Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Expands to Its Longest Trail Yet

When the sun sets over Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton‑on‑Hudson, the grounds come alive with a sea of glowing pumpkins. This year’s Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from September 18 through November 8, offering a full 44‑night spectacle that’s longer than any before it.

Organizers from Historic Hudson Valley are bragging about the “longest trail of illuminated pumpkin displays yet.” In practice that means you’ll wander farther than you expected, looping through rows of carved gourds that range from cute and quirky to downright spooky.

New to the 2026 lineup is the Creature Feature Forest, a nod to the manor’s mid‑century past as a drive‑in movie venue. Twinkling lights, fog machines, and animated silhouettes turn the woods into a kind of Halloween cinema that feels both retro and fresh. Right next to it, Literary Lane reimagines beloved children’s tales—think Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood—each scene lit up by a pumpkin‑powered spotlight.

If you’re looking for a place to let loose, the manor’s lawn now hosts an interactive dance party. DJs spin spooky remixes while you boogie under a canopy of orange glow. And for those who want a bite to eat, the Gourd & Goblet Tavern and the Headless Horseman’s Hideaway return with brand‑new menus that blend comfort food with a dash of fright.

There’s also a quick‑service stop called Monster’s Mug, perfect for grabbing a warm cider or a pumpkin‑spiced latte while you keep exploring the trail. And for families watching the budget, the Blaze has introduced $24 value nights on select evenings, making it easier to enjoy the magic without breaking the bank.

The pumpkin parade is just one piece of a bigger October celebration across Sleepy Hollow Country. At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Irvington, Legendary Tours will offer daytime cottage tours, a short shadow‑puppet film, and a themed exhibit, followed by night‑time storytelling and music performances that bring “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to life.

Down at Philipsburg Manor, Historic Hudson Valley revives “The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country: A Night of Legendary Magic,” featuring illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace. Twilight Village returns as well, with vendors, fire performers, storytellers, and a light‑show that reenacts the Headless Horseman’s midnight ride.

Adventure‑seekers can try the expanded Headless Horseman Files: A Sleepy Hollow Whodunit, now with a morning walk‑through that lets you collect clues and guess who’s behind the legend. And for literary fans, the Historic Hudson Valley Library presents “An Audience with Poe,” an evening of Edgar Allan Poe readings paired with themed treats and drinks.

Tickets tend to sell out fast, so grab yours early—especially if you’re aiming for the $24 value nights or the VIP hospitality packages. Whether you’re a local looking for a Halloween tradition or a visitor craving a quintessential Hudson Valley fall experience, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze promises a night (or night after night) you won’t soon forget.