Van Cortlandt Manor’s Pumpkin Blaze

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson attracts thousands of visitors every fall season. The spectacle features over 7,000 hand carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged to create dozens of figures and scenes such as the Headless Horseman and a giant spider web. Each year the Pumpkin Blaze introduces new characters and themes in addition to their classic scenes. Visitors walk through the paths of Van Cortlandt Manor and can gaze at the pumpkin figures against the backdrop of 18th-century buildings. The Blaze offers 40 evenings throughout September and October. Every year the event sells out tickets in advance. Tickets are available at hudsonvalley.org and prices range from $20-25 for adults, $16-20 for kids. Children under three attend for free. 

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Credit: Andrea Bernacchia

The famous Pumpkin Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson attracts thousands of visitors every fall season.

Philipsburg Manor Horseman’s Hollow

Centered around the tale of the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, the annual Horseman’s Hollow is the best haunted house experience in the Hudson Valley. As people walk through the buildings and paths of Philipsburg Manor, actors dressed in costumes jump out and scare people at every turn. The experience begins through a wooded area and leads Hollow goers into the manor’s buildings and finally through a corn maze. The Horseman’s Hollow has incredible decorations and lighting which make the experience even more spooky. Tickets for this event can be found on hudsonvalley.org and there are 15 dates that span throughout the weekends of October. Online ticket orders from hudsonvalley.org range from $20- $25 depending on the date chosen to attend.

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride

If you are looking for a classic haunted hayride experience look no further than Sleepy Hollow. Those who dare to board the hay wagon travel down the streets of downtown Sleepy Hollow and then venture down Albany Post Road past the Old Dutch Church. The path the hayride follows is the same as Ichabod Crane’s flight as told in the story of the Headless Horseman. The wagon travels through the woods and features a free block party with live music and vendors on Beekman Avenue as people wait to board the hayride. Tickets can be purchased at www.sleepyhollowny.gov and the rides are first-come-first-served.