Guide to traveling to New York in October: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and everything you need to know

Traveling to New York is one of those experiences that changes the way you understand cities. Every season has its charm, but October and November hold a special magic: the leaves falling in Central Park, pumpkins on every corner, and the festive spirit that marks the beginning of the most cinematic season of the year.

If you're planning a trip to New York or want to know the best time to visit, this guide has everything you need to experience New York's autumn to the fullest, from iconic Halloween to Thanksgiving.

🎃 Halloween in New York 2025: the city that never sleeps… not even from fear

Few cities celebrate Halloween like New York. On October 31st, the streets become a living movie: zombies in the subway, witches strolling through Soho, and themed parties on every rooftop.

The most famous event is the Village Halloween Parade , New York's Halloween parade in 2025, which brings together thousands of costumed revelers marching down Sixth Avenue amidst lights, music, and giant puppets. If you're wondering how Halloween is celebrated in New York, this parade is the answer: boundless creativity, free participation (all you need is a costume), and an energy that blends art, theater, and urban madness.

In addition, you'll find Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo (perfect for a family trip to New York), haunted houses like Blood Manor , and shops like Spirit Halloween New York , where you can spend hours choosing your ideal costume.

Expert tip: If you plan to be in Manhattan on October 31, arrive early for the parade (it starts at 7 pm) and avoid taking a car; the subway is your best friend.

🏙️ The most decorated neighborhoods for Halloween in New York

If you're planning to enjoy Halloween decorations in New York City , there's something you should know: there isn't an "official" route for decorated houses, like there is at Christmas. The most impressive decorations are private initiatives, and that means they vary every year.

Even so, there are neighborhoods that have become traditional due to their creativity and festive spirit:

• West Village and Chelsea: narrow streets, classic facade houses and decorations that look like they came out of a Tim Burton movie.
• Upper West Side and Upper East Side: residential areas with neighbors who really take Halloween seriously; you'll see facades covered in cobwebs, skeletons on balconies, and intricately carved pumpkins.
• Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst (Brooklyn): a bit further away, but worth the trip if you want to see large-scale decorations.

🎯 Expert tip: Since decorations change every year, there isn't a confirmed list of houses until locals start posting them on social media in mid-October. If you're traveling around that time, look for hashtags like #HalloweenNYCDeco or #UpperWestSideHalloween to find the most decorated streets.

If you're traveling for the first time, start your tour on the Upper West Side , where decorated houses tend to be concentrated near 69th and 90th streets, steps from Central Park.

🐶 Dog costume parades: New York's cutest Halloween

One of the most curious (and charming) events of the month is the Halloween Dog Parade , a parade of costumed dogs that brings together hundreds of owners with their dressed-up pets. New York loves animals, and that's evident in the passion with which these events are organized.

The two largest are:

• Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade in East Village, the most famous and longest-running.
• Brooklyn Dog Parade , in neighborhoods like Williamsburg or Park Slope, where the atmosphere is more local and relaxed.

But every year new parades emerge in other districts such as Queens or the Bronx , usually on weekends in mid- or late October, always at noon.

🐾 Traveler tip: If you're traveling with your pet, check the participation rules in advance and make sure your dog is comfortable in their costume. If you're just going as a spectator, arrive early; some parks close access when the crowd exceeds capacity. And if it rains, the event may be canceled, so check the park's or organizer's social media on the morning of the parade.

🦃 Thanksgiving: The Other Great Show

A few weeks later comes another milestone: Thanksgiving in New York. This year, 2025, it will be celebrated on Thursday, November 27, and marks the official start of the holiday season.

The main attraction is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade , a monumental parade with giant balloons of characters like Snoopy and Pikachu, marching bands and floats that travel through Manhattan from the Upper West Side to Herald Square.

If you're looking for a day in New York that will stay with you forever, this is it. Many New Yorkers experience it from the sidewalk with coffee in hand and a scarf on, while tourists reserve balconies or terraces overlooking the parade.

