The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Returns to Westchester and Long Island This Year

The beloved Halloween tradition is returning for the 2021 season in September at Van Cortlandt Manor and Old Bethpage Village Restoration.

By Katelin Walling August 18, 2021

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze—the beloved Halloween tradition at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson—is returning for the season this September with a COVID Courtesy Code implemented to keep visitors safe and comfortable during their visit. The event will also return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage. And both events are expected to be bigger and better than ever before.

Arguably the area's biggest, most elaborate Halloween happening, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has been around since 2005 and displays thousands of individually hand-carved, illuminated jack-o'-lanterns in an elaborate walk-through experience. Meander through historic landscapes and discover breathtaking displays—all made of jack-o’-lanterns.

What to Expect at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Stroll through the covered bridge with jack-o'-lanterns covering the walls (and ceiling!) and emerge to the sights of Sleepy Hollow and and the Headless Horseman, and witness the incredible sight of gourd-filled Jack-in-the-boxes springing up and bouncing around. See slithering ground snakes, a giant spider web, and go gaga over a collection of shrunken "Little Monsters." Gaze in amazement at a towering pumpkin bonfire and a working doomsday grandfather clock. A 40-feet-long sea serpent adds some hiss to the Undersea Aquarium while comical, squash-eating Venus pumpkin traps sprout in the garden.

New displays this year at the Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson include a New York City streetscape and an immersive river walk-through experience. Meanwhile, at Blaze in Old Bethpage, visitors will see a brand-new 80-foot circus train and be enchanted by a new sea monster and other creatures from under the sea.

The Blaze's perennially popular Jurassic Park section includes a pterodactyl and an over-20-feet-tall brontosaurus. Plus, the Museum of Pumpkin Art features more than 20 works from professional artists and is the first exhibition space devoted to sculptural works inspired by (but not made from) pumpkins.

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Tips for Visiting Blaze

1. Get there early.

It takes time to park and you don’t want to miss any of the fun. If you’re comfortable with dining out, think about grabbing a bite somewhere nearby to beat some of the traffic.

2. Dress for the weather.

This event is outdoors and held rain or shine. It can be very chilly at night.

3. Prepare your kids.

Some small and even big kids might be spooked by some of the event's features, including scary music, hanging skeletons, and walking around in the dark. Talk to your kids ahead of time about the thousands of pumpkins created into some animals, fairies, and more. You might consider showing them some pictures online. And for those that scare easily, suggest that they use their glow sticks to scare the skeletons.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Safety Precautions

Visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times when indoors (regardless of vaccination status), while all visitors older than 2 how are unvaccinated are required to wear masks at all times. Visitors are asked to practice social distancing, monitor their symptoms in the 48 hours prior to arrival, and to leave personal items at home. The event will occur at a limited capacity to ensure visitors can maintain proper social distancing with advance tickets required. Read more about the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze COVID Courtesy Code here.

Visiting Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Westchester County

Where is Blaze: Westchester located?

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Westchester is held at Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S. Riverside Ave. in Croton-on-Hudson.

When is the Blaze in Westchester?

Sept. 17-Oct. 31; Nov. 3-7, 10-14, and 18-21. Entry by timed ticket only.

How much are Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Croton-on-Hudson tickets?

Tickets start at $32; $24 for children ages 3-17; free for children ages 2 and younger. You can buy tickets online now, or call 914-366-6900 (there is a $2.50 per ticket surcharge for phone purchases).

Visiting Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Long Island

Where is Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze on Long Island held?

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Long Island is held at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage.

When is the Blaze on Long Island?

Sept. 22-26; Sept. 29-Oct. 3; Oct. 6-11, 20-24, 27-31; and Nov. 3-7. Entry is by timed ticket

How much are Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Long Island tickets?

Tickets start at $32; $24 for children ages 3-17; free for children ages 2 and younger. Tickets are on sale now.

Here at Rockland Parent, we've got everything you need to have a safe, fun, and festive fall and Halloween season. Whether it is pumpkin or apple picking, getting lost in a corn maze, making Halloween crafts or finding costumes and decorations, we're here to help.

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