
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

Van Cortlandt Manor
525 S Riverside
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Suggested Ages: All, Adult Friendly
Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns – all designed and hand-carved on site by a team of artisans – with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, this one-of-a-kind event.
Listen for the Headless Horseman and watch out for swooping jack o’lantern bats. See the Pumpkin Carousel twirl and the Pumpkin Windmill whirl and step inside the Pumpkin Planetarium for a unique star show. New for 2022, watch an animated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees.
🎃 Time slots sell out quickly, so buy in advance. More availability at the smaller Long Island outpost in Old Bethpage Village ($28-$36). First time slot is earlier as the season progresses. November dates have the earliest times and smallest crowds.
🎃 Self-paced; about a 1/2 mile walk-through. Only one-way – no re-entry.
🎃 Cheaper admission Monday-Thursday. Plan ahead and save! Prices are $2 more for same day admission. All proceeds support the programs of Historic Hudson Valley, a non-profit education organization.
🎃 Strollers are permitted, but wide ones may not fit through more narrow passageways.
🍽 No food or beverage on-site besides a Captain Lawrence Brewing Company’s craft beer tent, but there are excellent nearby dining options.
🚙 About a one hour drive from mid-Manhattan. Free on-site parking.
🚂 A one hour ride on the Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central to Croton-Harmon, then a 15 minute walk.
Tap-A-Tree
Get ready to make syrup by tapping the trees. In this private group tour, learn about the initial process of maple sugaring and the history of sap collection, all while using antique tools hands-on.
Sessions take place every half hour, limited to one group for each timeslot. Groups will meet at Muscoot’s Sugar Shack.
More infoRock And Roll Playhouse at Garcia’s: Grateful Dead
Dance and sing along to the music of iconic rockers at an interactive and educational live music experience for families at a historic venue. Groove to the music of the Grateful Dead played by professional cover band Summerfeet.
Loud (bring hearing protection earmuffs for sensitive ears) with lots of dancing.
Also at 2 pm.
More infoOld-Fashioned Winter’s Afternoon
Enjoy log-sawing, archery, maple sugaring, live raptor shows, fire-roasted marshmallows, archery, winter-themed carnival games, a petting zoo, and fun crafts like decorating candles, walking sticks, and a plant pot.
Soup, hot dogs, waffles and popcorn available.
More infoCookie Decorating Workshop
Join Caitlin of CM Cookies for a fun workshop to learn all of the tips and tricks of cookie decorating. Decorate three Valentine’s Day themed cookies. Appropriate for all ages. Limited participation of 25. Cost is $30 per person. We will meet inside the activity building and workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.
More info