Thousands of glowing pumpkins come together to form figures and landscapes at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. You follow a trail after dark through the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley.
What to expect
These aren’t just pumpkins lined up beside a path. Hand-carved jack o’lanterns form large installations, including dinosaurs and circus scenes, with lighting, projections, and music along the way. Take a closer look: you can pick out the individual pumpkins that make up the larger figures.
The venue is in Croton-on-Hudson, outside New York City, but you don’t necessarily need a car. Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line to Croton-Harmon, then walk about 20 minutes or take a roughly five-minute taxi ride to the entrance.
Before or after the trail, you can pick up cider donuts and hot apple cider in the courtyard. The Gourd & Goblet Tavern and Headless Horseman’s Hideaway are additional experiences that require the corresponding upgraded ticket.
Good to know
- Book ahead: tickets aren’t sold on site. Prices vary by date and entry time.
- Allow about 45 minutes for the half-mile trail. You walk at your own pace.
- The paths are unpaved. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather; Blaze runs in the rain too.
- Children ages 2 and under enter free without a ticket. Parking is also free.
