If you've ever been to New York, you've probably come across pumpkins, vampires and ghosts of all kinds. There's no doubt about it: Halloween is well and truly underway. It's the first of the great end-of-year celebrations and a veritable tradition across the Atlantic. If you're in town for the weekend of October 31, here's a quick list of what's in store.
To get ready
Did you come with your hands in your pockets and no costumes with you? No problem: you'll find them all over the place, and at rock-bottom prices. The sales even start before the event is over. So there's no good reason not to buy a Halloween costume. AroundUnion Square, you'll find numerous stores selling similar costumes. Heading towards Washington Square, you'll come across Halloween Headquarters. This is a Chinese bazaar selling costumes at low prices. You'll find costumes as well as all kinds of accessories. Located at 104 4th Ave, New York Costume welcomes you on two floors, 7 days a week. It's a veritable alibaba cave: accessories, costumes, special effects, you'll find it all, and the prices aren't too high. Vampires, zombies, pirates of the Caribbean... there's something for everyone. The store overlooks two different streets - that's how big it is! If you explore the store carefully, you're sure to find what you're looking for, whether it's horror or superheroes. Two million people are expected on site, and just as many will be watching the parade on TV. Be imaginative and creative, and you'll have a great time with your family as you march or watch the parade, which is scheduled to end at 9 p.m. By taking part in the parade, you automatically enter the best costume contest. The organizers will be handing out small cards during the parade to those who win prizes at the end.
You can also visit a few stores to buy products made especially for the occasion. If you've never tried cinnamon candy, now might be the time. Or try your hand at pumpkin pie. Some people love it, others not so much... it's all a matter of taste.
What else?
You can also take a trip to the New York Botanical Garden to see the world's largest pumpkin sculpture (922 kilos before butchering). You can also admire more than 500 Halloween-themed sculptures of all kinds and, of course, visit the Gardens, which are beautiful and full of color at this time of year. Entrance is at 2900 Southern Blvd in the Bronx. Admission is $20.
The traditional Halloween parade
The best-known Halloween event in New York is certainly the famous parade, which has been going on for 41 years. It's easy to take part: just turn up between 6.30 and 8.30 p.m. at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Canal Street. Please note that access is restricted to those in costume. To attend the event as a spectator, simply follow the parade route, which will take place mainly on 6th Avenue north of Spring Street up to 16th Street. This is the largest Halloween parade in the United States. More than a million people will follow it on the streets of New York, and at least as many on television. The event is consistently ranked among New York's top attractions.
As you can see from this photo, some of the disguises and make-up are pretty good. Just posting the photo makes me shudder at the thought of running into such a character.
For children
Don't be surprised by the number of children taking part in the festivities. Carry a small bag of candy just in case, but it's unlikely that anyone will ask you for anything. The funny thing is that many stores have a small stock of sweets to hand out to the children who come to collect them.
If you have children, don't hesitate to involve them in the events. They'll be able to collect lots of sweets and gifts from shopkeepers and local residents, who are usually quite generous for the occasion.
Looking for a scare? Head for the haunted houses!
If you're in the Halloween spirit and want to give yourself a scare, why not take the opportunity to visit one of New York's many haunted houses. It could be the perfect day to experience one. For example, you can visit:
at Blackout: this house at 164 11th Avenue will run until November 10, 2013. On the program: terrifying situations, complete darkness, monsters and killers in almost every nook and cranny. Reviews of this house are all very positive, and the rules will surely show you the violence you'll be exposed to: you have to be at least 18 years old to enter, make your way through the house alone even if you come in a group, wear a mask and headlamp, which will be given to you at the entrance. Price: 65 dollars! Tickets are selling like hotcakes. Any candidates?
Blood Manor : this house at 63 Varick Street is open until November 2. Admission is $35. On the program: serial killers, blood as if it were raining, screams and scares.
at the Coney Island Criminals: more than a haunted house, this is a real show dedicated to Al Capone, for although the bandit spent most of his career in Chicago, it was in Brooklyn that he received his scar. Located at 1208 Surf Avenue, admission to the show costs $15.
Scary Times : New York's only year-round haunted house attraction. Admission is $27 for adults and $22 for children. Surprise, cold sweat and terror are guaranteed. Sensitive souls please refrain. The entrance is at 669 8th Ave between 42nd & 43rd. You can also eat in the tavern that runs alongside the attraction.
For an after-party
Afterwards, why not head to a discotheque to continue the festivities? All the nightclubs are getting in tune for the event, and if you like to go out, you'll certainly be served. Happy hours, costumes, parades and best costume contests are the order of the day all over New York. Here are a few of the best places to go with your eyes closed: Output 74 Wythe Ave, at North 12th St, Highline Ballroom 431 W 16th St, between Ninth and Tenth Ave, Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th Street and Penthouse 760 (Times Square Terrace), 760 8th Ave.
