If there’s one place that knows how to do Halloween, it’s the Hudson Valley. From thousands of glowing pumpkins and historic haunted attractions to ghost walks, spooky markets, and Halloween events for the whole family, October is the perfect time to explore the region.

Whether you’re looking for something spooky but not too scary, planning a Halloween date night, gathering your girlfriends for a fall adventure, or looking for something fun to do with the kids, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Halloween in the Hudson Valley.

Here are some Halloween attractions, events, and parades to add to your October calendar.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

📍 Croton-on-Hudson, NY

If you haven’t experienced The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, October is the time to go.

Held at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, The Blaze transforms the historic property into an illuminated pumpkin wonderland featuring more than 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns. The pumpkins are arranged into elaborate displays, with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack creating an immersive nighttime experience.

And there are new things to see in 2026, including a longer path, Creature Feature Forest with movie-monster photo opportunities, The Big Book of Fables filled with storybook characters, and a pumpkin DJ dance party at the end.

The event runs September 18 through November 8, 2026 with every night in October included in the schedule. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance, so this is one to plan ahead for.

Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses

📍 Ulster Park, NY

If you’re looking for something significantly scarier than pumpkins, head to Ulster Park for Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses.

The attraction features 13 different experiences, including a theatrical hayride, haunted houses, walking trails, and more. For 2026, the main hayride is themed “The Cursed Earth of Crow Hollow,” taking guests into a story involving a cursed town, a mysterious infection, and something that refuses to stay buried.

This is definitely on the seriously scary end of the Halloween spectrum. The attraction itself warns that guests should expect things like sudden frights, fog, strobe lights, loud noises, and other intense effects.

There are also separate Children's Days on October 3 and 17 for a more family-friendly Halloween experience.

Sleepy Hollow at Twilight Village

📍 Sleepy Hollow, NY

It doesn’t get much more Halloween than spending an evening in Sleepy Hollow.

Twilight Village returns to Philipsburg Manor October 2–31, 2026 transforming the historic site into an immersive Halloween experience filled with live storytellers, fire performers, fortune tellers, a pop-up market, food, drinks, music, and appearances by some of the characters from Washington Irving’s legendary tale.

And yes, the Headless Horseman makes an appearance.

For 2026, the experience has been expanded with additional characters and performances, making it a fun option if you want Halloween atmosphere without committing to a traditional haunted house.

Gothic Market at Lyndhurst Mansion

📍 Tarrytown, NY

For something a little more witchy than scary, add the Gothic Market Weekend at Lyndhurst to your October calendar.

Taking place October 23–25, this market brings more than 50 vendors to the grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion selling everything from gothic jewelry and curated antiques to oddities, witchy wares, and other unusual finds.

You can also explore the mansion, enjoy seasonal food and drinks, and take in the dramatic Gilded Age setting.

Basically, it's the perfect place to find something you didn't know you needed.

Masque of the Red Death at Lyndhurst

📍 Tarrytown, NY

If you like your Halloween a little more gothic, theatrical, and grown-up, add The Masque of the Red Death at Lyndhurst Mansion to your October plans.

For select evenings October 15–30, Lyndhurst Mansion transforms into Prince Prospero's abbey for an immersive theater experience inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death. Guests move through the Gothic halls of the 1842 mansion as the story unfolds around them, with the historic setting becoming part of the experience.

The experience is performed and produced by the Irvington Shakespeare Company and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $45 plus fees, and the event can sell out, so advance reservations are recommended.

Peace, Love & Pumpkins at Bethel Woods

📍 Bethel, NY

Halloween gets a little different at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Peace, Love & Pumpkins returns October 9 through November 1, bringing a Halloween experience to the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. The walk-through experience features thousands of carved pumpkins and seasonal displays, creating a family-friendly Halloween outing with a distinctly Hudson Valley setting.

There’s also a special Friday Night Fright planned for October 30 if you're looking for a little extra Halloween fun.

Explore Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown for Halloween History, Tours & Parades

📍 Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown, NY

If you're looking for a place where Halloween is practically part of the town's identity, make a day of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

This area is home to the legends that inspired Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, making October one of the best times to explore its history, historic sites, and spooky stories.

Start with a visit to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of Washington Irving, and take a guided walking or lantern tour to hear more about the area's history, legends, and famous residents. You can also explore Philipsburg Manor, where the historic setting becomes especially atmospheric during the Halloween season.

Then head into Tarrytown for its charming downtown, restaurants, shops, and seasonal events. Throughout October, the area hosts Halloween-themed activities, including Tarrytown Halloween parades and community celebrations, making it a fun option whether you're visiting with kids or simply looking for a festive fall day.

And don't forget to leave time to wander. Grab a coffee, explore the historic streets, pop into a local shop, and take in the fall scenery along the Hudson.

Nyack Halloween Parade

📍 Nyack, NY

For a Halloween experience that's less about being scared and more about getting into the spirit of the community, head to the annual Nyack Halloween Parade.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, downtown Nyack comes alive with costumes, floats, and plenty of Halloween fun. The parade is one of the village's signature community events and is a great excuse to get dressed up and spend an afternoon or evening exploring Nyack.

Come early to walk around downtown, browse the local shops, grab dinner or drinks, and find your spot along the parade route. And don't be surprised if the costumes are just as entertaining in the crowd as they are in the parade!

Ready to Explore the Hudson Valley This Halloween?

Whether you’re looking for thousands of glowing pumpkins, spooky history, haunted attractions, Halloween parades, or a festive fall day with your girlfriends, there’s something happening throughout the Hudson Valley this October.

From The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson to Peace, Love & Pumpkins at Bethel Woods, the Gothic Market at Lyndhurst, Twilight Village in Sleepy Hollow, and the Halloween festivities happening throughout Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and Nyack, October is the perfect excuse to get out and explore somewhere new.

And remember—you don't have to wait until October 31 to celebrate Halloween. Pick a weekend, grab your friends or family, put on your favorite fall sweater, and make a day of it. 🍂🎃

Which Hudson Valley Halloween experience are you adding to your October bucket list?

Save this guide for later and share it with the person you're planning your spooky season with!

Hudson Valley Travel Guides