On a historic 18th-century estate with over 7,000 carved pumpkins, with intricate details that take the artists hours of dedication, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson brings in a large crowd of visitors each year in preparation for Halloween and the fall season. The illuminated carved pumpkins throughout the show make the experience truly breathtaking, leaving many visitors wondering how it was all created.
The Blaze, as it is more commonly referred to, originated in the early 2000s as an effort to generate income for the Manor. In one season, the Blaze gets up to 200,000 visitors. The process of planning the event is a continuous cycle, with the coordinators working on the project all year round. Many artists from the Hudson Valley area begin their preparations for their portion of the show in the late summer, using “live” and “art” pumpkins. Not all pumpkins displayed in the show are real or “live” to reduce how many pumpkins need to be replaced each season, especially if it is a warm fall.
Throughout the show there were several tunnels. Hundreds of pumpkins lined the tunnels with stars carved shining purple and yellow lights. Many people stopped in their tracks to take photos.
The Blaze runs from September 13th to November 17th and offers several different ticket options. Visitors are able to purchase tickets for a specific date and time for a variety of prices. It is $52 for any standard ticket before 8:30 p.m. and $20 for any time slot after. Ages two and under can go for free. This year, the option for flex tickets was available. For the price of $129, visitors can go once out of any day of the season during any time slot with an additional perk of a free drink and snack of their choice.
Growing up in the Hudson Valley area, the Blaze was a big part of my childhood each fall.
I remember dressing up for Halloween each year and walking through the show. Although I had not been in many years, my family decided to visit one last time before I head off to college next year, and the experience was very nostalgic. Upon entering, the smell of the pumpkins and cider reminded me of the fun childhood memories I created there.
I visited on Sunday, October 27th, at 6 p.m. with a flex ticket and grabbed my complimentary hot apple cider and donut upon entry. It was the perfect treat to keep me warm while I walked through the nostalgic fall experience. It took around an hour to walk through the whole show, and there were a variety of different exhibits displayed throughout the show. For example, my favorite was the New York-themed section with pumpkins carved and lit up to display skyscrapers, taxis, and the Statue of Liberty. Other themes included a carnival, sea creatures, and a sunflower field. There was even a Sleepy Hollow theme that depicted the Headless Horseman.
Throughout the show, there were a variety of different themes. Some of these included local legends such as the legend of the Headless Horsemen. People walked through the bridge and immersed themselves in the experience.
There were several tunnels to walk through with the ceilings decorated with lit-up pumpkins. At times, it was difficult to walk through these because many families stopped in the middle to take photos, fascinated by the illumination and intricate carvings of the tunnels. Additionally, for certain detailed designs, many stopped for photos, also creating temporary traffic in those areas. Although it was a Sunday night, the event was full of families, friends, and many young children dressed up in festive Halloween costumes.
The show ends at the Van Cortlandt Manor House that was decorated with colorful pumpkins outlining the balcony, and one large pumpkin in front of the home.
Overall, I had a blast surrounded by the illuminated and extremely detailed carved pumpkins. If you are looking for an easy and fun fall activity to do with friends and family, the Pumpkin Blaze offers a great time. Maybe this could become your family’s new yearly fall tradition too!
