The Jack o’lantern is the symbol of Halloween, so when it gets to mid-October, these ghostly gourds take on a life of their own at the Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze.
Thousands of carved pumpkins light up the night with ghoulish faces and colorful light shows. The Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze is a permanent fixture on the fall calendar. Held annually each October, the grounds of the Van Cortlandt Manor at Croton-on-Hudson are transformed into a walk-through experience made up of over 7,000 carved pumpkins.
The audio-visual extravaganza features a sequenced horror soundtrack with synchronized lighting. Walk over the Pumpkin Zee Bridge (a gourd replica of the region’s Tappen Zee Bridge) through tunnels of disco pumpkins, and around ancient buildings to hear and see the story of the Headless Horseman and other horror-themed stories.
The family-friendly attraction is within walking distance of the Croton on Hudson station, accessible via the Metro North Hudson Line. Local farm-to-table treats are available at the entrance, as are beers and other refreshments.
WHAT?
The Great Jack o’ Lantern Blaze is an annual event at Croton-on-Hudson where thousands of carved pumpkins create a spooky display.
WHERE?
Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
HOW?
2017 dates: September 29-30, October 1, 6-9, 12-31. November 2-5, 9-12, 17-18, 24-25. Times vary by evening. Tickets go on sale to the public on September 5.
Cost: Adults $20, children 3-17 $16 (Fridays-Saturdays $25 and $20). Free for members and children under 3.
For reservations: buy tickets online, at 914-366-6900 ($2/ticket surcharge for phone orders).
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