With fall now in full swing, and Halloween on the horizon, it’s time to start getting into the spooky mood by a paying a visit to The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze! The annual tradition is one of our favorite fall getaways (whether it be to the Hudson Valley or Long Island) to stroll the one-of-a-kind pumpkin trail featuring 7,000 illuminated gourds like you’ve never seen before. For everything you need to know about this awesome Tri-State attraction, see below, and start bookmarking a date for this!
What is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a spectacular Halloween walking trail that features over 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins assorted into installations. This event transforms the historic landscapes of Van Cortlandt Manor and Old Bethpage Village into a mesmerizing display of glowing sculptures, including dinosaurs, trains, and even a pumpkin ferris wheel.
Some of the most popular attractions that visitors love include the dazzling Pumpkin Planetarium which pulsates to a spooky soundtrack, a massive 24-foot spider web made of pumpkins, an incredible PumpkinZee Bridge which you can actually walk on, and so much more.
Alongside the half mile illunimated pumpkin trail, the Blaze also features fall-themed sweets and snacks at Café Blaze and souvenirs at the Blaze Boo-tique!
Where is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
This year’s Blaze takes place at 2 locations: Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York (Blaze: Hudson Valley) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Long Island (Blaze: Long Island).
When is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
In 2024, Blaze: Hudson Valley runs from September 13 – November 17, while the Blaze: Long Island runs from October 4 – November 3.
What’s new at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze this year?
Both locations are welcoming some new attractions for 2024, especially Blaze: Hudson Valley who’s marking their 20th anniversary!
New this year to Hudson Valley’s rendition include a giant birthday cake and Celebration Arch to mark the milestone, a VIP speakeasy with exclusive drinks and treats called The Gourd & Goblet Tavern, and a new Kraken rising from the Croton River.
The Blaze: Long Island’s new 2024 attractions include a pumpkin Long Island Hall of Fame, a Day of the Dead tribute, a working Ferris wheel, and a celebration arch!
How to get tickets for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Tickets for the Blaze at both locations are available online, starting now. Prices for both Blaze: Hudson Valley and Blaze: Long Island start at $32/adult (with some $20 tickets available on weekdays after 8 pm) and children’s tickets costing $10. Visitors can also buy FLEX tickets for a higher price, which includes anytime admission and a complimentary drink and donut.
Some ticket tips to consider:
- You must purchase your Blaze tickets online, as no tickets are sold on-site
- Tickets are non-refundable, so figure out which date works best before you purchase
- Purchase tickets well ahead of your visit date, as they sell out very fast