Hoboken Halloween 2023 Updates: Trick-Or-Treating Times, Parade, Safety, Festival

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken has confirmed that it will hold its annual Ragamuffin parade on the afternoon of Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 4-5:15 p.m.

(CLICK HERE to see a followup story with photos of the parade and best costumes!)

The city announced that the parade lineup begins at 3:15 p.m. on 13th and Washington streets. The parade will start at 4 p.m. and head down Washington Street to Fifth Street.

The parade will turn east on Fifth Street ending at the Hoboken Little League Field.

"Due to declining attendance rates in previous years, the city will not host a costume contest this year, and instead host a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Stevens Park with music, games, and more," the city announced.

Special guests will include Funny Factory Clown Band, Ron Albanese AKA Polka Dot, Elvis “The King,” the Hoboken High School Rockin' Redwings Marching Band, and more.

Trick-Or-Treating In Various Hoboken Neighborhoods

AAA Northeast said this year that federal crash data showed that between 2007 and 2021, Oct. 31 was the deadliest day for child pedestrians aged 17 and under, with 49 such deaths in America on that day. Adults are at risk, too, so play it safe. (See safety tips from the Hoboken police here.)

And between 2012 and 2021, there were 43 crashes on Oct. 31 just in New Jersey, AAA said.

In Hoboken, trick-or-treating usually starts at businesses on the main street around parade time. After that, trick-or-treaters head to households, particularly in various neighborhoods known for their elaborate decorations, including on upper Bloomfield Street, Park Avenue, and Garden Street.

Also, see the images above for a sign about trick-or-treating in southwest Hoboken.

Police will close streets when too many pedestrians create a safety hazard for themselves and for drivers, the city said. Barricades have already been left on corners known to become crowded, including near 13th and Garden streets.

See photos from last year's parade and trick-or-treating in Hoboken here.

Buses, Cars, And Police

Due to the parade, vehicular traffic will be diverted:

NJ Transit buses will run on an alternate route during the parade. Northbound buses will leave Hoboken Terminal, travel west on Observer Highway, and north on Bloomfield Street. Southbound buses will travel east on 14th Street and south on Hudson Street.

The Hoboken Police Department reminds drivers to reduce their speed, be alert for trick-or-treaters, turn on headlights, and stop before crosswalks.

The city of Hoboken does not permit block parties on Halloween, and reminds residents to walk on sidewalks and to cross only in crosswalks. Avoid gathering, walking, or crowding in the streets.

Harvest Festival

The fall fun doesn't have to end on Halloween. Due to rain (lots of it), Hoboken's Harvest Festival was moved to Saturday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Pier A. More details are here.

(What was Halloween like in NJ In 1982? Read I Survived The Sugarless Halloween Of 1982)