There are so many wonderful events during Halloween, but one event we continue to recommend year after year is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Located at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in New York’s Croton-on-Hudson, the annual Halloween extravaganza showcases over 9,000 (!) meticulously hand-carved jack o’lanterns on an elaborate walk-through light trail experience. Complete with an all-original soundtrack, synchronized lighting, and special effects— it’s the most GOURD-geous display in New York and a spectacle you must see to believe.
Celebrating 20 Years of The Blaze
Since 2005, more than 2 million visitors have been delighting in this walk-through experience, where thousands of hand-carved pumpkins in elaborate displays light up the night. Now in two New York locations, in Westchester at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson and in Nassau County at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, this fun fall tradition features larger-than-life installations – it’s a magical, family-friendly experience for all ages.
Scare Factor – The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Blaze only takes place at night allowing the dark night sky to set the scene for the illuminated pumpkins. While it is dark through the winding paths of the exhibit, the overall experience is not considered too spooky. The paths are lit, and enough light is omitted from the pumpkins to keep children from being frightened. The experience is of flickering pumpkins only—no scare tactics or haunted house antics on the grounds. In the earlier hours of the night, the attendance is mostly that of families and children.
New for 2024: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
During the walk through experience you’ll discover a breathtaking display of more than 9,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns. Every year the Blaze adds new experences and pumpkin displays. This year, visitors will discover a giant pumplin birthday cake (for the Blaze’s 20th Birthday), and an enormous Kraken (aka Octopus) dramatically rising from the Croton River in a sea of fog.
A new experience this year is The Gourd & Goblet Tavern. The Tavern is located along the trail at the Blaze, and offers visitors Halloween-themed bites and drinks in a historical speakeasy-themed space. Visitors recieve a pumpkin empanada, a non-alcoholic beverage or cocktail in a souvenir cup, as well as a hot chocolate and an apple cider donut. The Tavern experience requires a special “Blaze and Tavern Combo Ticket”, and needs to be booked in advance.
Pumpkin Display Highlights Not to Miss
Prepare to be amazed by the Pumpkin Zee Bridge, an 80-foot replica of the famous Hudson Valley landmark, the Tappan Zee Bridge, made entirely out of jack o’ lanterns. Located near the entrance you will hear children (and some adults) scream out “a bridge” as they quickly make their way to walk over this pumpkin suspension arch. Don’t forget to look down and enjoy the aquatic carvings surrounding the bridge.
The Pumpkin Planetarium is a tunnel with an arched ceiling made entirely of jack o’ lanterns. The Planetarium is more than just pumpkins; it’s also a synchronized light show that gives the celestial pumpkins an extra glow. It makes for a perfect pumpkin photo op!
You won’t find dinosaurs like this in any book or museum. Roar on over to Jurassic Park, an exhibit featuring a herd of small dino friends including T-Rex, Brontosaurus, Triceratops and a flying Pterodactyl. These life-sized carved jack o’ lantern creations reach high heights with sensational attention to detail. Set against the autumn forest it creates an amazing prehistoric scene that must be seen.
Near the end you reach The Manor, the centerpiece of The Blaze that is illuminated with lights and surrounded by hundreds of carefully carved jack o’ lanterns. The lights are synchronized to music, and change color against the house – creating quite a magical experience.
Tips for your visit
• The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze is held rain or shine, and is completely outdoors (with the exception of the check-in area and food tents). Be sure to dress the little ones in their autumn weather best!
• Hungry? Fall-themed food selections are available in the visitor tent—think soup, chili, donuts, pumpkin pie and cider. Wine and Beer is also available. Our tip: grab a beverage before you hit the trail, and carry it with you as you enjoy the pumpkins.
• The main path around The Blaze is stroller accessible, but it is not ideal for wheels. The path is a bit difficult to navigate in the dark, and it can get muddy depending on weather. Best to leave the stroller at home, if possible.
• Restrooms are near the main visitor tent, and are portable toilets only—plan accordingly!
• The Blaze Gift Shop is filled with merchandise and toys (including fun flashing toys that light up the night). Warning: you need to enter and exit the event through the gift shop.
• Parking is plentiful and FREE!
Hours and Location
Location: Van Cortlandt Manor. 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. There is also a Blaze location in Old Bethpage Long Island.
Event Dates: Select dates, Sept. 13 – Nov. 17 2024
Hours: Times vary; check the website for details.
