Introduction

Every year, Toms River transforms into a spectacle of costumes, music, and community pride with the Toms River Halloween Parade. In 2025, the parade is scheduled for Friday, October 31 at 7:00 PM downtown.
This annual event is one of the most creative and large-scale Halloween parades in the United States.
I always look forward to the energy, the floats, and the crowd this is a highlight of the Halloween season around here.

Halloween Parade Overview

Detail	Info
Date & Time	Friday, October 31, 2025 • 7:00 PM
Location / Route	Downtown Toms River • Main Street & Highland Parkway
Duration	Approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours
Entry Fee	Free to watch • registration needed for participants
Expected Crowd	Thousands of spectators lining the route; past estimates over 100,000
Main Attractions	Floats, marching bands, costumed groups, giant puppets, window paintings

This overview gives you the essentials at a glance why people plan in advance.

Toms River Halloween Parade 2025 Date, Time & Route in 2025

Parade Date & Start Time
The 2025 parade is confirmed for Friday, October 31 at 7:00 PM.
There’s a rain date of November 1 in case weather disrupts the plan.

Route Description
The parade begins around Main Street & Highland Parkway in downtown Toms River and weaves through central streets where spectators line the sidewalks.
Spectators often gather along Main Street and side streets to view as floats pass.
The end point is downtown, with many after-parade gatherings, though the official route map is confirmed closer to the date.

History & Origins

The parade’s roots go deep.
It started in 1919, organized by Toms River Fire Company No. 1 as a small fund-raiser and community Halloween event.
Over time it became nearly annual (disruptions during the Great Depression, WWII, Sandy, COVID).
In many sources, it’s now ranked the second largest Halloween parade in the world, behind only Greenwich Village’s in New York.
The Toms River Fire Company No. 1 remains the main organizer and caretaker of its spirit.

How to Participate in Toms River Halloween Parade 2025

Want to walk in the parade? Here’s how it works:

• Registration: In past years, groups registered on the day at the firehouse (26 Robbins St.) between 8 AM–4 PM.
• For 2025, registration is moving earlier: each Tuesday evening in October (starting October 14, 5–9 PM).
• Cost & Donations: Registration is free, though the fire company accepts donations.
• Eligibility: Civic groups, schools, businesses, families, marching units—all are welcome. Pets have participated in past years.
• Rules & Themes: Costumes are flexible; creativity is encouraged. Some years there’s a float or costume theme announced.
• Volunteer roles: Local volunteers help with crowd control, organizing entries, and safety. You can contact the fire company in advance to help.

Viewing Tips & Best Spots

Best Viewing Times & Tips
I recommend arriving by 6:00 PM or earlier to claim a good spot.
Roads begin closing well before the startsome closures begin around 5:15 PM
Quieter spots are toward the route’s tail end or near smaller side streets.
Check local sources close to the date for the official route map—they sometimes offer PDFs or interactive maps.

• Prime spots: Front sections in downtown, near the start at Highland Pkwy, or near storefronts with clear views.
• Avoid crowd pinch points: Near intersections or where floats turn tend to get congested.
• Accessibility: Downtown is fairly walkable, and sidewalks are wide in many sections. For wheelchair access, I advise arriving early and skipping curb-heavy zones.
• Weather prep: October evenings can get chilly. Bring a light jacket, layer your costume, and maybe a blanket or cushion to sit.
• Timing: The best lighting for photos is just after dusk—but the parade’s early part sees better ambient light.

Costumes & Themes

• Official theme for 2025: Not yet publicly announced (as of latest sources).
• In prior years, themes like “superheroes” or “classic horror” have inspired float and group styling.
• Costume contest: The parade often has awards in many categories (over 20 categories in past years) for best costumes, floats, groups, etc.
• Popular trends: large puppet costumes, LED / glow elements, coordinated group themes, spooky window painting by local high school students.
• Idea: echo local heritage (fire company, classic monsters, sea / coastal themes given Toms River) to stand out.

Entertainment & Highlights

Floats dominate, but there’s much more:

• Marching bands & musical groups from local high schools and community ensembles.
• Giant puppets, costumed groups, and theatrical props add flair.
• Window paintings: Local students paint downtown storefront windows in spooky designs each year—a tradition since mid-20th century.
• After-parade celebrations: Some host watch parties or events (e.g. Mathis House hosts an evening party with food, seating, and costume contests).
• Food & vendors often line nearby streets: popcorn, hot chocolate, snacks offered by local Rotary and civic groups.

Travel & Accommodation

• Nearest access: The parade is in downtown Toms River (Ocean County), NJ.
• The Ocean County Parking Garage on Washington Street & Hadley Avenue is often used by spectators.
• Avoid parking in private lots (some are towed during parade).
• Public transport & walking: Many local residents walk or use buses into downtown on parade night.
• Hotels: There are several lodging options near Main Street and along nearby NJ highways. Booking early is wise given demand.

Food & Local Experience

• Street vendors & treats: Expect popcorn, cotton candy, hot chocolate, and sausage stands near the parade route (often run by Rotary or volunteer groups).
• Walk-up restaurants: Many downtown Toms River eateries stay open late on parade night—pizza, diners, cafes.
• Parade night events: The Mathis House hosts a “Watch the Parade / Halloween Party” event with buffet, music, and costume contest (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM).
• It’s a chance to combine dinner + parade viewing in one spot.

Safety & Rules

• Bag checks & security: There are security zones; some items (sharp props, dangerous materials) are prohibited. Fire & police coordinate heavily.
• Prohibited items: Weapons, large loose projectiles, unauthorized drones—check local parade rules published close to the date.
• Family safety: Keep small children close, carry IDs, and pick a meeting point in case of separation.
• Traffic & closures: Roads close early; be mindful of barricades.
• Weather hazards: Bring rain gear and dress in layers.

Photography & Social Media Tips

• Best lighting: Early portion of the parade (just after dusk) gives good ambient light, while later parts play well with costume lights/glow.
• Camera rules: No large tripods in crowd areas; professional equipment may need permission.
• Hashtags & tagging: Use tags like #TomsRiverHalloweenParade, #TRFireCo1, and specific local handles (check official site for updates).
• Sharing etiquette: Be courteous avoid blocking others.
• Video tips: Capture float reveals and crowd reactions in short clips for engagement.

Conclusion

The Toms River Halloween Parade 2025 promises to be a memorable night—free to watch, rich in community spirit, and full of spectacle. With floats, bands, costumed creativity, and thousands of spectators lining the streets, it’s one of the top Halloween events in the U.S.
To make the most of it: arrive early, follow the route map when it’s published, pick safe and accessible viewing spots, bring layers, and enjoy the creative energy.
If you plan to participate, register ahead or on-site (per rules), and bring your most imaginative costume or float idea. This parade is a beloved tradition that mixes historical roots with modern flair—and it deserves a front-row seat.

FAQs