Celebrate Halloween In New York City -- New York Halloween Events

New Yorkers go all out for holidays, and Halloween is no exception. If you're looking to get dressed up, have a wild time or be scared out of your wits, you'll find plenty of things to do for Halloween in New York City.

What's great about celebrating in New York is that Halloween isn't just for kids. Far from it -- in fact, I'd say that adults might even have more fun on this holiday. It also doesn't matter whether Halloween falls on a weekday or weekend; even if people have to work the next day, they'll stay out all night enjoying themselves. Of course, when Halloween is on a weekend, people go even more crazy....

On Halloween, you can find literally hundreds of parties and events in New York. Here are a few of my favorite New York Halloween events, which I think are definitely worth checking out.

1. The International Chocolate Show (Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St.): Technically this isn't a Halloween event, but it's always held on or near the day, and what better way to get in your holiday candy than by attending an entire fair centered around chocolate?! As soon as you enter the Pavilion, you're accosted by the aroma of chocolates from around the world. Your $30 admission gets you unlimited samples of every kind of chocolate imaginable. I tried chocolate-covered potato chips for the first time at this show, as well as chocolate cherry chili bars (they're not as weird as they sound -- in fact, they're quite good!). They also have a chocolate drink lounge, chocolate sculpture hall ... and chocolate fashion show. Yes, people actually wear clothing made of chocolate, and in my not-so-biased opinion, these creations should win hands-down for best Halloween costume. Of course, you could always do the standard trick or treating and come home with a bag of bite-sized candy bars or boxes of raisins, or you can come here and gorge -- excuse me, sample -- vast quantities of candy in high style.

2. The Greenwich Village Halloween Parade (6th Avenue, from Spring Street to 21st Street, 7-10 p.m.): Calling this event a parade is an understatement: it's an extravanganza. There's music, dancing, unfathomable amounts of revelry ... and some of the craziest, wackiest, most creative costumes you've ever seen. There are ghouls, ghosts, witches ... and then there are elaborately bedecked drag queens and folks donning S&M gear -- pretty much anything you can imagine! As to be expected, this event is roudy and crowded. But you just go with it, take in the surreal scene around you and have the time of your life.

3. Webster Hall Halloween Party (125 E. 11 St.): Want to win $5000? Then put your best costume together, enjoy some time at the Halloween parade, and then head over to Webster Hall to show off your outfit -- and possible get some cash. This vast nightclub, which often houses concerts, as well as other holiday parties, holds an annual Halloween soiree, complete with a virgin sacrifice! Everywhere you turn, you're greeted by people dressed in scary outfits ... and you can even boogie down on them on the dance floor.

4. Nightmare: Vampires (NoHo Event Center, 623 Broadway): If you're looking to go to something scary, rather than wacky, head to New York's annual haunted house. The set-up is a bit like a murder mystery event, where the audience becomes part of the show -- and the organizers take it extremely seriously, so it really, truly can be a frightening experience. So if you dare to go to this attraction, get ready to run for your life. You might want to think twice before bringing kids to this one.

5. Merchant's House Museum (29 E. 4th St.): Though most of New York's historical buildings have been knocked down and built over, this house from 1832, which belonged to a merchant named Seabury Tredwell and his family, still stands. Supposedly, Tredwell still haunts it, and on and around Halloween, the museum houses several events, such as the telling of ghost stories. It should also be noted that the house is right near Washington Sqaure Park -- which is known to be another of NYC's haunted spots. So after getting scared at the house, you can head over to the park for some peace and quiet ... or not.