The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Returns to Hudson Valley
Apple picking, leaf jumping, corn mazing: just a few favorite fall activities on your calendar this year. But what about pumpkin carving? With Halloween about 3 weeks away, jack o' lanterns are making their way back to people's front steps. And just like at Christmastime, it's fun to walk around the neighborhood and see what the neighbors have put out. If you're lucky enough to live in Hudson Valley, you've likely seen a Halloween display unlike any other: 5,000 hand carved jack o' lanterns glowing on the steps of a haunted manor, alongside a historic river, and running up and down the hills of a famous New York estate. That's only a brief description of The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a celebration that's billed as "the tri'state area's biggest, most exciting, most electrifying Halloween event" according to its official website. Here's a look at more than just what you'll see at the Blaze, but also what other events are going on in the area:
Skeletons, Ghouls, and Living Pumpkins
Let's start with the basics: the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is a masterpiece of over 5,000 hand carved pumpkins and gourds laid across the Van Cortlandt Manor. Because not every pumpkin lasts the full run of the Blaze, about 6,000 pumpkins (more than 100,000 pounds!) are delivered to the Manor where they are hand-carved and prepared for display. These displays are meant to compliment the architecture and landscape of the Manor, and many take the shape of art installations instead of haunted house additions.
That being said, there are some scares at the Blaze - flying pumpkin ghosts soar over the lantern lit paths as you make your way through the 45 minute installation. But don't worry too much; the Historic Hudson Valley assures visitors that the Blaze is a family friendly event (with the Horseman's Hollow close by as an alternative for anyone looking for a Halloween thrill). At the Blaze, visitors will make their way through over 10 themed displays, including the Undersea Aquarium and Jurassic Park. There's also the Tunnel O'Pumpkin Love, a collection of Little Monsters, and even a gourd-filled Jack-in-the-Box to delight all visitors to the Manor. Food, activities, and even some gift shopping are all available at the Blaze, too. You can even pick up your own hand-carved pumpkin complete with the artist's signature to take home for your doorstep! Tickets are still available from October 18 - November 11, and are available online for $20 or less.
Less Than an Hour Away...
The Blaze is less than an hour away from Manhattan, making your trip to this one-of-a-kind fall celebration the perfect time to include a stop in NYC. With our pass, you can create a memorable family weekend for over 25% off regular admissions prices. Attractions like the Empire State Building are waiting for you this fall weekend - pick one up today!