Fall in New York City is my absolute favorite time of year. The city starts turning golden orange, the air gets cooler (just the right weather for a sweater and a hot chocolate!), and the sun is still shining beautifully. The crisp air and creative seasonal decor make the city extra charming, especially in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. I’m here to introduce a fantastic guide to exploring the beautifully decorated stoops in New York during fall!
Stoop Displays During Fall in New York
I love checking out the stoops in New York during fall. New York City’s Upper East Side and Upper West Side are full of charming houses that give the neighborhoods a timeless vibe. And the owners here really go all out—with Halloween decor, animatronics, fake leaves, skeletons, and pumpkins galore.
Plus, the same stoops tend to take down their fall decorations a few days after Halloween and start prepping for the Christmas season. Save the houses in this list and swing back through after Thanksgiving to check out the new seasonal decor for the happy holidays!
🎄 Staying in NYC for Christmas and want to check out the Christmas decor as well? Read my guide to the best holiday decorations in NYC—including shops, hotels, and more stoops and houses!
Remember that the fall decor might change a little bit from year-to-year, or some stoops might not decorate every year. This stoop guide is just that—a guide—so get out and explore beyond what you see in this article!
Why Stoop Strolling Is the Perfect Activity in New York During Fall
Stoop strolling is more than just sightseeing during fall in New York. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the cozy charm of Manhattan’s charming residential neighborhoods! Walking through the Upper East and West Sides in October and November feels like stepping into a movie set straight out of Gossip Girl.
House owners in UES and UWS go all out during autumn in New York City! With the crisp air and crunchy leaves underfoot, it’s a postcard just waiting to be taken. If you’re looking for great things to do in NYC in October or November, this is a family-friendly activity that’s at once leisurely and rewarding. Plus, it’s a great way to support local businesses because there are so many small shops in the area!
Capturing the Magic: Tips for Fall Stoop Walks
Even though a lot of the best-decorated houses in UES and UWS are just a few streets away from each other, it’s still helpful to have a pair of comfortable shoes. Of course, don’t forget your camera, and block out a few hours to wander around!
While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget other fun fall activities in New York City. Visit the classic MET or stop by a cozy cafe for hot apple cider or classic cinnamon or pumpkin spice drinks (I can guarantee virtually any cafe in New York City will have a seasonal autumnal drink). And stroll across Central Park, especially in the first week of November, for the best fall foliage in Manhattan!
🍂 Read more: The 11 Best Photo Locations in Central Park (With Map!)
The Best Fall Stoops in New York City’s Upper East Side
- East 93rd Street between Madison and Park: Adorable Peanuts-themed stoop awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin.
- East 82nd Street between Third and Lexington: A spectacular stoop with dead corn leaves, spooky decor, and a sign reading “Upper East Died.”
- East 78th Street between Lexington and Park: Some of my favorite stoops! Including one with pumpkin garlands around the door and skeletons climbing the trees. Also some good spooky ones and a bodega that has the cutest mural!
- East 78th Street between Lexington and Third: Not technically a stoop, but you cannot miss this fantastic house with a foliage-wrapped gate and dozens of colorful pumpkins!
- East 78th Street Between Second and Third: A couple of cute stoops including one with a beautiful pumpkin garland around the door, and one with fall flowers and a big skeleton.
- East 76th Street between Madison and Fifth: A super popular wide stoop with tons of pumpkins, fall vegetables, and spooky animatronics!
- East 70th Street between Park and Lexington: A gorgeous stoop with professionally decorated foliage, pumpkins, and giant skulls.
The Best Fall Stoops in New York City’s Upper West Side
- West 69th Street between Broadway and Columbus: A cute white house with tons of cute and colorful pumpkins on the steps.
- West 75th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam: A lovely curved stoop and staircase with pumpkins and warm, colorful dandelions.
- West 82nd between Columbus and Amsterdam: A super elegant house with ivy, pumpkins, candles, and flowers. They also do a fantastic Christmas decor in December!
A Fall Tradition Worth Exploring
Again—don’t forget to put down this guide and simply walk around! Nothing really captures the essence of autumn in New York City like stoop strolling with friends and family around the Upper East Side and Upper West Side.
It’s a simple but also magical way to connect with the city, and one of the best things to do in NYC in October. Just enjoy the wonderful weather while it lasts and soak in all the autumn beauty!
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