Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Shines A Light On What Makes The Hudson Valley The Center Of The Autumn Universe

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The late evening air is crisp, but the fireplace warms the barroom, and the drinks flow as the flickering light from thousands of jack-o'-lanterns seeps in through the windows.

This is the kind of place you might expect to find Ichabod Crane nervously listening to wild ghost stories as the leaves slowly begin to fall outside. But, in this case, the literary school teacher wouldn't be caught dead in this particular establishment — The Headless Horseman's Hideaway tucked along the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has a fitting proprietor.

While Washington Irving's Headless Horseman from "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" has inspired many a sleepless night, the host at the new speakeasy nestled in a quiet corner of the beloved Historic Hudson Valley attraction is downright convivial. The headless glad-hander is great with the kids, and will even pose for selfies.

It's tempting to while the night away in the pub atmosphere, but we aren't here for the snacks, or the hard cider, or the craft cocktails — there is a bright world of handcrafted magic and fun just outside the threshold.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley has been delighting visitors from around the globe at Van Cortlandt Manor, in Croton-on-Hudson, for the past 21 years. A stroll through the Blaze features thousands of illuminated, individually carved jack-o'-lanterns in elaborate displays and almost as many photo opportunities.

But, this annual spectacle is something that has to be seen in person to be appreciated.

This year, there are new pumpkin displays, including life-sized carvings of landmarks, familiar video game heroes and a Wizard of Oz scene that pays tribute to the classic tale's Hudson Valley inspirations.

In fact, because Historic Hudson Valley is behind the fall extravaganza, plenty of local history sneaks into the pageantry. As we are marveling at a glowing Kraken, and a ghoulish carousel, we are also learning about the Hudson Valley roots of the modern circus, and the seafaring legends who built out towns and villages.

Even with a perfectly timed stop at the Headless Horseman's Hideaway, the half-mile trek though the wooded estate feels like much less than the hour plus spent peering in astonishment at the scenes created entirely through the mediums of gourds and light.

See Also:

• Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Turns Spooky After The Sun Goes Down And The 'Mystic Moon' Rises
• Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley Returns With A Mystery And A Secret Speakeasy For 2025

As far as in-demand fall events go, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley is decidedly more wonder than terror, but there is a word of warning to be offered — almost as soon as the dazzling dreamlike walk of illumination, magic and just a dash of history has finished, you might just find yourself longing for Katrina's Kiss (vodka with yuzu, peach, and a hint of jasmine) again.

The good news is that the warm "blaze" of enchantment will be back again when the leaves begin to turn.

You can learn more about the The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley, and other fall Historic Hudson Valley events here.