Family Friendly and Inexpensive Halloween Events in the Hudson Valley

Halloween in the Hudson Valley is a magic time of year. Being the place where Washington Irving wrote and set his famous short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the region “invented” modern Halloween. There are plenty of fun events and programs for all ages this coming October that offer fun for an affordable price and will be guaranteed to both scare and enchant!

October 1-2, 7-10, 14-16, 20-23, 27-31, November 4-6

The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze: Van Cortlandt Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

See over 4,000 pumpkins decorated and sculpted while walking the grounds of this 18th century mansion. The event runs every weekend from October 1 to November 6 and is Free to members and children under 5, $12 for children 5-17 and $16 per adult. However be weary that the weekend rate for adults and children 5+ is raised to $20 and $16. Despite the rather steap price, this program sets the tone for the season and with the myriad of carved sculptures, it is sure to entertain both the young and young at heart. If you are visiting from out of town, there is a hotel package that includes tickets along with an exquisite room at the Tarrytown House Estate and Conference Center. This event is definitely worth it, however tickets sell fast so be sure to reserve in advance! For more information, call (914) 631-8200 Monday through Friday and (914) 271-8981 on weekends or visit the event homepage at: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/195/198/.

October 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

The Legend Celebration: Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Tarrytown, NY

Washington Irving’s short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been entertaining and terrifying audiences for nearly 200 years. Now you can visit the home where this legendary tale was written, while enjoying live music, puppet shows and magic performances that celebrate the spirit of Halloween. This is a daytime program that runs from 10am to 4pm and is free for members and children under 5, $6 for kids 5-17 and $12 for adults, which makes it the perfect family event. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds and bring their costumes. Additional information can be found by calling (914) 631-8200 Monday through Friday and (914) 591-8763 on weekends or visiting: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/197/200/.


October 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 27-30

Irving’s Legend: Old Dutch Church, across from Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, NY

This late 17th century Dutch Church, located in the town that sparked the legend, provides the ideal setting for the dramatic re-telling of his perennial Halloween tale. Listen to professional storyteller Jonathan Kruk recount the legend of the Headless Horseman with help from the characters themselves and organist Jim Keyes. Tickets are $16 for adult, $12 for kids under 18. More information can be found by calling (914) 631-8200 Monday through Friday or (914) 631-3992 on weekends. You can also visit the event homepage at: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/388/327/.

October 8-9, 14-16, 21-23, 27-30

Horseman’s Hollow: Philipsburg Manor, Sleepy Hollow, NY


Ghost stories can be scary, but living one is downright terrifying! With the backdrop of this 18th century working farm, visitors walk along a haunted trail, out of the 21st century and into an 18th century village terrified by the headless specter of the Headless Horseman. At the end of the trail lies the Horseman’s lair, where visitors will face an array of grotesque creatures and horrifying special effects that will shock and frighten. This event is not for everyone, especially young children and individuals who are claustrophobic, prone to seizures or other medical conditions. Tickets are $20 for weekdays and $25 weekends, with a special $5 discount for members. A hotel package is also included through the Tarrytown House Estate and Conference Center. Inquieries can be made by calling (914) 631-8200 Monday through Friday or (914) 631-3992 on weekends. You can also visit the event homepage at: http://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/196/199/.


October 23

Haunted Hunt, Huguenot Street , New Paltz, NY

From 1 to 3 pm, kids from 4 and up will uncover hidden secrets during this spooky scavenger hunt. Costumed participants who meet at the visitor center for the event will receive a special surprise! Admission is $5 per child while adults get in free. Questions and additional information can be found by calling (845) 255-1660 or visiting: http://www.huguenotstreet.org/about_us/calendar.php.

October 28-30

Haunted Huguenot Street, Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY

Witness ghost stories dramatically come to life as you walk through over 300 years of history. Visitors will enjoy a lively nighttime tour of the 18th and 19th century homes of Huguenot Street complete with appearances by various ghosts and specters. Tours start at the Dubois Fort, 81 Huguenot Street, with the program running from 7-11 pm October 28-29, 7-9 pm October 30. Tickets are $9 in advance, $11 at the door. Additional information can be found by calling (845) 255-1660 or visiting: http://www.huguenotstreet.org/about_us/calendar.php.

October 29

Lantern Tour of Fort Montgomery: Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, Fort Montgomery, NY


Walk the grounds where this pivotal 1777 battle for our nation’s freedom was fought and re-live the final desperate moments of those who defended this fort through a vivid nighttime walking tour. Costumed re-enactors bring visitors back to the American Revolutionary War as they wander through the fort along a winding trail by candlelight. Tours begin at 6:30 pm, 7:00pm and 7:30 pm, regular group tours are $2 per person. For more information, please call Fort Montgomery State Historic Site at (845) 446-2134 or visit their website at: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/historic-sites/28/details.aspx.

October 31

New Paltz Halloween Parade, Main Street, New Paltz, NY


If you’re looking for some family friendly and safe pre-trick-or-treating fun, bring your little goblin to Main Street, New Paltz at 6 pm for the annual New Paltz Halloween Parade. The parade starts at Main Street and Manheim Boulevard and ends at the New Paltz Firehouse, where candy and apples will be distributed to lucky trick-or-treaters by the Lions Club.

Night of 100 Pumpkins, The Bakery, New Paltz, NY


Bring your inner artist to The Bakery between 6 pm and 8 pm for this annual tradition. Participants young and old will enjoy free cocoa, cider and pumpkin bread as their creations are lit to celebrate the holiday. Participants must decorate their pumpkins in advance and drop off their Jack-O-Lanterns October 30th to be judged the following evening. For more information, call The Bakery at (845) 255-8840 and see photos from previous years at http://www.ilovethebakery.com/.

Sources:

The Bakery, New Paltz, NY
www.ilovethebakery.com

Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY
www.huguenotstreet.org

New Paltz Chamber of Commerce
www.newpaltzchamber.org

Office of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/

Historic Hudson Valley
www.hudsonvalley.org


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