If you love carving pumpkins and all things Halloween, you’ll love the spectacular Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
The event takes place in Hudson Valley every year, featuring over 7,000 illuminated pumpkins all hand-carved with various designs to create glowing sculptures. The illuminated pumpkins are turned into things such as dinosaurs, trains, carousels, snakes, skeletons, and just about anything you can think of!
It opens for the season on September 16, which can you believe, is actually next month…
🎃 There will be jack o’lanterns ablaze literally everywhere! 🎃
Some of the staples that keep people coming back year after year include their Pumpkin Zee Bridge, Pumpkin Carousel twist, and massive Sea Serpent.
The most exciting thing to do, however, is likely “stargazing” inside the gorgeous, color-changing Pumpkin Planetarium that emits stunning lights that change in synchronicity with an original soundtrack.
Each year they think up vibrant new additions with everything from pumpkin windmills to Headless Horseman bridges. This year you can expect a the 24-foot spider web, a working carousel, and their “Jack” Smith in action.
Every year the event seems to sell out, so it’s recommended that you get tickets as soon as possible—which have just gone on sale! Dates range from September 16 through November 20. You’ll need to reserve a spot in advance, as tickets won’t be sold at the door at all. There are two options however — flex tickets, which allow you visit on any night, and timed entry tickets for specific slots.
Place: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Location: Van Cortlandt Manor (525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY)
Open: Sep 16 – Nov 20, 2022
In addition to the glowing sights, you can enjoy fall-themed sweets and snacks at the cafe and the expanded gift shop with exclusive souvenirs and local finds.
You can reserve your tickets and find out more information on their website here! The event is open to all ages.
Though they have free parking, you can also take the Hudson Line to Croton-Harmon Station, and take a taxi or rideshare to the location (5 min) or walk (10 min).
Also published on Medium.