Here's why this is New York's greatest Halloween event

New York City knows how to get into the spooky spirit with Halloween parties, parades (including dog parades!) and pumpkin patches. Even before the autumnal equinox, apartment windows light up with jack-o-lanterns, stoops fill with mums and giant skeletons decorate yards. 

But our favorite Halloween event takes the seasonal splendor to the next level. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is our top pick for this Halloween season—especially as this pumpkin paradise with thousands of gorgeous gourds has been completely reimagined for 2025 with new installations and activations. It's worth the journey to the Hudson Valley to experience Blaze this fall. 

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You'll witness an army of more than 7,000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins in all kinds of delightful, clever arrangements. Look for pumpkins riding a carousel, showcasing Zodiac signs and even dressed up as ConEd workers. A stroll through the iconic pumpkin arch feels particularly magical. There are also flying ghosts, fall treats and even a speakeasy (where you might catch sight of Sleepy Hollow's Headless Horseman!). 

Even if you've visited before, this year looks a little different with installations dedicated to the Wizard of Oz, classic video games and New York landmarks. The Time Out team got a sneak peek at this year's Blaze and we couldn't help but ooh and aah as we turned every corner, the Blaze veterans pointing out all the new features to the first-time visitors. No matter if you're visiting with a group of 20- and 30-somethings like us or with little ones, the magic of Blaze transcends ages. 

Walking through Blaze feels nostalgic, even though the displays are fresh and new. There are no screens (except for phone cameras because you'll definitely want to take pictures), and the entire scene feels charming. Plus, the artistry dazzles. Every single jack-o'-lantern, no matter if it's a real pumpkin or a Funkin "art pumpkin," is individually hand-carved on site by talented artisans. It's that combination or artistry and awe that makes Blaze such a special experience.

You can find Blaze: Hudson Valley at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson trough November 16. Tickets start at $24. There's parking on-site if you're driving. Or you can take the Metro North, as we did. Blaze is a 20-minute walk from the Croton-Harmon station or a five-minute ride-share trip. If you're walking from the station, be prepared for a few hills and be careful along the busy roads, especially at dark. We'd recommend bringing a flashlight. If you've got a stroller, wheelchair or mobility restrictions, plan to use a ride-share option.