The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns in the Hudson Valley and Long Island!

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Returns!

Everyone’s little pumpkins are sure to glow with delight at the The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze! Families will enjoy this fall feast for the eyes, admiring thousands of breathtakingly beautiful, whimsical, and spooky hand carved jack o’ lanterns synchronized with music and lights. It is a unique fall holiday lights spectacular that is sure to mesmerize kids of all ages. 

There are two Blaze locations this year and both are an easy drive or train ride from NYC. Plan to spend about an hour at the historic sites to soak in all of the intricately carved pumpkins and dynamic displays. We loved visiting the Blaze in Hudson Valley with its illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays that are professionally lit encompassing the Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas. Fan favorite installations like the Statue of Liberty and the Pumpkin Planetarium are joined this year by new creations, including an iconic New York City streetscape and an immersive Hudson River scene… all made of jack o’lanterns!

From the moment families arrive there is an eye-catching rainbow of pumpkins carved to say welcome in different languages and with each step along the path the jack o’ lantern fun keeps going and growing. Families will love that the Blaze displays are even bigger and better than ever before and feature 7,000+ hand-carved jack o’lanterns lit up in dazzling displays throughout the historic landscapes. Prepare for lots of ooohhhs and aaaahhhs as every step you take there are fun and festive jack o’ lanterns carved to make you go “wow!” 

From an immersive river walk-through experience, going under the sea with colorful, illuminated jellyfish to walking on the wild side with larger-than life dinosaurs, there is a pumpkin carved to delight everyone. There’s a moving windmill, Museum of Pumpkin Art and the ever-favorite Pumpkin Planetarium. The headless horseman was also a crowd pleaser but the jack-o-lanterns illuminating the mansion stole the (light)show. 

Our personal favorite was the ode to NYC. The jack o’ lantern version of the iconic city featured a spectacular skyline, Lady Liberty alongside taxi cabs, subway stations, park benches, and even pigeons. It made everyone love New York City even more than ever. It’s as sweet as pumpkin pie!

This is a view of the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson on September 28, 2017. (Photo by Tom Nycz)

Tickets

These events have limited capacity and sell out. All admissions are by advance purchase only. To further reduce staff/visitor touchpoints, no tickets are sold on site even if not sold out. 

Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17, and are free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend Blaze: Hudson Valley for free. Buy tickets online or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic Landmarks.

Location

There are two locations for Blaze this year. Blaze: Hudson Valley returns to its location at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for a 17th year and Blaze: Long Island returns to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage after a successful launch in 2020

Dates

Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 17-October 31; November 3-7, 10-14, 18-21. 

Blaze: Long Island dates are September 22-26; 29-October 3; October 6-11; 20-24; 27-31; November 3-7.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of visitors is the highest priority. HHV’s experiences are largely outdoors and touch-free, and capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing. Visitors who are not vaccinated are required to wear masks at all times. Masks are not required for vaccinated visitors while on the grounds, but will be required when entering buildings at their sites, such as restrooms or shops.

Psst… Check out American Girl Debuts World by Us Doll and Book Line to Champion Equality and Promote Unity!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

British Swim School - Long Island

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>

Ivy Camps USA

<p>Ivy Camps USA is a premium online provider of engaging after-school classes, holiday camps, summer camps, and personalized tutoring. Their instructors come from the top 10 US universities and love to inspire and mentor emerging minds. Extracurricular classes, holiday camps, and summer camps are offered in STEM, Business Leadership, and Arts, Media & Communication for ages 6-14. Tutoring programs focus on supporting students academically, developing a mentoring relationship, and rekindling a love of learning. Ivy Camps USA is known for exceptional programming that kids love and parents trust.</p>

Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>