with some of the most intricately decorated stoops. Personally, this is my favorite neighborhood to walk through to find Halloween decorations in NYC because the community really gets into the spooky spirit.
To get to the Upper East Side, take either the 6 or Q trains to their 72nd or 86th Street stop and walk in all directions between those streets and Madison Ave to 2nd Ave.
- 67 between 5th & Madison
- 70-74 St. btwn Madison & Park Ave (the best ones)
- 70-74 between First & 2nd Ave.
Upper West Side (UWS)
On the other side of Central Park, UWS is a more family-friendly neighborhood that decorates its stoops. The decorations here have a warm neighborhood energy that feels straight out of a Halloween movie.
- 75-85 St between Central Park W, Columbus & Amsterdam Ave.
West Village
If you love Halloween, the West Village is non-negotiable. Not only is it home to some of the city’s most creative stoops, but it’s also the stage for the annual Village Halloween Parade — one of NYC’s most iconic public events. If there’s one thing New York City has an abundance of, it’s parades! Despite facing challenges like cancellation due to Super Storm Sandy in 2012 and the pandemic in 2021, the Parade has continued to find ways to bring joy to New Yorkers. In 2023, the Village Halloween Parade celebrated its 50th anniversary!
The parade usually starts at 7 PM on October 31, beginning at Spring Street and heading north on Sixth Avenue from Canal to 18th Street. The best part is it’s free for all to watch or join in costume!
Streets to see:
- 41 Bethune Street
- Bleeker & Charles St.
- Bleeker & Perry St.
- Bleeker & W 11th St.
Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Brooklyn might just rival Manhattan when it comes to Halloween spirit. I’ve put together a page dedicated to Halloween decorations in Brooklyn, but if you’re crossing the East River, these are the neighborhoods where locals go big:
- Brooklyn Heights
- Carroll Gardens
- Prospect Park
- Bay Ridge
- Dyker Heights
Tips for Visiting & Photographing Halloween Decorations in NYC
Before you set out with your camera (or phone), here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit:
- Visit right before sunset for golden-hour lighting
- Respect the residents’ space and avoid blocking stoops or touching displays.
- Most decorations are free to enjoy — they’re personal homes, not paid attractions.
- Some blocks get crowded, so go early in the day for cleaner shots.
Quick FAQ About Halloween Decorations in NYC
Q: When do Halloween decorations go up in NYC?
A: Most start appearing around October 1, with the best displays fully set by mid-October.
Q: Which neighborhood has the best Halloween stoops in NYC?
A: The Upper East Side and West Village consistently have the most elaborate and photogenic decorations.
Q: Can you take photos of the decorations?
A: Yes, most are free to view and photograph, as long as you’re respectful and don’t block stoops.
Q: Is there an official Halloween event in NYC?
A: Yes! The Village Halloween Parade takes place every year on October 31, starting at 7 PM.
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media and read up on what camera gear I use when I photograph around NYC.
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is the creative studio of Erin Donahue, offering photography, videography, and content creation services for brands, hotels, tourism boards, and publications.
Based in New York City, but available globally, this multi-disciplinary digital creative left a career in the hedge fund space to pursue her passion as a travel and brand photographer, creating imagery that resonates with audiences. She approaches every project with a focus on storytelling, producing visuals that engage and inspire.
Her work has been commissioned by brands like Sony, Apple, and Google, and the content she has created has reached millions across social media.
To keep up to date with everything she shares, follow along on social media and read up on what camera gear she uses to capture the shot.
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