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New Yorkers strive to be the best in everything they do and the epic Halloween decorations on the Upper West Side (UWS) are proof that. I currently live in the neighborhood and took it upon myself to find the absolute best Halloween decorations on the UWS, here’s what I found.
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Best Halloween Decorations on the Upper West Side (UWS)
Local tip. A little secret I picked up from a local. the back patio is where the magic happens. Skip the main room.
<I’ve sent dozens of friends here. Not one has complained.
West 69th Street has the best Halloween Decorations on the Upper West Side, bar none. The reason? The neighborhood association takes Halloween seriously, so most of the houses on the block decorate to the nines during Halloween. This street is the cream of the crop.
Creative neighbors dress these stunning brownstones with massive Halloween decoration in an effort to impress visitors. Start your stroll at Central Park West and work your way toward Columbus Street (pop in for a hot chocolate at Levain when you’re wrapped up!).
70th Street Between Central Park West and Columbus
Strolling down 70th Street en route to Central Park is always a treat, but especially so during fall. My favorite house is the brownstone with the massive spider and messy web.
71st Street Between West End Ave & Amsterdam Avenue
Further removed from Central Park, the area between West End Avenue and Amsterdam doesn’t get too much traction from visitors, which is a pity! The UWS Halloween decor in this section of the neighborhood is fun to see, don’t make the mistake of overlooking it. Plus, Riverside Park is stunning in the fall.
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75th Street Between Columbus & Central Park West
The brownstone on 75th street is one of my favorites to walk by any day of year because of the dreamy balcony. But Halloween is when this gem truly shines. The residents go all out with spooky decor by decorating the entire balcony. It’s especially fun to watch kids gawk at this robust Halloween display on the Upper West Side.
78th Street Between Columbus and Amsterdam
There’s a handful of brownstones on 78th St between Columbus and Amsterdam that decorate for Halloween, but the one in the photo above takes the cake. All the details! You can spend several minutes just taking it all in.
82th Street Between Columbus and Amsterdam Ave
82nd Street is yet another great block to walk down in October. The two homes pictured below are my favorite on the block and I can’t help but wonder where in the world the residents store these Halloween decorations the rest of the year.
87th Street Between Columbus and Amsterdam Ave
Skeletons and spiders reign supreme in the UWS during Halloween! Check out these two brownstones below.
94th Street Between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
94th Street is often overlooked by folks in search of the best Upper West Side Halloween Decorations because it’s further uptown. But hey, you won’t find me complaining. Quite the contrary, I normally have the sidewalk all to myself when I walk past this gem of a home. This easily one of the best decorated Halloween houses on the Upper West Side.
Map of Best Halloween Decorations on the Upper West Side
Hope you enjoyed my roundup of the best Halloween decorations on the Upper West Side, it was a ton of fun to write!
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More Frightfully Good Displays
One thing I love about the Upper West Side Halloween scene. the brownstone blocks between Columbus and Amsterdam in the 70s are absolutely packed with creative displays. West 74th Street has a whole row of homes that go theatrical every year. I’m talking hand-painted backdrops, articulated skeletons in elaborate poses, and enough cobwebs to wrap the whole block.
West 69th Street near Central Park West is another must-see. The Dakota building alone sets a spooky tone (yes, that Dakota. where Rosemary’s Baby was filmed), and the surrounding brownstones lean into the Gothic atmosphere. Last year, one home had a full graveyard scene with motion-activated ghosts that scared me even though I knew they were coming.
Here’s what most people don’t know. Riverside Drive in the 80s and 90s has some incredible displays too, and almost no one walks up there specifically for Halloween. The grand pre-war buildings with their ornate facades look naturally haunted, and when residents add decorations, the effect is stunning.
Best Times to Visit
Trust me when I say weekday evenings are the way to go. Tuesday through Thursday between 5:30 and 7:30 PM is my sweet spot. The decorations are illuminated, the trick-or-treaters haven’t descended yet (that’s for actual Halloween night), and you can take your time strolling. On weekends, the sidewalks around 71st through 76th get genuinely crowded.
For photographers. golden hour on the Upper West Side in late October hits around 5:45 PM, and the way the low sun catches the brownstone facades alongside the Halloween decorations is absolutely gorgeous. Bring your good camera. phone photos don’t always capture the detail of the more elaborate setups.
Planning Tips
As a local, I’d say the best time to see Halloween decorations is the last two weeks of October. that’s when everyone goes all out. Weekday evenings between 5 and 7 PM are ideal because the decorations are lit up but the sidewalks aren’t packed with weekend strollers yet. Wear comfortable walking shoes because you’ll be covering a lot of blocks, and bring your phone fully charged for photos.
I’ve spent years tracking down the best displays, and my biggest tip is this. don’t just stick to the main avenues. Some of the most incredible setups are on the quieter side streets and brownstone blocks where residents really take pride in their displays. The cross streets between Lexington and Park tend to have some real spot most people misss.
What Most People Miss
Here’s what most people don’t know. some of the best Halloween displays aren’t the giant inflatable setups. they’re the elegant, atmospheric ones. Look for brownstones with candlelit windows, hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lining the stoops, and vintage decorations that look like they’ve been in the family for generations. These are the ones that actually give you chills.
Another thing most visitors skip. the side streets between the avenues. On the Upper East Side, the blocks between Madison and Park in the 70s and 80s are consistently incredible. On the Upper West Side, don’t miss the brownstone rows on the streets between Columbus and Amsterdam in the 70s. The residents on these blocks practically compete with each other, and it shows.
One last Local tip. if you see a building with a particularly elaborate setup, check if they have a collection jar or sign for a charity. Several of the best-decorated homes do it as fundraisers, and it’s a lovely neighborhood tradition that deserves support.
What would you add to this list? If I missed your favorite spot, let me know in the comments. I’m always looking to update my recommendations.
📌 Save this guide! Bookmark this page or pin it for your next trip. you’ll want these recommendations handy when you’re deciding where to go.
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations. I cover spot most people misss across the region that most tourists never find.
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