Things to do
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns in September with dazzling new attractions
Nobody—and we mean nobody—does pumpkin carving quite like Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in is one of the best things to do in the fall and certainly one of the best things to do for Halloween. Trust us, it’s worth the trip to either the Hudson Valley or Long Island, as Blaze sets up outposts in both areas.
You'll witness an army of more than 7,000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins in all kinds of delightful arrangements. This is the tristate area’s most spirited Halloween happening, and also one of the best fall day trips from NYC. Ogling pretty gourds isn’t the only draw. There are also flying ghosts, fall treats and even a speakeasy at the Hudson Valley location (where you might catch sight of Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman!).
When you go, make sure to take a moment to admire all the lovely fall foliage upstate and out on Long Island.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC
When is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County from September 13 through November 17. Blaze: Long Island runs at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, Long Island from October 4 through November 3. Tickets are on sale now with adult prices starting at $20.
Where is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-On-Hudson, NY. Blaze: Long Island runs at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, Long Island.
How to get there
For upstate, take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal. Take the train to Croton-Harmon station (under an hour from Manhattan). Van Cortlandt Manor is only a five-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk from the station.
For Long Island, take either LIRR’s Port Jefferson or Ronkonkoma lines and get off at Hicksville (under an hour from Manhattan). Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a 15-minute cab or bus ride from the Hicksville station.
Tickets and prices
Adult tickets on Long Island start at $32; kids tickets cost $10. Admission to Blaze: Hudson Valley starts at $32/adult, but you can score $20 tickets on select weekday evenings after 8pm. Tavern admission costs extra.
You can see the full schedule and purchase tickets here. Note: Advance tickets are required. No tickets will be sold on-site. Tickets for the general public are on sale now.
Pro tip: This event sells out quickly, so make sure to nab your tickets, like, yesterday. Tickets can not be refunded, but you are able to sell, donate and give them away, etc.
How long will The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze experience take?
Most people venture through the Blaze in 90 minutes, but factor in the amount of time you’ll spend taking photos and videos (which is allowed). Just try not to be a photo hog—some experiences are meant to be seen, not photographed.
Food and drink options
BOOyah! There are plenty of snacks and treats to munch on. Before you enter the Blaze experience, there are tents set up selling pumpkin beer, hot cocoa (spiked if you like), cider and various autumnal delights like candy apples, pumpkin-spice treats, freshly popped popcorn and more.
What's new at this year's Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Plenty! You still can expect to see historic landscapes created out of pumpkins. Past experiences have included a pumpkin bridge, a pumpkin arch, a pumpkin ferris wheel, a pumpkin Nessie, a pumpkin Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin circus, a pumpkin carousel, pumpkin artworks, the list goes on.
At the Blaze: Long Island outpost, see a Long Island Hall of Fame, which celebrates local legends like Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J, Jerry Seinfeld, and Natalie Portman. There's even a pumpkin lighthouse, which looks like the Montauk Point Lighthouse, featuring a blazing beacon of illuminated pumpkins.
In honor of 20 years at Blaze: Hudson Valley, the Historic Hudson Valley team is unveiling a giant Kraken rising from the Croton River and a pumpkin birthday cake. There's also a new VIP speakeasy along the pumpkin trail called The Gourd & Goblet Tavern. Situated in an 18th-century inn, the speakeasy serves up snacks, cocktails, and mocktails and offers tavern games.
