Hi friends, welcome back! This past weekend Jon, Violet, and I headed to the Hudson Valley to check out the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze. This was our fourth year attending and we always look forward to it! We had tickets for Friday night and we tried beating traffic, but it was a long almost two hour drive. We stopped in Sleepy Hallow on the way up to grab dinner at Bridgeview Tavern and hang out along the Hudson River. It was a beautiful fall day and I could see NYC off in the distance under the bridge. Next year I want to spend more time in Sleepy Hallow because the whole town goes all out with Halloween decorations.
After dinner we drove about twenty minutes to Croton on Hudson where the Jack O’ Lantern Blaze takes place. The event features over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns organized into different themes and accompanied by some spooky tunes. Some of the pumpkin displays are animated like the windmill that turns and merry-go-round that spins. This year was the 20th anniversary of the event and they really upped their game. I’d say at least 30% of the displays were new and they change the layout annually so it felt like a brand-new experience for us.
Tickets are expensive, they start at $24 for adults but on weekends they are $52 for adults and $44 for kids over 2. I highly recommend buying tickets early because it does sell out on the weekends. We were there the last weekend before Halloween so it was busy, but didn’t seem too crowded.
The walk lasts about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how long you want to admire each display.
The Wicked display was my favorite this year.
I also enjoyed this mischievous carnival/circus.
We had a great night at the Jack O’ Lantern Blaze and I think Violet did too. I think that wraps up Halloween from me!! I hope you enjoyed all the festivities this fall and have a Happy Halloween!!
Absolutely love this. Next year it will be magical for Violet.
It’s so fun! She will be mind blown next year.
What a great light display, but wow, those prices are steep. Maggie
I guess they can put a price tag on fun! It is a non-profit so that makes it a little better.
I don’t celebrate Halloween but this is definitely worth a visit. Happy Halloween to the three of you.
We had a great Halloween! It’s fun seeing what people can do with all those pumpkins.
Indeed it is Lyssy
This place goes all out. What did Violet think of all the lights? Our grandchild (now 2) is saying the word Hallowe’en every time they see orange or decorations of any time. They are quite mesmerized. Love seeing all your smiling faces again Lyssy. Its good to have you back. It is already Hallowe’en where I am right now. Enjoy the day tomorrow. Allan
I think she enjoyed it! She would’ve had more fun in her stroller but it’s a little too crowded for that. So cute when they talk in their little voices. Violet only says “no” so far. I’m very happy to be back on the blog! We were in Michigan over the weekend for Jon’s sisters wedding so for Halloween so we took her trick or treating with both sets of grandparents.
It really does look like they went all out! How nice that’s it’s a bit different each year so it always feels fresh.
It is nice to see it differently every year!
Very festive! My partner went to college in the Hudson Valley and has fond memories of it. I’m told it’s absolutely gorgeous, and your photos really capture the beauty! Love the lights and decorations, and I wish your family a fun (and safe) Halloween! 🎃
Oh yes the Hudson Valley is a beautiful area! Maybe one year you guys can make a fall trip out of it and see all the beautiful fall colors. We had a great Halloween!
Love it! Happy Halloween!
Hope you had a great Halloween!
I can see why this has become somewhat of an annual tradition for you and how lovely to share the experience with your daughter this year. Such a creative and colourful display of pumpkins. Have a Happy Halloween too!
It was so fun to bring Violet this year! I’m sure next year she’ll really love it. Hope you had a great Halloween!
What a great event Lyssy. The illuminated displays are amazing and I’m sure that by next year Violet will be enthralled too.
She will be amazed next year! It’s a fun Halloween tradition 🙂
Wow, what a truly fantastic event. I just love its impressive display of thousands of carved pumpkins, unique themed exhibits, the strong Halloween vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. I have to admit that the artistry and creativity of the elaborate displays are something else. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
It’s really impressive what people can create from pumpkins! The event is quite the work of art. Hope you had a great Halloween!
🥰🥰🥰
Love the pumpkin slingshot, the pumpkin Ferris wheel, and pumpkins lined up at the ticket booth!
Those are some fun ones! They remind me of the Minions.
Sleepy Hollow/ Tarrytown does a parade as well prior to Halloween. They also have events at the manor/museum. Glad you go to go again.
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll have to check it out next year.
This is a fantastic event. So colourful and creative. Must’ve been amazing to share it with Violet this year.
She seemed to enjoy herself! It’s a really great event and fun to see all the creativity.
They are very imaginative with a whole series of scenes, which sometimes take a little time to understand. It’s fun.
They really are! It’s fun being able to see all the creativity and imagination.
It looks absolutely brilliant, and the perfect way to get in the spirit for Halloween! Hope Violet enjoyed all the lights 🙂
I think she had fun! I didn’t hear any complaints 🙂 It was a great way to get in the spirit for sure!
cute fam!
Thank you!
Unbelievable what we can do with pumpkins 😁 What a nice place you found there! I’m sure Violet will run everywhere next year 😉
Hope you had a great Halloween! 🎃
These designs are epic and beautiful!