The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is Worth the Trip

For the past decade, I alternate between hosting an annual costume party or taking a fall trip to visit a Halloween-themed attraction. In 2015, a friend recommended that we visit a pumpkin festival near Sleepy Hollow, NY. It was so phenomenal, we headed back in 2018.

A premiere Halloween event, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Blaze) is amazing! It is frequently billed as “one of the best” pumpkin festivals to visit. Set at the Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, the Blaze features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns.

Many of the carved pumpkin displays, which feature synchronized lighting and a spooky soundtrack, are in motion. Check out the amazing Pumpkin Windmill above, or the the larger-than-life dinosaur below.

The Blaze is consistently ranked as one of the top outdoor pumpkin festivals in the country, drawing visitors from all 50 states.    

One of the most mesmerizing features is the Pumpkin Planetarium. As attendees walk through the display, you’re surrounded by a dazzling assortment of twinkling pumpkin stars overhead. It’s a treat for visitors young or old.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Prepare to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket time as parking spots fill up quickly. Also, the manor is located in a wooded setting, so wear appropriate footwear and bundle up.

If you can’t visit the Blaze in person, check out its Instagram page for more great pics and tons of inspiration for your own pumpkin carving projects.   

New Safety Guidelines

The Blaze, which runs from September 18 – November 21, is usually packed with visitors.  Event organizers have made two significant changes this year to help keep attendees safe.

Ticket capacity has been reduced by 67 percent to encourage social distancing. Visitors must purchase tickets in advance, and implicitly agree to abide by COVID-19 safety measures including wearing a face mask at all times.  Also, there will be no food or drink for sale at this year’s festival. Please be sure to plan ahead.

To further assist with social distancing organizers have added an additional venue for 2020. The second location is at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Long Island, NY.  Blaze: Long Island, will be open to visitors from October 2 – November 1.

Visit Blaze to learn more about both locations, view new safety procedures, and to pre-purchase tickets.

While you may not want to attempt a visit this year, be sure to add this amazing pumpkin fest to your “to do” list.