Things to do
The beloved Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze has been fully reimagined for Halloween 2025
See spooky new designs featuring video game icons and a 'Wizard of Oz' tribute.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in is one of the best things to do in the fall and certainly one of the best things to do for Halloween. Trust us, it’s worth the trip to the Hudson Valley.
You'll witness an army of more than 7,000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins in all kinds of delightful arrangements. This is the tristate area’s most spirited Halloween happening, and also one of the best fall day trips from NYC. Ogling pretty gourds isn’t the only draw. There are also flying ghosts, fall treats and even a speakeasy (where you might catch sight of Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman!).
When you go, make sure to take a moment to admire all the lovely fall foliage upstate.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Halloween in NYC
When is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County from September 12 through November 16. Tickets will go on sale soon now with prices starting at $24.
Where is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Blaze: Hudson Valley runs at 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-On-Hudson, NY.
How to get there
For upstate, take the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal. Take the train to Croton-Harmon station (under an hour from Manhattan). Van Cortlandt Manor is only a five-minute cab ride or a 20-minute walk from the station (be careful on the walk, especially after dark!).
Tickets and prices
Tickets start at $24. To get into the Gourd & Goblet Tavern at Blaze: Hudson Valley, you'll have to pay an extra fee.
You can see the full schedule and purchase tickets here. Note: Advance tickets are required. No tickets will be sold on-site.
Pro tip: This event sells out quickly, so make sure to nab your tickets, like, yesterday. Tickets can not be refunded, but you are able to sell, donate and give them away.
How long will The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze experience take?
Most people venture through the Blaze in 45 minutes, but factor in the amount of time you’ll spend taking photos and videos (which is allowed). Just try not to be a photo hog—some experiences are meant to be seen, not photographed.
Food and drink options
BOOyah! There are plenty of snacks and treats to munch on. Before you enter the Blaze experience, there are tents set up selling pumpkin beer, hot cocoa (spiked if you like), cider and various autumnal delights like candy apples, pumpkin-spice treats, freshly popped popcorn and more.
What's new at this year's Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Plenty! You still can expect to see historic landscapes created out of pumpkins. Past experiences have included a pumpkin bridge, a pumpkin arch, a pumpkin ferris wheel, a pumpkin Nessie, a pumpkin Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin circus, a pumpkin carousel, pumpkin artworks, the list goes on.
At Blaze: Hudson Valley, the Historic Hudson Valley team promises a "completely reimagined" experience with multiple new displays, including intricate carvings of New York State landmarks, eye-popping classic video game icons, and a whimsical hillside Wizard of Oz scene.
