The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Light Up the Hudson Valley
Fall in New York comes with plenty of traditions, but there aren’t many that involve more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns to Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson from September 18th through November 8th, 2026, with a longer trail, new displays, synchronized lighting, and an original soundtrack.
If you’ve never made the trip before, this is a fun one to add to your fall calendar.
What Is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a walk-through Halloween experience set across the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor. More than 7,000 jack o’lanterns are carved by a team of artisans on site and arranged throughout the property.
The display combines the pumpkins with synchronized lights and an original soundtrack. The 2026 experience also includes movie monsters, storybook characters, a pumpkin dance party, and a Hudson River Valley-themed pumpkin display.
When Can You Visit the Blaze?
The 2026 Blaze is from September 18th through November 8th on select evenings. The event opens every night in October, which gives you a lot of opportunities to find a date that works.
Tickets are sold in advance, and you choose your date and entry time when you purchase a standard timed ticket. FLEX tickets also offer a more flexible option for guests who want to visit on any evening the event is open.
What’s New at the Blaze in 2026?
The trail is longer this year, and there are more displays to explore along the way.
Look for movie monsters, favorite storybook characters, and a group of pumpkin pals ready for a dance party. The expanded path also takes visitors through a Hudson River Valley pumpkin wonderland designed to add even more stops to the experience.
It gives returning visitors something new to look forward to while keeping the classic Blaze experience intact.
What Will You See Along the Trail?
There’s a lot more than rows of carved pumpkins. Life-sized dinosaurs return to the Blaze, along with the Pumpkin Planetarium and a working carousel. The displays range from familiar characters to larger installations, all set across the historic property.
You can also stop for fall treats at the courtyard snack stand or browse the Blaze gift shop for exclusive souvenirs and local finds.
And if you want to add a little extra Halloween fun to the night, the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway offers spooky drinks and visits from the Horseman himself.
How Much Do Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Tickets Cost?
Tickets start at $24, with several options available.
Standard Timed Tickets let you choose a specific date and entry time. FLEX Tickets allow you to visit any evening the event is open without a reservation. FLEX PLUS adds access to both the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway.
VIP packages also pair admission with one of those special experiences. Advance tickets are required for the VIP options.
What Are the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and Headless Horseman’s Hideaway?
The Gourd & Goblet Tavern gives guests a chance to add a little food and drink to their Blaze visit. It has become one of the event’s most popular VIP experiences.
The Headless Horseman’s Hideaway takes the spooky side up a notch, with seasonal drinks and appearances from the legendary figure himself.
Both experiences require advance tickets, so you’ll want to choose your package when you make your reservation.
Ready for a Night of Pumpkins?
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze gives fall another reason to head north of the city. Pick your date, grab your tickets, and get ready for more than 7,000 pumpkins at Van Cortlandt Manor.
Check the official Blaze site for available dates, ticket options, and the latest event details.
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