Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

The Halloween season has officially arrived, bringing with it the crisp air of autumn. And as it does every year, the quaint town of Tarrytown, nestled in the heart of Westchester County, New York, transforms into a spooky wonderland of Halloween attractions. Known for its rich history, Tarrytown has a connection to the legend of Sleepy Hollow. It offers visitors a unique and eerie experience during the Halloween season.

One of the most popular attractions in Tarrytown is the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. This event features thousands of intricately carved pumpkins arranged in elaborate displays throughout Van Cortlandt Manor. Visitors can wander through the glowing paths and marvel at the impressive pumpkin sculptures, which range from spooky ghosts to classic Halloween scenes.

For those seeking more thrills, Horseman’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor offers a terrifying haunted house experience. Based on the legend of the Headless Horseman, this attraction features a winding maze of haunted trails. It also includes spooky actors and bone-chilling scares. These elements are sure to send shivers down your spine.

If you prefer a more family-friendly Halloween experience, the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride is a great option. This interactive hayride takes you through the dark woods of Sleepy Hollow. You will encounter the legendary characters of Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horseman, and other spooky surprises along the way. It’s a thrilling adventure that’s safe for all ages.

My favorite way to spend Halloween is touring Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. For the entire month of October, the cemetery offers a host of events. These include an interactive murder mystery, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Paint a Headless Horseman, An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, and The Man Behind the Legend, Washington Irving. And on Halloween, and for a few days before, many visitors come dressed in costume.

In addition to these main attractions, Tarrytown also offers a variety of Halloween-themed events, including haunted tours, ghost stories, costume parties, and pumpkin picking. Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or just looking for a unique fall experience, Tarrytown’s spooky attractions will surely delight and frighten visitors of all ages. So pack your bags, grab your flashlight, and get ready for a hauntingly good time in Tarrytown this Halloween season. Just watch out for the Headless Horseman – he’s got a thing for tourists.

Must-See Events

1. Tarrytown Halloween Parade: One of the highlights of the season, the annual Halloween Parade kicks off from Patriot’s Park and winds its way through the village. Expect to see creative costumes, lively music, and festive floats. The parade culminates in a block party with DJs, live performances, and outdoor dining. It’s like Mardi Gras, but with more pumpkins and fewer beads.
2. Haunted Hayrides and Tours: For those seeking a thrill, haunted hayrides and ghost tours are a must. These guided tours take you through some of the most haunted spots in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, sharing spine-chilling stories and local legends.
3. Blazing Pumpkins: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a spectacular display of thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated to create mesmerizing scenes. This event is perfect for families and offers a more whimsical take on Halloween.
4. Music Hall Ghost Tours: The historic Tarrytown Music Hall opens its doors for ghost tours, where visitors can explore the Victorian-era theater and hear tales of the spirits that are said to linger there. Spoiler alert: the ghosts are probably just actors who never left.
5. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Lantern Tour Step back in time and explore the cemetery by kerosene lantern light! This two-hour evening tour gives you a great overview of why Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is so famous.