top of page

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze: A Visual Diary

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze sells out almost every year for good reason. It is a spectacular experience akin to elaborate large displays of Christmas lights. However, in this case the stunning displays are constructed of 7,000 Jack O'Lanterns. By the time I went to the website to buy tickets in mid September, most of the earlier time slots on the weekends were sold out. Therefore, I purchased tickets for the 6:30 pm time slot on Columbus Day, when Curious G had the day off. As we pulled into the parking lot of Van Cortlandt Manor, the Jack O'Lantern arch elicited squeals of delight that turned into screams of excitement. C.G. could not contain herself! As we made our way through the array of illuminated displays, our excitement level never died down.



Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
The Pumpkin Planetarium

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids, Pumpkin planetarium
I could have stood under here all night, staring at the stars as they changed colors

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Enter the dragon

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
The carousel wins for best soundtrack. The music changed with each scene!

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Spooky castle

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Halloween style stained glass windows

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Lady Liberty in lights

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
The "Pumpkin Zee Bridge"...another NY landmark

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Pumpkinosauruses

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
Luminescent sunflowers

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
This windmill changed from pink...

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
...to blue

Historic Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley for kids, Curious G and Me, Jack O'Lanterns, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Van Cortlandt Park, Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton on the Hudson, Best Halloween events for kids
'Til next year!

125 views1 comment

1 Comment


Melaniya Podolyak
Melaniya Podolyak
Dec 18, 2023

Welcome to a realm where self-care is an expression of elegance, and Ambra NYC becomes your partner in crafting a life that exudes confidence and balance. Redefine your moments, elevate your rituals – italian restaurant nyc invites you to indulge in the art of wellness elegance.

Like
bottom of page