Hey everyone!
So… I’ve lived in New York for a while but somehow never made it to the famous Village Halloween Parade — and I’ve decided that 2025 is finally my year. I’m already deep in “research mode” because apparently this thing is massive — like, half a million people massive. 
From what I’ve gathered, it’s happening on Friday, October 31, 2025, starting around 7:00 PM on 6th Avenue, moving north from Canal Street all the way up to 15th Street. The whole route runs right through Greenwich Village, which sounds like the perfect setting for something this wild and creative.
I’ve seen videos and photos from past years — people go all out. There are giant puppets, glowing floats, live bands, spooky dancers, and costumes that honestly belong on Broadway. It’s less like a parade and more like the entire city turns into one big stage.
I’m planning to join the crowd, not just watch from the sidelines — and I read that anyone can march as long as you’re in costume. So now I’m debating between something spooky and something ridiculous (thinking maybe vampire DJ or haunted jester?).
A few things I learned while planning:
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Show up early. People say 6th Avenue fills up fast — by 6 PM it’s shoulder-to-shoulder.
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Bundle up. October nights in NYC can be freezing, and you’ll be standing around for hours.
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Bring a phone charger — between taking photos, videos, and checking directions, your battery won’t survive.
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Hot cider vendors along the route are apparently a lifesaver.
I’m honestly super excited — it feels like one of those iconic New York things you have to experience at least once. The atmosphere, the music, the people — everything I’ve heard makes it sound like Halloween at its purest: chaotic, creative, and full of energy.
So now I’m curious —
Has anyone here been to the NYC Halloween Parade before?
Any pro tips for first-timers (especially if you plan to march)?
And most importantly… what are you dressing up as this year?
Would love to hear everyone’s plans — maybe we’ll even spot each other out there under the city lights! 
TL;DR: First time going to the NYC Village Halloween Parade this year — got my route and timing figured out, now just need a killer costume. Anyone else going? Let’s swap ideas and survival tips.