Looking for things to do on Halloween in NYC? Spend October 31 at Hudson Yards, where you can celebrate from morning through night with family-friendly Halloween activities, seasonal treats, live music and after-dark entertainment. Start with Spooktacular in Public Square and Gardens, explore Halloween sweets throughout The Shops & Restaurants, then experience a Halloween Candlelight Concert at Vessel or head to Marquee Skydeck for a night with Bob Sinclar.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 11AM–2PM | Public Square and Gardens
Make Halloween a family affair at Spooktacular, a free afternoon of high-energy Halloween fun in Public Square and Gardens. The celebration features live performances, dancing, pumpkin-themed activities, photo opportunities and more.
Programming begins promptly at 11AM, so arrive early if you want to get a spot in front of the stage for the first performance.
Spooktacular kicks off at 11AM with Spooky Sounds by Mozart for Munchkins, a Halloween-themed concert designed especially for children 8 and under.
Hear mysterious melodies, mischievous musical moments, hauntingly fun classical favorites and jazz sounds while discovering how composers use music to create suspense, excitement and a little Halloween magic. Costumes are encouraged, and the performers will be dressed up too, with plenty of opportunities for the audience to join in.
At 1PM, KIDZ BOP Monster Bash Dance Party takes over Public Square and Gardens with DJ KB and kid-friendly covers of Halloween favorites.
The KIDZ BOP team will also hand out Halloween-themed activity sheets, including word searches and I Spy games. This portion of the celebration is especially suited to kids around ages 8–12.
Want to know the songs before you arrive? Find the KIDZ BOP Halloween 2026 playlist on Spotify and learn the favorites ahead of time for an even better singalong.
From 11AM–2PM, stop by Spooktacular Swing in Public Square and Gardens for a Halloween photo opportunity with Vessel as the backdrop. It's an easy way to capture a family photo while you're celebrating.
Vessel ticket holders can head inside from 11AM–2PM for a Halloween twist on exploring the landmark. All ticket holders can find candy throughout Vessel, with TONY'S CHOCOLONELY mini chocolate bars available for trick-or-treaters.
At the Caricature Sketch Bot, pose for a photo and choose a Halloween character such as the Addams Family, a wizard, ghost or witch. An AI-powered system transforms your photo into a caricature, which a drawing robot then inks live in front of you in purple or orange.
You'll leave with a printed card that makes for a fun Halloween keepsake.
Vessel ticket holders can also decorate a pumpkin with colorful markers, seasonal stickers, gems, googly eyes and other fun accessories. Create a one-of-a-kind pumpkin keepsake to take home after the celebration.
Good to know: Trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating and the Caricature Sketch Bot are available to Vessel ticket holders. Get Vessel tickets
Whether you're looking for classic candy for trick-or-treaters, sophisticated chocolates for a Halloween gathering or a festive dessert to enjoy while you're at Hudson Yards, The Shops & Restaurants have plenty of options.
Head to Dylan's Candy Bar on Level 4 for the classics. Pick up Halloween candy in decorated box sets, go for super-sized versions of favorite sweets or create your own grab bag with a mix of candies.
For a more elevated take on Halloween sweets, stop by Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate on Level 1 for Belgian pralines and other luxurious chocolates that would make an easy addition to a Halloween party or dinner.
Or, head to Li-Lac Chocolates on Level 4, Hudson Yards' newest chocolate destination, for seasonal chocolate pumpkins, ghouls, ghosts and skull-shaped treats. It's a particularly good stop if you're looking for something that feels distinctly Halloween.
If cupcakes are more your style, Magnolia Bakery on Level 4 has festive Halloween-themed cupcakes in spooky and fun flavors. Pick one up for an individual treat or grab a few for a Halloween celebration.
Looking for a Halloween sweet that's a little less expected? At Que Sweet at Mercado Little Spain on the Street Level, try Spanish specialties including crema Catalana or a xuxo helado, a flaky pastry filled with soft serve and finished with toppings.
For a wider mix of nostalgic favorites, new discoveries and hard-to-find sweets, Slik on Level 1 is another option for building a Halloween candy haul with something for everyone.
Looking to celebrate Halloween after dark? Head to Marquee Skydeck on October 31 for Halloween Night high above Hudson Yards, featuring a DJ set from Bob Sinclar.
Is Hudson Yards a good place to celebrate Halloween with kids?
Yes. Families can spend Halloween at Hudson Yards with free daytime programming at Spooktacular, including live music, dancing, photo opportunities and seasonal activities. Additional ticketed experiences are available inside Vessel.
Where can kids go trick-or-treating at Hudson Yards?
During Spooktacular, kids can trick-or-treat inside Vessel from 11AM–2PM. Vessel ticket holders can collect TONY'S CHOCOLONELY mini chocolate bars while exploring the landmark.
Where can I find Halloween candy and sweets at Hudson Yards?
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards offer a range of Halloween sweets, from classic candy at Dylan's Candy Bar and Slik to Halloween-themed chocolates at Li-Lac Chocolates and festive desserts at Magnolia Bakery and Mercado Little Spain.
What can adults do at Hudson Yards on Halloween night?
After the daytime festivities, adults can continue the Halloween celebration with a Candlelight Concert at Vessel or head to Marquee Skydeck for Halloween Night featuring Bob Sinclar.
Can I come and go from Spooktacular, or do I have to stay for the whole event?
Spooktacular runs from 11AM–2PM, so families can arrive and leave at any time during the event. You don't need to stay for the entire program to enjoy the festivities.
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