The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is just over a month away from opening night Sept. 18, and tickets are already available for the Lower Hudson Valley’s popular Halloween light show.
The Blaze has been one of the region’s most popular seasonal events since it opened in 2005. Each year, more than 7,000 pumpkins are transformed into colorful, hand-carved sculptures and displays, creating a walk-through Halloween experience.
Presented by Historic Hudson Valley, the event runs from Friday, Sept. 18, through Sunday, Nov. 8, at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor estate in Croton-on-Hudson.
Here’s what to know about the 2026 Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
What’s new at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
Pumpkin sculptures can be found throughout the 18th-century estate. Historic Hudson Valley adds new attractions and displays each year, ranging from prehistoric dinosaurs to floating skeletons.
Returning favorites include the Pumpkin Planetarium, a walk-through replica of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and several tributes to Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
For 2026, the Blaze is expanding its footprint with new paths through Creature Feature Forest and Literary Lane. A new interactive dance party also will be held in front of the historic manor house.
According to Historic Hudson Valley, Creature Feature Forest pays tribute to Van Cortlandt Manor’s history as a drive-in movie theater in the mid-20th century. Visitors will find pumpkin versions of classic movie monsters, including Frankenstein, Dracula and the Mummy.
Literary Lane will feature pumpkin sculptures inspired by beloved children’s stories and fables.
The Pumpkin Pals, the miniature hosts of the Blaze introduced in 2023, also are expected to return.
Organizers estimate that walking through the Blaze takes about 45 to 90 minutes.
VIP experiences return for 2026
The Blaze introduced new VIP hospitality experiences last year, including the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and Headless Horseman’s Hideaway.
Both experiences return in 2026 with new menus and offerings. The Gourd & Goblet Tavern is an adults-only experience featuring food and drinks, while Headless Horseman’s Hideaway includes a photo opportunity with the Headless Horseman.
A new refreshment stand, Monster’s Mug, also will be available along the trail.
How much are Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze tickets?
Tickets are available now for the 2026 season. Each night has designated entry times, with organizers estimating that visitors will need about 45 to 90 minutes to see the attractions.
Basic Blaze timed-entry tickets start at $24 on select evenings.
Tickets that include the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway VIP experience start at $39. Tickets that include the 18-and-older Gourd & Goblet Tavern experience start at $64.
Flex tickets also are available for visitors who want to attend on any date and time during the season without a reservation. Standard Flex tickets start at $129, while Flex Plus tickets, which include both VIP experiences, start at $189.
Regular standard tickets are $32 for adults, $31 for seniors and $24 for children ages 3 to 17. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
Ticket proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley’s cultural and educational programs.
When and where is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze?
The 2026 Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from Sept. 18 through Nov. 8 at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.
Historic Hudson Valley says the event will be held rain or shine. Parking is available on site.
Go: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson.
For dates, ticket options and additional information, visit PumpkinBlaze.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 2026: New attractions, tickets, dates
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
