Published October 16, 2025

Spooky Season is Here! Celebrate Halloween at NYU

People gather around the fountain in Washington Square Park on a fall day.

There’s something special about fall in New York City. The chill in the air. The colorful leaves. Bakeries offering seasonal treats. Rumor has it pumpkin spice lattes even taste a little bit better while strolling through Washington Square Park—or so we’ve heard. However, in the midst of it all, there’s one thing that takes the (caramel apple) cake: Halloween.

From costume competitions to neighborhood parades, haunted houses to pumpkin carving parties, Halloween at NYU is one of a kind. It’s a time full of traditions and celebrations. What’s more, the whole NYU community joins in on the fun. From faculty to advisers, RAs to campus safety, everyone plays a part in the seasonal celebrations. So what does a typical Halloween look like at NYU? Read on to find out!

A pile of bright orange pumpkins at a pumpkin patch.

Celebrate Where You Live

While NYU residence halls host events throughout the year, they don’t hold back when it comes to Halloween. Some host costume competitions and decorate the halls. Others offer candy and Halloween-specific snacks for students to enjoy.

“The residence hall pumpkin carving event is one of my favorite traditions,” says Akanksha Somani. She’s a Studio Art major at Steinhardt with minors in Film at NYU Tisch and Integrated Design and Media at NYU Tandon. “They bring such a warm, festive energy to the community. It’s a great way to unwind, get creative, and bond with other students while surrounded by seasonal decorations, snacks, and music. It really feels like home.”

Dhruv Patel, a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major at Tandon, spent a year as a Residence Assistant at Othmer Hall in Brooklyn. There, he and his fellow RAs hosted a reverse trick-or-treating event.

“We decorated a big moving bin and filled it up with candy, midterm study kits, toilet paper, and trash bags,” laughs Dhruv. “I wore a shark onesie and rode in the cart. We went to every door. And there are more than 500 students who live in the Brooklyn halls. Afterwards, one student said she laughed so much that she forgot about the stress of an upcoming exam.”

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Neighborhood Traditions

Whether your vibe is spooky or sweet, New York City neighborhoods offer something for everyone during Halloween.

“My favorite Halloween memory was going with my friends to watch the Village Halloween Parade,” says Pei Lin Lu, a Childhood Education and Special Education major at NYU Steinhardt. The historic Village Halloween Parade takes place on Sixth Avenue every Halloween night. But during the day, NYU cohosts the Greenwich Village Annual Children’s Parade in Washington Square Park.

“Celebrating the 34th Annual Children’s Halloween Parade in 2024 with NYU was really special,” says Manmeet Singh. He’s majoring in Leadership and Management Studies at the School of Professional Studies. “I love how it brings the community together every year.”

In addition to the parades, there are plenty of ghost tours and haunted houses across the city. Even NYU has its own haunted history to explore. But if spooky isn’t your thing, you can enjoy the Tompkins Square Dog Parade in the East Village. Or, you can enjoy the city’s elaborate decorations and fall-favorite sweets from local bakeries.

“New York City comes alive during Halloween,” adds Akanksha. “Just walking through neighborhoods like the West Village or in Brooklyn, you see amazing decorations. There are pop-up events, people trick-or-treating, and spontaneous street performances. There’s a real sense of community and celebration that makes the whole city feel like one big Halloween party.”

A close-up of a black fence decorated with glowing orange Halloween string lights and small plastic jack-o’-lanterns.

Keeping Campus Safe

Halloween is also a special time for NYU Campus Safety Lieutenant Nicole Stover. “I love seeing the campus and the city come alive with creativity and community spirit,” she says. “The cooler weather and autumn colors bring an excitement that captures what makes being at NYU unique.”

But in addition to the fun, NYU’s Department of Campus Safety is focused on the safety and well-being of NYU community members. They coordinate closely with local law enforcement and city agencies to monitor everything from crowd activity to traffic to pedestrian flow. “Our priority is to make sure that our NYU community can celebrate while still feeling supported and secure,” Lieutenant Stover adds.

And, if you’re ever curious about the best way to stay safe while at NYU, ask a campus security officer! They’re always willing to share. With that in mind, here are a few Halloween safety tips Lieutenant Stover shared with us:

Download the Safe NYU app.
Travel in groups when possible and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
Use NYU transportation services.
Keep your phone charged and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
Plan your route ahead of time and know how you’ll get home safely before heading out.
Be mindful of your costume: Does it restrict vision or mobility? Are you carrying a prop that could cause confusion?
Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation and reach out for help.