And if you stay for the weekend, you can enjoy the first Christmas markets in Bryant Park, outdoor skating rinks and, of course, the irresistible Black Friday deals.

🧥 What clothes to pack for a trip to New York in October

New York City autumn can be unpredictable: sunny at midday and freezing in the evening. If you're wondering what to pack for a trip to New York in October, think layering:

• 🧊 Light jacket or windbreaker.
• 🧶 Sweater or hoodie.
• 🧣 Scarf and hat if you plan to go out at night.
• 👟Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (you'll be walking a lot).

The average temperature ranges between 10°C and 18°C, so forget heavy coats: the important thing is being able to adapt.

🧳 Practical tips before traveling to New York

For first-time travelers, here are some tips for traveling to New York that make all the difference:

👩🦰 Traveling to New York alone: ​​empowerment and freedom

More and more women are choosing to travel to New York City alone, and it's easy to see why: it's a city designed for those who enjoy moving at their own pace. Walking down Fifth Avenue, exploring the MoMA, or sitting with a coffee overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge become personal rituals.

An essential tip: download an offline map before you head out and keep your data active with Connecty so you don't have to rely on public Wi-Fi. And if you're curious to explore less touristy areas, head over to Brooklyn or Williamsburg, where you'll see the real New York, full of street art and hidden cafes.

👨👩👧 Traveling to New York as a family: fun for everyone

New York isn't just skyscrapers and Broadway. If you're traveling with children, there are dozens of things to do: from seeing animals at the Central Park Zoo to visiting the Museum of Natural History (where they inflate the balloons for the Thanksgiving Day Parade the night before).

During Halloween New York 2025 , children can enjoy Boo at the Zoo or Halloween Harvest at Coney Island. And in November, they can skate in Bryant Park or admire Macy's holiday window displays.

If you're looking for something educational and fun, consider a trip to Niagara Falls. The journey from New York to Niagara Falls takes about 6-7 hours by train or bus, and it's worth every minute.

💰 How much does it cost to travel to New York in 2025?

One of the most searched topics is how much it costs to travel to New York. Prices vary depending on the season, but here's an average reference (with an estimated exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ 4,000 COP):

If you plan to stay 10 days in New York, estimate a total budget between $8 million and $10 million Colombian pesos, depending on your type of accommodation, food and activities.

Expert tip: Book your flights at least three months in advance and look for accommodations in areas like Long Island City or Brooklyn, where you can save up to 30% compared to Manhattan without losing good subway connections.

📅 Recommended dates to travel to New York

• October: ideal if you want to experience autumn, decorations and the Halloween New York Parade.
• November: perfect for Thanksgiving and the start of Christmas.
• Spring (April-May): pleasant temperatures and parks in bloom.
• Winter (December-January): snow, Christmas shop windows and a movie-like atmosphere.

If you're looking for advantages to traveling to New York, the main one is its versatility: there's always something to see. But October and November have a special charm: less heat, more color, and a city that vibrates on every corner.

📱 Technology as an ally for your trip

Today, traveling without a connection is no longer an option. So, before you plan your trip, be sure to read “Connecty App: Your New Way to Connect While Traveling” and discover how to use an eSIM to get around without worrying about roaming charges.

Also, if after New York you want to explore more places in the USA, you'll find inspiration in this article: "Places in the USA you can visit with a SIM card."

Connecty lets you stay online while sharing your travel moments, booking tours, or using your apps to travel to New York without running out of data when you need it most.

💖 Reasons to travel to New York (and return)

There are many reasons to travel to New York, but few as powerful as the feeling of walking through Times Square for the first time or seeing the city from the Empire State Building's observation deck.

New York isn't a place you visit just once. It's a place you experience, learn from, and reinvent. Whether you're traveling with family, alone, as a couple, or with friends, there's a version of the city waiting for you.

And when you decide to return—because you will return—you'll know exactly how to do it: with your guide to traveling to New York, your tips for stress-free travel, and of course, Connecty on your phone to keep you connected every step of the way.