9 - New York City Village Parade

Hotels in New York from £36 per night Compare all offers

The Village Halloween Parade in New York is celebrating its 39th year with "the most wildly creative public participatory event" of America, according to its website. This parade brings together over 53 musical acts, dancers and actors to perform for thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to the city alike. However, only those in costume are welcome, so make sure you have your Halloween outfit on hand if you're planning a trip to the village this October.

In the past, the parade has seen some of America's best fancy dress costumes as New Yorkers and visitors alike make a real effort to impress the crowds with their home-made outfits. Prizes will be given out to those with the best costume, but be warned - there are thousands of people expected to join the procession so you need to dress to impress if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Once the parade is over, anyone still in fancy dress is invited to join the official party at Webster Hall - where there is a $5,000 prize given out around midnight for the best dressed guest. The parade will be taking place on 6th Avenue from Spring Street to 16th Street from 7:00pm to 10:30pm but participants are advised to arrive at 6:30pm to ensure they secure a place amongst the crowd. Anyone without a costume who still wants to get involved can volunteer to 'animate' one of the many puppets in the parade, or can alternatively assist with production and artistry.

El Museo de las Momias and the Day of the Dead Eastern State Penitentiary