Thousands of pumpkins are carved by hand and assembled into things a pumpkin has no business being: a full-scale dinosaur skeleton, a working carousel, a Statue of Liberty, tunnels and archways that glow orange as you walk under them. It is the most photographed autumn attraction within reach of the city, and October is the only stretch when it runs every single night. If you want the fall picture everyone else is posting, this is where it is taken - just buy the ticket before you get on the tra
What to expect
A timed-entry walking route through the grounds of a historic Hudson Valley manor, lit almost entirely by carved pumpkins, with an original soundtrack and a cider-and-doughnut stand at the end. The path takes about an hour at a browsing pace. It runs rain or shine and gets cold after dark.
Good to know
- This is outside the five boroughs - take Metro-North's Hudson Line to Croton-Harmon, then a short taxi or rideshare
- Tickets must be bought in advance; nothing is sold at the gate
- Dress warmer than you think - the whole route is outdoors and unheated
- Later entry slots are darker and better for photographs than the first ones
- The main path is walkable but has uneven ground in places
- Great with kids, and not a scare attraction - nobody jumps out at you
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Common questions
Is the Blaze in New York City?
No. It is at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, in Westchester County. The Metro-North Hudson Line to Croton-Harmon gets you close, and it is a short ride from the station.
Is it scary?
No. It is a lit sculptural display rather than a haunted attraction - no actors, no jump scares - which is why it works so well with young children.
Can I buy tickets at the entrance?
No. The organisers state that tickets are advance-purchase only and are not sold on site, and popular evenings sell out.
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