Started as a local celebration in 2005, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson celebrates its 20th spookiversary in grand fashion this year, with more pumpkins—there have been over 7,000 in years past—and more elaborate attractions than ever.
@hudsonvalleymag Have you been to the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze yet this year? It’s a Halloween staple in the Hudson Valley! // #Blaze #jackolantern #jackolanternblaze #pumpkinblaze #hudsonvalley #Westchester #Halloween // @sabrina.sucato ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune
Each Blaze features intricate light sculptures and landscapes built entirely from lit, ornately carved pumpkins. Fan favorites like the Headless Horseman, Statue of Liberty, pumpkin planetarium, and the Pumpkin Bridge — née the “Pumpkin Zee Bridge” — are reconstructed yearly from gourds (as well as longer-lasting artificial “Funkins”), along with a rotating assortment of new designs. Additions of a New York cityscape and jellyfish walk-through, as well as upgraded galleries of pumpkin-y masterpieces and dinosaur skeletons have all proved popular.
Even so, Historic Hudson Valley assures that this year’s rendition of the Blaze is bigger, better, and more widespread than ever. In addition to its signature location in Croton-on-Hudson, it also operates second location at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a historic site on Long Island in Nassau County.
“We are fortunate and excited to be able to offer Blaze in two locations,” Historic Hudson Valley VP of Communications and Commerce Rob Schweitzer enthuses. “Given the huge popularity of Blaze in Croton, we’ve long wanted to reach out to another historic site that could benefit from the exposure Blaze offers.”
When it comes to construction, Creative Director Michael Natiello oversees a small team of local artists and Historic Hudson Valley staff to make sure all the pumpkins get carved and constructed in a timely manor. Professional lighting ensures that repeat and new exhibits alike enchant guests throughout the season.
What’s New This Year
There are some big changes for the Blaze in 2024, so those interested should think about scoring tickets well in advance (and yes, they are on sale now). This year’s iteration runs for an impressive 52 nights, starting on September 13 and going through November 17. (For those in the Long Island area, that attraction runs for 24 nights from October 4 to November 3).
Unsurprisingly, there are a number of new installations planned for the Hudson Valley in 2024. Visitors can behold the giant Kraken rising from the Croton River and celebrate the event’s 20th year with the new pumpkin birthday cake display. As per usual, the immersive experience will still include the all-original soundtrack attendees know and love, as well as theatrical lighting and special effects galore.
If you’re planning a visit for a special occasion, remember the night with a custom-carved art pumpkin, which can be personalized with a name and displayed along the Blaze’s pumpkin trail for the ultimate photo op. Along with custom jack o’lanterns, this year’s event offers a new VIP experience with the Gourd and Goblet Tavern, where visitors can sip libations and enjoy sweet and savory treats at a speakeasy-style 18th-century inn on the pumpkin trail.
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Dates and Tickets
Tickets for both Jack O’Lantern Blazes are available online now, and all proceeds benefit Historic Hudson Valley, a Tarrytown-based nonprofit educational organization that owns and operates a number of National Historic Landmarks in the region. Prospective attendees should note that advance tickets are required for admission, since no tickets will be sold onsite.
The Hudson Valley version runs from September 13 to November 17, with tickets by time slot starting at $24 earlier in the season and ranging to $52 for popular time slots closer to Halloween. As an added bonus for the event’s 20th year, $20 tickets are available after 8 p.m. on select weekday nights. The Long Island experience, meanwhile, goes from October 4 to November 3. Tickets begin at $39 for adults and are $10 for children all season long. Timed entry and flex tickets are available for both events, and the latter option allows visitors to attend any night they choose during the 2024 season. The Blaze is a rain-or-shine event, so flex passes may be a good option for anyone who doesn’t want to peruse pumpkins while the raindrops fall.
Want to keep the pumpkin party going? Head to the Blaze Shop for Blaze-themed merchandise like t-shirts and hats, along with snacks, drinks, and beer from Captain Lawrence for purchase.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson
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