By Lucy Komisar

NYC Halloween Parade 2026 was about imagination, national cultures, political commentary, performance and the lady behind it all.

My favorite was the “Sandman” collection of sleeping puppets in a house made of windows and a floating clock. Halloween organizer Jeanne Fleming told me “that was ours.”

 

Note the clock and windows, the sheep and the lamp to turn off, and the sleeping puppet.

Photos Lucy Komisar.

 

 

 

The Mexican day of the dead is always represented, and the Chinese dragon.

 

Photos Lucy Komisar.

Some political commentary, Ian Twinn as Katie, the 5-day White House press secretary.  Marcher with food platter says “Eat the rich.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abe Lincoln says “Vote” and Marchers say “What would Dolly want?”

 

 

 

Performances, The Dancing Queens and women’s marching band.

Photos Lucy Komisar.

I chose some because I thought they were clever.

The Con Ed guys, Redcoats and “Welcome to my Garden” by Jen Benstraum, photos by Lucy Komisar. The walking pink puppet photo by Larry Bridwell.

And the hands on organizer of it all for decades, Jeanne Fleming ! In the pink coat.

For more about the parade https://halloween-nyc.com/