Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminate an 18th-century landscape, creating a magical Halloween spectacle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminate an 18th-century landscape, creating a magical Halloween spectacle.
"It is an amazing event and great for all ages. The artistry of the pumpkin carving is outstanding!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Purchase in advance to guarantee entry and your preferred time slot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pumpkin Tunnel
Various locations
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel completely covered in intricately carved jack o'lanterns.
Themed Displays
Throughout the grounds
Marvel at thousands of unique pumpkin carvings depicting historical figures, landmarks, and imaginative scenes.
Iconic Landmarks Reimagined
Throughout the grounds
See famous New York landmarks and historical figures brought to life in stunning pumpkin art.
Headless Horseman's Hideaway
Specific area
An immersive experience where you can meet the legendary Headless Horseman.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance!
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Purchase in advance to guarantee entry and your preferred time slot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone for amazing photos, but be mindful of others and the flow. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking is well-managed, but arrive on time for your slot to ensure smooth entry. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Tickets sell out fast! Purchase in advance to guarantee entry and your preferred time slot. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone for amazing photos, but be mindful of others and the flow. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Plan Your Parking
Parking is well-managed, but arrive on time for your slot to ensure smooth entry. :car:
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Evenings can get chilly, especially in the fall. Layer up for a comfortable experience. :cloud:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors overwhelmingly praise The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze for its stunning artistry and immersive Halloween atmosphere. The thousands of intricately carved pumpkins and themed displays are consistently highlighted as a major draw, making it a highly recommended event for all ages. While the experience is generally well-managed, some guests note that food and additional features can be pricey, and tickets sell out quickly.
"If you even remotely like jack o'lanterns, this is for you! It's a great event with hundreds, if not thousands, of experience carved pumpkins. Each display is themed and many of them change from year to year. We went at the earliest time. It wasn't crowded at first because it was still a bit bright out. After about 15 min it so it was dark and everything looked incredible. The pumpkin designs and scenes are well crafted and our son loved to see all of them.
Parking was easy and the staff working the lot we're great. They knew what to do and wasted no time. If you can, but tickets in advance and go early. We went later last year and it was great, but I looked that it was a bit less crowded this time."
Dan Matarazzo
"The short answer: Do it! It is an amazing event and great for all ages.
The long answer: My friends and I were in for the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival and looking for additional things to do. We landed on Sleepy Hollow and The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. I can’t recommend this enough! The artistry of the pumpkin carving is outstanding and the Van Cortlandt Manor is beautiful. It was a fabulous event.
Tickets: Sold in advance, not at the door. They sell out quickly. I would suggest purchasing tickets early.
Parking: police guide the flow of traffic and there was plenty of parking."
Ashley Glass
"My daughter and I really enjoyed the light show, despite rain. We took tons of cute pictures and were really amazed by the art. We enjoyed the gift shop as well, although the one candy my daughter wanted (pumpkin marshmallows) were hard and stale, every single bag, so she walked away sad empty handed. We did also really enjoy the treats at the snack shops. We purchased hot chocolates, hot apple cider, and apple cider donuts. The apple cider was good but not great. The donuts were a hit or miss (one was soft, warm and fresh, the second one although warm, was hard and stale). Lastly, the prices for the additional features like the headless horseman bar were super expensive. There was another feature also with another separate pricing. If they were an additional $15 or so, I might’ve bought into it, but I had to tell my daughter we couldn’t share in those experiences unfortunately. The lady admitting people told me it was around $80. Idk if that’s true or not but the entry to just Blaze was $56. Anyway, 4 stars for the overall pumpkin light show. Minus the 5th star for the factors mentioned. Would definitely go again!!"
SB P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal to Croton-Harmon Station, which is about a 50-minute ride. From there, it's a roughly 20-minute walk to the venue. Some visitors also mention Tarrytown as a nearby option.
Yes, parking is available and generally well-managed by staff who guide traffic flow. Arriving on time for your ticket slot helps ensure a smooth parking experience. +1
The Long Island location at Old Bethpage Village Restoration is accessible, but specific public transport routes may vary. It's recommended to check local transit schedules or consider ride-sharing services.
The Hudson Valley location is at Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. The Long Island location is at 1303 Round Swamp Rd, Old Bethpage, NY 11804.
The pathways are generally designed for leisurely walks, making them suitable for strollers. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the official @pumpkinblaze website. They are not sold at the door and tend to sell out quickly.
Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest they can be around $42-$56 per person for general admission. Additional experiences may have separate, higher costs.
No, tickets are sold in advance only and often sell out. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets as early as possible to secure your spot.
The event typically runs from September through mid-November. Specific hours vary by date, so it's essential to check the official schedule when purchasing tickets. +1
Information on discounts or group rates is best found on the official event website. Some social media accounts have offered ticket giveaways in the past.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Visiting during your scheduled time slot is key. Arriving as it gets dark allows for the best illuminated photos, but earlier visits can offer good shots before full darkness. +1
Yes, photography is encouraged! Many visitors share stunning photos and videos online.
Expect thousands of intricately carved pumpkins forming themed displays, including historical figures, landmarks, animals, and imaginative scenes. New additions are often introduced each year. +1
Absolutely! It's considered a great family outing and a magical experience for all ages, with many child-friendly displays.
Yes, there are often special features like themed bars (e.g., Headless Horseman's Hideaway) and synchronized light shows with original soundtracks.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Drink
Visitors can find snack shops offering treats like hot chocolate, apple cider, and apple cider donuts. Some locations may also feature themed bars.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. While some treats are enjoyed, others have been described as stale or not great.
The prices for food, drinks, and additional features can be quite expensive, with some guests noting high costs for extras.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted at ticketed events like this. It's best to check the event's specific policies.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available. It's advisable to check the event's official website or contact them directly for current offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Dress kids in warm layers, as evenings can be cool. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best practices for photographers: Aim for your scheduled time slot as dusk settles for optimal lighting conditions.
Don't forget to capture the themed areas and any special features like the pumpkin tunnel. 🎃 Halloween Aficionados
For the ultimate Halloween fan: Consider visiting on a weekday evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to The Blaze from NYC
Alternatively, for the Long Island location, public transport options exist but may require more transfers. It's advisable to consult local transit apps or the event's website for the most direct routes. For those driving, ample parking is usually available, though it's managed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Pro-tip: If you're planning to drive, consider carpooling with friends to make the journey more economical and enjoyable.
The Artistry of the Pumpkins
Many displays are themed, and some even change from year to year, offering a fresh experience for returning visitors.
From the intricate details of a historical portrait to the playful arrangement of a farm scene, the creativity on display is a testament to the dedication of the carvers.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through the entire display.
While the main attraction is the pumpkin displays, there are often additional features like themed bars or interactive elements.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit