The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze 2018
Looking for a fun family adventure for the Fall & Halloween season?
Be sure to check out The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze! If you are anything like me, you love Halloween, but HATE being scared and are tired of wasting money on the same haunted hayrides & haunted houses. I am happy to say I have finally found a fun Halloween/Fall activity that is not scary and perfect for the whole family; The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
So what is the ever so popular Jack O’Lantern Blaze anyway?
It’s a walk through an old historic park which displays over 7,000 Jack O’Lanterns in all different designs. All of the pumpkins, both real & fake have been hand carved by some incredibly talented artistic people, who truly put my crooked faced Jack O’Lantern to shame! Trust me, this may not sound like anything spectacular, but it is truly amazing to see the talent and effort that is put into this event. The pumpkins are illuminated by candles and colorful lights, some are synchronized to music and others move, yes that’s right pumpkins that move!
Windmill made out of Jack O’Lanterns! Video Credit: Carly Cuttita
This was my first time at the Great Jack O’Lantern blaze, but from what I’ve gathered from friends who have been before, the pumpkin displays change every year. The best way I can describe The Blaze is that it is comparable to the Holiday Light shows which towns have during the Christmas season, but instead of using Christmas lights it’s all pumpkins. I have been wanting to check this event out for the last 2 yrs but it had been sold out. Which brings me to my next point, this event sells out quickly! I set an alarm on my phone to remind me an hour before the tickets went on sale, as I was determined to get tickets this year. Just to give you an idea how quick I mean, I logged on at the exact time tickets went on sale and within a few minutes almost all of the Saturday time slots were sold out! This year the event runs from Sept. 28th - Nov. 24th; but I hate to be the one to break the bad news, I’m almost certain they are sold out for this year, but make sure you check it out next year.
Video credit: Carly Cuttita
Location & Parking
The Blaze is located in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, which is 2 hrs 15 minutes south of Albany & 1 hr 15 minutes north of NYC. It is an easy drive and accessible by train. I must say the parking was actually well planned out and organized. The parking-lot is in a large well-lit field used for event parking only. Be aware, you can only enter the parking-lot 30 minutes prior to your ticket time, and yes they really do check your ticket time. However if you do arrive a little early which we did, there is a large shopping plaza right next to the parking-lot where you can park and wait until your designated time. They also offer Handicap parking for those who need it.
Helpful Tips
Weather: The event is held rain or shine & tickets are non-refundable, so make sure you check the weather and dress accordingly!
No early birds. As I mentioned earlier you can park in the event parking lot no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled ticket time. Once you are parked there is a small waiting area with games for kids, a gift shop, a draft beer & wine tent and a small vendor selling fall-themed snacks to keep you occupied while you await for your admission time.
The Blaze is wheelchair & stroller accessible. Keep in mind you are outside and some paths are uneven & slightly sloped.
No Pets. As much as you love bringing your furry friends with you, they are not allowed at the event & you will not be admitted if you try. So save yourself the hassle and leave Fido at home.
Credit Cards- the gift shop, ticket office & food vendor all accept credit cards! (I never carry cash so this is a big thumbs up for me)
There are restrooms, but be sure to use them before you start your event as they are only located near the main visitor tent where you arrive & exit.
Stalk the website to see when tickets go on sale & be ready to buy tickets that day! This event always sells out quickly!
Have fun & post lots of pictures!
For more pictures from The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze check out the photos link on my main page!