Halloween in the Village

New York may be home to some of the nation’s hottest Halloween parties (ahem, Heidi Klum’s annual star-studded bonanza), but thankfully, you don’t need to wrestle any decadently-clad A-listers to the ground for a chance to experience all of them.

Enter Halloween in the Village; Gotham’s yearly parade (now in its 49th year) that runs up Sixth Ave from Canal St to 16th St in Manhattan and is entirely open to the public, with thousands taking to the streets in costume for the procession.

This year’s spectacle champions the theme of Freedom! Inspired by Jon Batiste's Grammy award-winning song Freedom!, this year's parade focuses on setting oneself free from all of one's trouble through movement. They are encouraging glittery costumes, your best dance moves and anything that allows one to feel joyful, free, light and colorful. Aside from a crowd of shining glitter of hope, guests will also be treated to live music performed by over 50 bands, as well as dancers throughout the evening.

You’ll need to be kitted out to take part in the official march, and partygoers join the line from East Broome, Sullivan and Canal Streets, east of Sixth Ave. But if you’d rather sit back and enjoy the festivities as a spectator, simply arrive early at Sixth Ave to nab a prime perch.

Halloween in the Village / 6th Ave at Canal St / Lower Manhattan / Oct 31 / parade begins at 7pm / halloween-nyc.com