- This event has passed.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade 2025: Date, Route & What to Expect
Yes, the Sleepy Hollow / Tarrytown Halloween Parade 2025 is confirmed: it steps off on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM from Patriot’s Park in Tarrytown, NY.
I’m excited to walk you through everything: schedule, route, participation, viewing tips, costumes, travel, and more.
Parade Overview
Here’s a quick reference table for the 2025 Sleepy Hollow / Tarrytown Halloween Parade:
🎃 Love Spoookly?
| Date & Time | Location / Route | Duration | Entry Fee | Expected Crowd Size | Main Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM | Patriot’s Park Broadway Main Street (Tarrytown) | 1 hour | Free for spectators | Hundreds to low thousands | Floats, bands, costumed groups, block party after parade |
- Spectators watch free along the route.
- Parade concludes with a block party featuring DJs, performers, food, and outdoor dining.
- Participants must register to be eligible for parade prizes.
Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade 2025 Date, Time & Location Details
2025 Parade Date & Time
- When: Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM
- The event is identified as the 23rd annual parade in 2025.
Route & Venue
- Start point: Patriot’s Park, Tarrytown, NY
- Path: Parade proceeds south along Broadway to Main Street.
- End & after-party: The route ends on Main Street, then the block party begins downtown.
Best Viewing Spots
- Broadway / Main Street intersection is a prime spot for floats and performances.
- Along Main Street near the parade’s end offers views of final entries and block party.
- Stand slightly back from corners to avoid crowd congestion and get better angles.
History & Origins
The Tarrytown Halloween Parade is the centerpiece of Sleepy Hollow’s spooky season. It has grown over decades into a community favorite.
It’s organized by the Village of Tarrytown, in cooperation with local partners including the Sleepy Hollow / Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce.
Over time, the parade added floats, prizes, seasonal lighting, and the accompanying block party.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Because Sleepy Hollow is tied to Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the parade leans into that lore expect ghostly, horseman, and period themes.
How to Participate In Sleepy Hollow Halloween Parade 2025
Yes groups and individuals may join the parade, not just spectators.
Registration & Requirements
- Pre-registration is required to march or have a float.
- Only registered participants are eligible for prizes.
Cost & Deadlines
- Participation is free, but you must meet the registration cutoff.
- Exact deadline for entries is not publicly posted in all sources; check the parade’s official site closer to the date.
Age, Roles & Volunteers
- All ages can participate, though float drivers might be limited to adults.
- Volunteering roles are typically available (crowd control, staging, clean up).
- If you aim to bring a float or large group, plan logistics well ahead.
Viewing Tips & Best Spots
Where to Watch
- I’d stake a spot near Broadway & Main it catches key parade elements.
- The final stretch near Main Street gives close access to entry displays.
- Try side streets just off the main route fewer crowds, unique angles.
Accessibility
- The route is along city streets; sidewalks with curb cuts help mobility devices.
- Arrive early to secure wheelchair-accessible zones.
- For those needing extra help, check for shuttle services offered by the city.
Weather Prep
- October evenings can be chilly — bring layers, gloves, and a light jacket.
- Dress in layers so you can adapt.
- If rain threatens, keep an eye on the parade’s announcements.
Costumes & Themes
This parade doesn’t require a single theme, but imaginative costumes do well.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Costume Ideas & Tips
- Lean into Sleepy Hollow lore: Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, ethereal characters.
- Use glow accessories or LED accents to stand out at dusk.
- Avoid oversized props that block movement or safety.
Contest & Past Trends
- Prizes often include best float, best group, best solo costume.
- Previous years saw pop culture mashups and classic horror motifs.
- Group costumes (multiple people in coordinated outfits) tend to win favor.
Entertainment & Highlights
This parade brings more than walking — it’s a festive show.
Live Attractions
- Marching bands and musical groups.
- Decorated floats with themes and scenes.
- Costumed groups interacting with the crowd.
- After the parade, the block party features DJs, performances, street food.
Traditions & Unique Touches
- The parade route includes dramatic lighting and thematic displays.
- Some floats pause mid-route to perform short skits.
- Local dignitaries sometimes appear in costume, adding a playful civic flair.
Travel & Accommodation
Coming from out of town? Here’s how to plan.
Nearest Transport
- Metro-North Railroad is highly recommended to avoid the traffic and parking scramble.
- Driving is possible, but road closures will restrict vehicle access near Broadway.
Parking & Public Transit
- Local lots will fill early; arrive well before 4:30 PM.
- Shuttle services may operate from remote lots to downtown.
Places to Stay
- Hotels in Tarrytown or nearby Sleepy Hollow will be convenient.
- Booking well ahead is smart Halloween season brings many visitors.
Food & Local Experiences
Don’t just watch taste the season too.
👻 Halloween Mega Sale is Live!
Street Vendors & Snacks
- During the block party: outdoor food stalls, dessert kiosks, seasonal treats.
- You’ll find warm drinks, snacks, sweets, and local vendors.
Nearby Restaurants & Specials
- Businesses along Main Street may offer Halloween-themed menus.
- Cafés and pubs might run costume discounts or seasonal drinks.
- Stroll side streets post-parade to discover hidden eateries.
Exploring local restaurants can make your evening more memorable.
🎃 Love Spoookly?
Safety & Rules
A safe event makes for happy memories.
Security Protocols
- Police presence and barricades will manage crowd flow.
- Bag checks may occur at key points along the route.
- Respect closed-off zones and follow posted signage.
What’s Prohibited
- Large or dangerous props (e.g. open flames, weapon replicas) are disallowed.
- Alcohol consumption on parade route is generally not permitted.
- Obtrusive float parts that block sidewalks or roads may be rejected.
Tips for Families & Kids
- Hold hands where crowds get dense.
- Agree on a meeting spot in case someone gets lost.
- Bring small snacks and water, especially for children.
Photography & Social Media Tips
Yes, you’ll want to capture every frame.
When & Where for Best Light
- Early in the route: better ambient light before dusk.
- Use side angles to avoid backlighting the crowd.
Photo Techniques
- Use burst mode for moving floats or performers.
- Snap both wide shots (floats) and close shots (costumes).
- Hold your camera above crowd heads for clearer views.
Hashtags & Tags to Use
- Use tags like #TarrytownHalloweenParade, #SleepyHollowHalloween, #HudsonValleyHalloween.
- Tag official parade or city pages.
- If posting video, stick to short clips (15–30 seconds).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes — spectators do not pay any fee.
Yes, if you register in advance.
Patriot’s Park in Tarrytown, NY.
At 5:00 PM on October 25, 2025.
Yes, but limited; local lots and shuttle services are best options.
Probably not recommended crowds and costumes can stress animals.
Conclusion
The Sleepy Hollow / Tarrytown Halloween Parade 2025 promises to be an unforgettable night of community, creativity, and ghostly fun. Whether you walk, watch, or dance in the block party afterward, there’s something for everyone.
If I were you, I’d register early, pick a spot near Broadway & Main, dress in layers, and aim to take glowing costume shots before dusk. I’m already excited to see what creative floats and costumes show up this year.
Let the lanterns glow, the headless horseman roam, and fun take center stage — see you on October 25th!
October 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
914-631-8347
recreation@tarrytowngov.com
