Thriller Takes Over NYC: Dancers Bring Michael Jackson’s Iconic Moves to the Halloween Parade
Every Halloween, New York City turns into a stage for one of its most exciting traditions, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade.
Crowds fill Sixth Avenue dressed as ghosts, ghouls, and all kinds of creatures, ready to celebrate the city’s biggest costume party. But among all the sights and sounds, one group always stands out: ThrillerNYC.
ThrillerNYC is the dance group behind the famous Michael Jackson “Thriller” performance that has become a beloved part of the parade. What began back in 2004 as a small act has grown into one of the most anticipated moments of the night.
The group brings together people from all walks of life, beginners, seasoned dancers, and everyone in between, to recreate Jackson’s legendary moves.
The performance didn’t always draw huge crowds. In the early days, it was just a handful of dancers and a small speaker set up in a car. Everything changed after Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. The tribute took on new meaning, and that’s when Erin Hamilton joined in to help the group grow.
She worked to make it a more organized and memorable event. “It’s this cool thing in New York where you can bring 100 New Yorkers who maybe would have walked past one another on the subway, but now here you are in this room, and you have this awesome experience together,” Hamilton said.
🔥🚨BREAKING: An absolutely massive group of people in New York started doing the Michael Jackson Thriller dance during a Halloween parade. How can you not love this county? pic.twitter.com/KtOrslmXER
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) November 1, 2025
Today, the “Thriller” performance attracts hundreds of participants and countless spectators. Dancers have to register in advance and attend rehearsals before joining the big night. The group performs the full routine several times along the parade route, giving everyone in the crowd a chance to see the show.
This year’s parade, which marked its 52nd edition, featured 14 large floats made in Clifton, New Jersey. The event began at 7 p.m. at Canal Street and moved up to 15th Street. Attendance was free, and anyone could join in costume or watch from the sidelines.
The 2025 theme was “It’s a potluck!” and City Harvest, a nonprofit that helps deliver free fresh food across New York, led as the Grand Marshal.
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