The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one of the most popular and visually stunning Halloween events in the New York area, offering a magical and immersive experience featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminated in creative and artistic displays. Hosted in two scenic locations in the Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson and Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island, this event attracts families, couples, and Halloween enthusiasts looking for a mesmerizing autumn experience.+

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Key Details about The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Locations and Dates

Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson:
- Dates: Late September through late November (select nights).
- Location: 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY (about an hour north of NYC).
Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island:
- Dates: Mid-September through early November (select nights).
- Location: 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY (on Long Island).

Ticket Information

Tickets: Advance ticket purchase is required, as this event often sells out. Tickets are date- and time-specific to ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors.
- Ticket prices: Vary by date and location, but generally range from $24–$40 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
Availability: Tickets can be purchased online through the official Blaze website. It’s highly recommended to book as early as possible, especially for weekends and dates closer to Halloween.

What to Expect at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a fully immersive, walk-through experience that takes visitors through a series of spectacular displays made from hand-carved pumpkins. Each location offers a different themed trail, and here are the highlights you can expect:

Thousands of Illuminated Pumpkins

Over 7,000 Pumpkins: One of the main draws of the Blaze is the sheer number of pumpkins, with over 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns glowing along the pathways. These pumpkins are intricately designed and arranged to form sculptures, animals, and themed installations.

Pumpkin Sculptures and Themed Displays

Pumpkin Carousel: A life-sized pumpkin carousel is one of the most eye-catching displays, featuring glowing, rotating pumpkin horses that mimic a real carousel.
Pumpkin Planetarium: Step into a pumpkin universe with a mesmerizing pumpkin planetarium display that shows the stars and constellations in a celestial pumpkin sky.
Pumpkin Bridge: At the Van Cortlandt Manor location, a glowing bridge inspired by the nearby Sleepy Hollow is lit up with jack o’lanterns, offering a spooky yet enchanting atmosphere.
Statue of Liberty and Other Icons: Both locations feature iconic New York landmarks carved from pumpkins, including a pumpkin version of the Statue of Liberty, towering over visitors and glowing with intricate carvings.
The Headless Horseman: Inspired by the legendary tale of Sleepy Hollow, a massive, glowing pumpkin sculpture of the Headless Horseman can often be found galloping along the trail.

Special Effects and Lighting

Synchronized Lighting and Music: One of the signature elements of the Blaze is the synchronization of the glowing pumpkins with music and lighting effects. The music adds to the overall magical and spooky ambiance as you walk through the exhibits.
Fog and Laser Effects: Some displays include atmospheric effects like fog and lasers to enhance the eerie yet enchanting mood of the experience.

Family-Friendly Fun

Non-Scary Atmosphere: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is family-friendly and not intended to be scary. There are no jump scares or actors in costumes, making it suitable for children and adults of all ages.
Fall-Themed Refreshments: Both locations offer seasonal snacks and beverages, including apple cider, pumpkin pie, and hot chocolate, allowing visitors to enjoy a cozy autumn treat while taking in the event.

Special Features at Each Location

Both Van Cortlandt Manor and Old Bethpage Village Restoration offer unique features specific to their settings:

Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson: This historic estate provides a perfect backdrop for the event, with its scenic riverside location and centuries-old architecture adding to the charm of the Blaze. The grounds also feature a walkthrough of the historic Manor House lit up by pumpkins.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island: This location is set in a historic village, which adds a rustic, colonial-era charm to the event. The open-air village setting allows for wide, sprawling displays and interactive elements, like the pumpkin-powered windmill.

Tips for Visiting The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Buy Tickets Early: This event sells out quickly, especially on weekends and close to Halloween. Purchase tickets well in advance, especially if you have a specific date in mind.
Arrive on Time: Entry is timed to control crowds and ensure a smooth flow of visitors, so it’s important to arrive at your scheduled time to enjoy the full experience.
Dress Comfortably: The event is outdoors, and October/November weather in New York can be chilly. Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trail is long and can take up to 45–60 minutes to explore.
Parking and Transportation: Both locations have parking on-site, but it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially on busy nights. If you’re visiting from NYC, Metro-North trains run to Croton-Harmon Station, just a short taxi or shuttle ride away from Van Cortlandt Manor.
Photography: The Blaze is incredibly photogenic, so bring your camera or smartphone for photos. Tripods and large cameras are not permitted, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap great pictures of the glowing pumpkin displays.

How to Get to The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Van Cortlandt Manor (Croton-on-Hudson)

By Train: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal to Croton-Harmon Station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to Van Cortlandt Manor.
By Car: Van Cortlandt Manor is about an hour’s drive from Manhattan, depending on traffic. Ample parking is available on-site.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration (Long Island)

By Car: Located on Long Island, Old Bethpage Village Restoration is about an hour’s drive from NYC, depending on traffic. Parking is available on-site.
By Train: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Farmingdale Station, then a short taxi ride to the event.

Conclusion

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one of the most magical and enchanting Halloween experiences in the New York area. Whether you’re in the Hudson Valley or Long Island, the event offers a breathtaking display of artistry and creativity, making it a perfect outing for families, couples, and Halloween lovers. The combination of thousands of glowing pumpkins, synchronized music, and beautiful settings makes the Blaze an unforgettable fall event that’s sure to become a yearly tradition.

Cover photo: https://pumpkinblaze.org/