- Parade Details: The 52nd annual Village Halloween Parade will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 7 pm to 11 pm in downtown Manhattan.
- Massive Crowds: Over 50,000 costumed participants are expected, drawing huge crowds and confirming its status as one of NYC’s most iconic events.
- Major Traffic Disruption: Extensive street closures will be in effect hours before the parade, causing significant traffic gridlock in Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Chelsea.
- Official Advice: Authorities strongly advise attendees and commuters to avoid driving and use the subway system to navigate the area.
The Village Halloween Parade Returns to Unleash Chaos
Brace yourself, New York. One of the city’s most legendary and disruptive traditions, the Village Halloween Parade, is set to take over downtown Manhattan on Friday, October 31, 2025. This isn’t just a parade; it’s a full-blown Halloween fever dream, and if you’re not prepared, it could turn into a traffic nightmare. With over 50,000 zombies, witches, and creatures of the night expected to march, large sections of the city will be brought to a standstill.
This Year’s Theme: “Potluck”
The theme for this year’s spectacle is “Potluck,” an open invitation for everyone to contribute their creativity and energy to the collective celebration. As organizers state, “when we do it together and care for one another, there is enough for everyone.” Whether you join the march up Sixth Avenue (a costume is required!) or watch from the sidelines, the event promises an atmosphere of pure, spooky magic that thousands flock to every year. Don’t miss out on being part of this iconic NYC tradition.
Warning: Avoid Driving at All Costs
While the parade is a must-see event, it spells doom for anyone attempting to drive below 23rd Street. The New York Police Department will enforce extensive street closures hours before the parade even begins, guaranteeing snarled traffic well into the night. For anyone not in the Halloween spirit or simply trying to get from A to B, the situation will be intensely frustrating. The official recommendation is clear: ditch the car, grab your MetroCard, and rely on the subway. Expect massive crowds everywhere from SoHo to Chelsea.
Complete List of 2025 NYC Halloween Parade Street Closures
If you must be in the area, you need to know which streets will be locked down. The following closures will be in effect for the parade’s formation and duration:
Parade Route Closures
- 6th Avenue between Spring Street and West 18th Street
Formation Area Closures
- 6th Avenue between Spring Street and Canal Street
- Dominick Street between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue
- Sullivan Street between Broome Street and Spring Street
- Broome Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
- Spring Street between Sullivan Street and Varick Street
- Van Dam Street between Varick Street and Fifth Avenue
Dispersal Area Closures
- West 16th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
- West 17th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
- West 18th Street between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue
- 5th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street
- 7th Avenue between 14th Street and 19th Street
- West 10th Street between Sixth Avenue and Greenwich Avenue
Image Referance: https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/halloween-in-nyc-parade-street-closures-to-know-about-103025