Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley Ignites For 20th Year

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Hudson Valley is the quintessential Halloween destination, and the ultimate way to celebrate the season is about to kick off.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley returns to Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson for the 20th year, and Historic Hudson Valley promises it will be bigger than ever.

Like in previous years, the Blaze will feature illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns in elaborate displays which are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas.

Visitors will be able to order personalized jack o'lanterns to mark their special occasions. Each custom pumpkin will be displayed along the trail, for the perfect photo opportunity.

This year, there will be new creations like a giant Kraken rising from the Croton River and a festive pumpkin birthday cake to commemorate the 20th anniversary, carved by a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists led by Creative Director Michael Natiello.

Visitors will have the chance to experience a new VIP speakeasy along the pumpkin trail, "The Gourd & Goblet Tavern," set in an 18th-century inn, which will require a separate ticketed admission. It includes table service with a choice of one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink (in a souvenir cup), pumpkin empanadas, hot cocoa, and donut holes. The Tavern experience is recommended for ages 21+. $20 anniversary pricing will be available on select Mondays to Wednesdays after 8 p.m.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Shop will offer a selection of Blaze-specific merchandise, including T-shirts and hats. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

Historic Hudson Valley says it's all part of a full roster of Legend of Sleepy Hollow-themed events.

At the estate of Washington Irving, America’s founding father of literature, Historic Hudson Valley is bringing his classic spooky tale to life.

Daytime visitors can tour Irving’s home Sunnyside, take in an original shadow puppet film, and see a special Legend exhibit at Home of the 'Legend.' In the evenings, master storyteller Jonathan Kruk casts a spell with dramatic performances of Irving’s 'Legend,' performed outdoors under the stars. Complete with live music by Jim Keyes, this performance is sure to thrill audiences of all ages. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

At Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, "The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic" will return this year. Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, master illusionists, will take visitors on a supernatural journey, conjuring the spirits of Sleepy Hollow lore, including Hulda, Major Andre, and the Headless Horseman, for a night of mystery and fun. The event takes place in the Dutch barn on the 18th-century property. Snacks and drinks, including local wine and beer, will be available to purchase.

New this year is Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow, an outdoor experience where visitors can stroll through the village, have their fortune read, enjoy haunting melodies, savor fall-themed food and drink, capture a photo with the legendary Headless Horseman, and interact with other ghoulish creatures.

All events will be held rain or shine.

Blaze: Hudson Valley will run for 52 nights — from Sept. 15 through Nov. 17. Blaze: Hudson Valley dates are September 13-15, 20-22, 25-30; October 1-31; November 1-3, 8-10, 15-17. Standard admission online tickets start at $20 for adults and $20 for children (3- 17), and are free for children 2 and under. Blaze + Gourd and Goblet Combo tickets start at $55 for adults. Historic Hudson Valley members can attend for free.

Irving’s 'Legend' dates are September 27-29; October 4-6, 11-14, 18-20, 25-27, 31; November 1-3. Online tickets start at $35 for adults and $30 for children (3-17). Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15 percent discount on tickets.

Legendary Tours of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside dates are September 13-15, 20-22, 27-29; October 2-7; 9-14; 16-21; 23-28; 30-31; and November 1-3. Online tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and young adults; $16 for children (3-17), and free for those 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15 percent discount on tickets.

The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic dates are September 27-29; October 4-6, 11-14, 18-20, 25-27, 31; November 1-3. Online tickets start at $65 and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15 percent discount.

Twilight Village at Sleepy Hollow dates are September 27-29; October 4-6, 11-14, 18-20, 25-27, 31; November 1-3. Online tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children (3-17), and free for children 2 and under. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15 percent discount on tickets.

Buy tickets online here or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization that owns and operates several National Historic landmarks.

Blaze: Hudson Valley is presented by Con Edison. Contributing Sponsors are JPMorgan Chase and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. Tarrytown House Estate and The Abbey Inn & Spa are Hospitality Partners.

Van Cortlandt Manor is located at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson. Philipsburg Manor is located at 381 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow. Sunnyside is on West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown.

Find out more information on the Pumpkin Blaze website.