The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

This post ran last year and runs on a seasonal basis.

Likely the most innovative Halloween event you will come across, The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson, NY is simply awe-inspiring. With over 7,000 pumpkins hand-carved and illuminated, the sheer artistry behind this spectacular show is what always gets me. Located in Westchester County in the Hudson Valley, about an hour and ten minutes north of New York City, this elaborate maze of pumpkins is almost other-worldly, like something out of a sci-fi movie.

At the “Blaze”, as it is most commonly called, you will find circus animals such as elephants and tigers, clowns, snakes, dragons, dinosaurs, spider webs, monkeys, a giant grandfather clock, skeletons and a graveyard, and an overheard passageway, among many other things, all made out of carved pumpkins. The work is so detailed and intricate it will have your mind reeling at how these artists come to pull this off each year. And to see all the pumpkins illuminated makes it all the more magical. It’s an amazing display, and presented with additional lighting and music effects to enhance the experience.

We’ve taken our girls for the past couple of years, and I’m not sure who likes it more – them, or us. I will say, it can be spooky for the little ones, but we’ve seen all ages there. One of my daughters gets scared easily, the other not so much, so it’s hard to say at which age is best to start taking the kids. Some of the earlier shows, when it’s not quite completely dark yet, may be best for the younger set. But be forewarned, tickets go quickly. Sometimes we haven’t been able to get tickets until November post-Halloween, but honestly it’s still just as great. This event sells out fast! And for a reason!

If you want to dine out either before or after, which I highly recommend, we like going to Umami Café (325 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson), an eclectic restaurant with dishes from around the world, and a good kids menu. With a quirky diner style atmosphere, it’s a fun spot to take the family.

The Blaze is like no other event you’ve been to – simply incredible – and a must see!

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520