Forget what you think you know about the New York Botanical Garden. This isn’t your usual serene, floral escape into nature’s peaceful arms. No, this time it’s all about stepping through a lit-up, fog-drenched portal into the wonderfully spooky world of and yes, you’ll be entering through a different entrance than usual, as if the usual entryway just wasn’t eerie enough for this Tim Burton extravaganza.
Once inside, you’ll find yourself on a path where “This is Halloween” doesn’t just play in the background—it surrounds you like a fog creeping in from all angles. And speaking of fog, it’s everywhere. You’ll feel like Jack Skellington is about to leap out from behind the trees at any moment. If that’s your vibe, then buckle up, because this trail is a Tim Burton fan’s dream—or nightmare—come true.
Scattered throughout the trail are selfie stops featuring your favorite ghoulish characters. Zero? Yep, he’s there. Oogie Boogie? Of course! It’s like Disneyland for Halloween lovers, with photo-ops galore, so get your Instagram ready. At each station, you can pause for that perfect pic—if you’re lucky, maybe even a selfie with Sally herself. No rush here, because the trail is long enough to soak in all the spookiness without feeling like you’ve been whisked through a theme park ride on turbo mode.
Unlike some of the other light shows where you blink and you’re suddenly back at the parking lot, this event gives you a solid dose of Halloween magic. It’s the kind of experience where time stretches in that delightfully eerie way, and it keeps going… and going. You’ll find yourself losing track of how many twists and turns you’ve made in the dark, all while marveling at the twinkling lights, flickering pumpkins, and of course, the lingering fog.
As you stroll along, you’ll notice you’re surrounded by fellow fans—lots of them. Expect to see people donning their Nightmare Before Christmas finest, from shirts to full-blown costumes. This is an event where blending in is out of the question. The fandom is strong, and it’s the perfect place to pick up a few new items to complete your look—like this perfect Nightmare Before Christmas tee or these glow-in-the-dark Jack Skellington socks, so you can really stand out in the misty glow.
For those who like to make the most of their Halloween outings, this is your moment. It’s tailor-made for epic Instagram posts, with the fog, the lights, and your favorite characters creating a backdrop worthy of a Tim Burton dreamscape. So grab your favorite Halloween outfit and a pumpkin-spice latte, and get ready for a photo-op marathon. You can practically hear the camera shutters clicking now.
If you’re looking to snag the perfect Halloween shots this year, this trail offers more than just another Jack-o’-lantern display—it’s a full immersion into the spooky charm of Burton’s world. You won’t just be visiting a light trail; you’ll be living in Halloween Town for the night.