Some of our favorite pumpkin-filled events, like RISE and Jack’s Pumpkin Glow or Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns, aren’t happening this year, but if you want pumpkin carving there are some amazing events happening in the tri-state area that are safe, socially-distanced and will add a brightness to these dark fall nights. 

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
More than 7,000 brightly-lit masterpieces can be found at this next-level display in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Every pumpkin at this Westchester gem is carved onsite by a team of highly talented gourd artists.  Explore the new additions, like the fire truck and a menacing group of witches, or the classic attractions like the Museum of Pumpkin Art, the Pumpkin Planetarium, and the Pumpkin Carousel. Select dates begin on Sept. 18 and end on Nov. 21. Tickets start at $24 and kids under 2 are free. Hurry to get your tickets, because they’re selling out fast!

Skylands Stadium Jack-O’-Lantern Experience 
Drive through over 5000 jack-o-lanterns at Skylands Stadium in Augusta. Cruise through these expertly carved masterpieces from the comfort of your car. You can even check out the Fall Festival after your drive. This event will take place from Sept. 25 through Nov. 1 in Augusta, NJ. At one ticket per car, this event will cost just $34 for your whole family. Reserve your tickets here. 

Wagner Farm Arboretum Brite Nites Drive-Thru 
This year, the Wagner Farm Arboretum has made their annual fundraiser into a drive-thru event. Open from Wednesday to Sunday every week until November, stop on by to support the Arboretum and see their updated displays. Their jack-o-lanterns are rigged up with LED lights, they’ve got brand new themes, fresh designs, and cool new special effects. Get your tickets here. 

Boo at the Zoo 
Walk the Pumpkin Trail at the Bronx Zoo this fall. Their Boo at the Zoo event begins on Oct 1 and ends Nov 1, open Thursdays-Sundays. If you’d like to learn how to carve pumpkins like the jack-o-lanterns on the trail, then attend a Pumpkin Carving Demo led by an expert carver. You can also watch an artist speed carve a pumpkin. If you yell out your favorite animal, they might even carve it for you! Purchase your tickets at this link. 

Great Pumpkin Path 
Trek through the Great Pumpkin Path at the New York Botanical Garden where you can see some of the biggest pumpkins in the world. These gargantuan gourds can weigh over 2000 pounds. The path is open from Oct. 3-Nov. 1, and you can reserve your tickets here. 

Where’s your favorite spot to scope out the best jack-o’-lantern of the season?