Nobody knows Halloween like Sleepy Hollow. The town, made famous by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is known for its proximity to many historic sites including Washington Irving’s Sunnyside mansion, Van Cortlandt Manor, Philipsburg Manor, Kykuit (the Rockefeller estate), the Union Church of Pocantico Hills, and the Montgomery Place Historic Estate. From this rich history, Historic Hudson Valley introduces the Great Jack O ‘Lantern Blaze, a brand new eight night event featuring 3,000 glowing jack o’ lanterns on the hills of Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson. Visitors will walk a candlelit path to the manor house, catching a glimpse of the Croton River in the evening and of course the carefully hand crafted jack o’ lanterns. Scarecrows will man the hills with heads of scary jack o’ lanterns. Don’t be surprised if a jack o’ lantern appears in a tree, or in the river. A 200’x 15’ underwater aquarium will further illuminate the night with hundreds of glowing fish. Glow sticks, hot cider, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin-shaped cookies will be sold for visitors’ enjoyment.

The celebration continues at Sunnyside mansion and at Philipsburg Manor with Legend Weekend, Historic Hudson Valley’s most popular event. Join the tradition during the day at Washington Irving’s mansion where you can hear Irving’s The Devil and Tom Walker, or catch a 19 th century magic show. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow will be celebrated with ghost stories and shadow puppet shows. An array of fun family activities including corn shelling, pumpkin carving, and cooking pumpkin on an open hearth make it a great way to spend the day. At night, Philipsburg Manor, where the legendary Headless Horseman chased Ichabod Crane on his black steed, will be transformed into a spooky landscape with a lantern-lit bridge, floating ghosts, a glowing pirate ship, ghouls, witches, and trolls out to frighten visitors on their way to see a dramatic presentation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Hot chocolate and cider will be available to warm guests after this chillingly exciting tale.

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze takes place October 13-16 and 20-23, from 6pm-9pm on Thursdays and Sundays and 6pm-9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Legend Weekend is October 28-30, from 6pm-9:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 5pm-8pm on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children, and free for children under age 5 and Historic Hudson Valley members. A combination ticket for both events is available at $20 for adults and $12 for children. Availability is limited, so get your tickets soon! For more information call (914) 631-8200 or visit www.sleepyhollowhalloween.org.