
Van Cortlandt Manor
Experience the magic of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminating Van Cortlandt Manor in dazzling, themed displays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more magical

Van Cortlandt Manor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more magical

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the magic of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminating Van Cortlandt Manor in dazzling, themed displays.
"Thousands of lit carved pumpkins in many themes. The Wizard of Oz part was spectacular!"

🎟️ Book Tickets Early!
Advance purchase is crucial, especially for weekends. Time slots sell out fast!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early if driving.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Van Cortlandt Manor Grounds
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins illuminate the grounds with dazzling, themed displays. A must-see fall spectacle!

Themed Pumpkin Scenes
Various locations within the Blaze
From New York landmarks to classic video games and Wizard of Oz, these intricate pumpkin art installations are breathtaking.

Gourd & Goblet Tavern
Near the exit
Enjoy themed drinks like warm apple cider and pumpkin beer, plus snacks, in a historic tavern setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early!
Advance purchase is crucial, especially for weekends. Time slots sell out fast!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early if driving.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds to see all the displays.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos, but be mindful of others.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early!
Advance purchase is crucial, especially for weekends. Time slots sell out fast!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available on-site, but can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early if driving.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the grounds to see all the displays.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos, but be mindful of others.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Evenings can get chilly in the fall. Layer up for a comfortable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, calling it an 'absolute fantastic job' and 'simply amazing.' The sheer scale of over 7,000 intricately carved pumpkins, diverse themes, and the magical atmosphere are major highlights. While some note it can get crowded, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and friends alike.
"Well done . Absolute fantastic job on keeping tradition alive in sleepy hollow. Great for families and friends alike. Tmvery walkable for young and old with many support staff along the way for any help. The gord & goblet tavern stop was a nice touch with a choice of warm apple cider, pumpkin beer and a vegetarian empanada. Well.done. your should add to your list on your next visit. I'll be back 🤙☘️"
ScottF
"The Pumpkin Blaze was so amazing this year! Soo many pumpkins just presented in the most interactive way. Great themes and so much to see in your walk. They also sell drinks and snacks."
Gabrielle Sales
"Visited for the Grand Illumination and we were delighted. Many varied displays of lights and pumpkin carvings. About a 45 minute meander through the exhibit. Wonderful!"
Alan May
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Van Cortlandt Manor is located at 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. Many visitors arrive by car, with on-site parking available. For those using public transport, the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line stops at Croton-Harmon station, which is a short taxi or rideshare away from the manor.
While some brave cyclists have biked to Croton-on-Hudson, the route may involve busy roads. The Empire State Trail is an option, but reviews suggest it can be rough for road bikes. Planning your route carefully is essential.
From NYC, take the Saw Mill River Parkway North to the Taconic State Parkway North. Exit onto US-9 South towards Croton-on-Hudson. Turn right onto South Riverside Avenue, and the manor will be on your left. Always check GPS for real-time traffic updates.
Yes, you can take the Metro-North Railroad to Croton-Harmon station. From there, you'll need to arrange a taxi or rideshare to complete the journey to Van Cortlandt Manor.
On-site parking is available for visitors. However, during peak times and popular weekends, parking lots can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the evening is recommended if you are driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically start around $24 for general admission, with variations based on the day and time slot. Children under 2 often get in free. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online, as they can sell out.
Yes, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended and often required, especially for weekend dates and during the peak Halloween season. Time slots can sell out quickly.
The Blaze typically runs from mid-September through mid-November, with entry times available in various slots throughout the evening. It's best to check the official website for the most current operating hours and dates.
While it's possible to purchase tickets at the door if available, it's not guaranteed, and you risk missing out on your preferred time slot. Booking online in advance is the safest bet.
Discounts are not always advertised, but it's worth checking the official website or local deal sites closer to the event dates. Children under 2 are typically free.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Many visitors love to capture the stunning pumpkin displays. Just be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash photography that might disrupt the ambiance or other visitors' photos.
The best time for photography is after sunset when the pumpkins are fully illuminated. Consider visiting on a weekday evening for fewer crowds, which can make it easier to get unobstructed shots.
The event often provides designated photo spots, sometimes with props or backdrops. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, and the free photo often offered is a nice keepsake.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check the event's specific rules regarding tripods, as they might be restricted during peak times to ensure smooth guest flow.
Visitors capture everything from close-ups of intricate pumpkin carvings to wide shots of the illuminated pathways and themed scenes. The variety of displays offers endless photographic possibilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Gourd & Goblet Tavern offers themed refreshments, including warm apple cider, pumpkin beer, and snacks like vegetarian empanadas. It's a great spot to warm up and refuel.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted within the event area. It's best to enjoy the offerings at the Gourd & Goblet Tavern.
The tavern has offered vegetarian empanadas, and it's possible they have other options. It's advisable to check their menu on-site for the most current offerings.
The Gourd & Goblet Tavern is typically open during the event hours, providing refreshments for visitors. It's a popular stop, so expect it to be busy.
Prices are in line with typical event concessions. Expect to pay a bit more than you would at a regular restaurant, but the themed experience adds to the value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weeknight to avoid the biggest crowds and allow kids to move more freely. The Gourd & Goblet Tavern offers kid-friendly options like apple cider, and the overall atmosphere is festive and fun without being overly scary. The free photo opportunity is also a great way to capture a family memory.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for a weekday evening to have more control over your shots and avoid photobombers. Experiment with different angles and settings to capture the glow of the pumpkins and the textures of the carvings. The historic setting of Van Cortlandt Manor also adds a unique element to your photographs.
🍂 Autumn Lovers
Combine your visit with a scenic drive through the Hudson Valley, known for its beautiful fall foliage. Enjoy a warm drink at the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and immerse yourself in the cozy, spooky charm of the event. It's a perfect way to celebrate the season.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Experience
The walk-through experience is designed to be engaging for all ages. As you wander through the illuminated pathways, you'll encounter intricately carved pumpkins that tell stories and create magical scenes. The attention to detail in each pumpkin sculpture is astounding, with many featuring complex designs and creative lighting. The event also includes themed music and sound effects that enhance the spooky and festive atmosphere.
Beyond the pumpkins, the Blaze offers additional amenities to enhance your visit. The Gourd & Goblet Tavern provides a cozy spot to enjoy seasonal beverages like warm apple cider and pumpkin beer, along with light snacks. This historic setting adds another layer to the immersive experience, allowing you to relax and soak in the autumn ambiance. The event is well-organized with staff present to assist visitors and ensure a smooth flow through the displays.
Van Cortlandt Manor: A Historic Setting
During other times of the year, the manor offers living history experiences with guides in period dress, showcasing the daily lives of those who lived there. This historical context adds a unique dimension to the Jack O'Lantern Blaze, as the pumpkins are set against a backdrop of centuries-old architecture and landscapes. Visitors who appreciate history might find themselves drawn to explore the manor's past beyond the seasonal event.
The manor's location in Croton-on-Hudson, within the scenic Hudson Valley, also makes it a destination worth exploring. The surrounding area offers natural beauty and other attractions, making a visit to Van Cortlandt Manor a potential part of a larger day trip or weekend getaway.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit