The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze has been delighting New Yorkers since 2005, and the event has become so popular that in recent years it was expanded to two locations – you can now surround yourself with the glow of thousands of pumpkins in the Hudson Valley and on Long Island. But be warned: tickets still sell out scarily fast.  

The event features around 7,000 carved pumpkins, many artfully hand-carved to represent things like classic works of art, historic landmarks, life-sized dinosaurs, spoooooky skeletons and sea creatures, a lighthouse, an LIRR train, and even our very own subway system. This is all accompanied by an original soundtrack and synchronized lighting to make your time exploring the grounds all the more immersive.  

Things will kick off this year at the 18-century Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, where the first Blaze will first light up on September 16th. Out on Long Island, the first Blaze of the season will take place on September 30th, at Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Nassau County. 

New displays this year at the Hudson Valley location include an animated “Jack” Smith and a hive of glowing bees, while on Long Island you’ll spot some favorite local icons in the new Long Island Hall of Fame. (Sadly, the Big Duck was not included this year, but we're told don’t rule it out for a future Blaze.) 

“We are thrilled to bring The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze back,” said Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley vice president. “Featuring the work of artists and volunteers from the surrounding community, this event helps support the local economy and offers tens of thousands of visitors a fun, family-friendly Halloween experience. We have an exciting season planned with more displays than ever and brand-new special effects on the pumpkin trail." 

Both Metro-North and the LIRR can get you close to those pumpkin trails, but please note that there is a 15-minute walk (or short car ride) to the Hudson Valley event from the station, and about a 10-minute car ride from the Long Island stations to the event.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Hudson Valley will run from September 16th through November 20th this year, while the Long Island location will run from September 30th through November 6th. Tickets range from $24 to $40. More details at pumpkinblaze.org.