The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration: A Must-See Fall Event
You know fall has arrived when the days get shorter, the leaves start to change color, and pumpkin spice everything hits the stores. But for a truly magical fall experience, head to Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island for The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. This event will ignite your fall spirit and instantly transport you to an enchanted autumn wonderland.
Over 7,000 hand-carved jack o'lanterns are artfully arranged along a winding trail, illuminating the historic buildings and landscape. You'll see pumpkins carved into scenes from classic Halloween stories, creatures, and characters.
7 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
The Blaze on Long Island takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the season
This is a rain or shine event, plan carefully to avoid rain and the coolest nights
You can exchange your tickets for a small fee; check the event website for the details
Bathrooms (port-a-potties) are available only at the start and end of the exhibit
Snacks are available for purchase early in the trail
On-site parking is available and included in the price of admission
The trail is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Do keep in mind that the trail is not paved
Overview of The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Long Island
Here's what you need to know to plan your visit to this fall event.
When is The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze?
The Blaze event on Long Island runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from late September through early November.
How much are tickets to The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze?
The tickets to the Blaze must be purchased in advance on line via the Historic Hudson Valley website.
Standard Tickets
Tickets to the experience will vary based on when you attend. Earlier in the season they are priced as follows:
Adults - $29
Seniors - $28
Children (3-17) - $19
Children under 2 are free
Flex Tickets
Flex or VIP tickets are available and are priced at $79 each regardless of age. These tickets allow you access to the event on any evening of your choosing even if the event is sold out. The Flex tickets also include a free drink or snack.
Ticket prices do increase beginning in October and will vary by admission times. Check the event website for the pricing based on the time that you'd like to attend.
How Long does a visit to the Blaze take?
A visit to the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze will likely take you longer than the suggested 45 minutes. While you could probably see everything in under an hour, you’ll want to take your time to soak in all the details. We found that around two hours was perfect for a leisurely stroll, with time to do some shopping, and snap plenty of photos.
Is the Blaze too scary for younger kids?
In our humble opinion, the Blaze is not too scary for young kids. There isn't any gore, inappropriate language or anyone jumping out to scare you or the littles.
How do you get to the Blaze?
By Car
The Blaze is easily accessible by car and is located off of the Long Island Expressway. We suggest using GPS for directions from your neck of the woods.
Public Transportation
If you'd prefer public transportation, you can take the LIRR to the Farmingdale station. You'll need to take a taxi ride from the train station. We estimate it to be about a 15 minute ride from the station.
Is there parking at the Blaze?
There is parking on the grounds and it is included in the price. Earlier admissions will park closest to the start of the trail and the bathrooms.
Is the Blaze accessible?
There are no stairs on the trail and you will be able to use a stroller or wheelchairl. However, the trail is not paved and surfaces can be uneven.
More Halloween Fun in the Hudson Valley
To experience this spooky spectacle in a historic setting, head to Croton-on-Hudson. Take the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal to the Croton-Harmon station, then a short taxi ride will get you to the 18th-century estate, Van Cortlandt Manor.
In the Hudson Valley, the event runs daily during the season. The dates and prices change each year, so be sure to check the official website for the schedule and to buy your tickets in advance.
Final Thoughts: Is the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Worth the Visit?
Absolutely! This event is a must-see for both kids and adults alike. The massive displays of intricately carved pumpkins are a sight to behold and a perfect way to get into the fall spirit.
You really must experience the spectacle of the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze. Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins are lit up each night, depicting amazing scenes and characters. The artistry is truly a sight to behold, from the giant spider web crafted from pumpkins to the towering dinosaurs.
One of our favorite moments had to be meandering down the walking trail and having the story of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow brought to life.
The next time we go, we’ll definitely check out the Hudson Valley location to make a fun weekend getaway out of it, and take in more of the autumn atmosphere in Westchester and Sleepy Hollow country.
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to do this season, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze should be at the top of your list!
Enjoy the journey!
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