The Most Elaborate, Over-the-Top Jack-o'-Lantern Displays Across the Country

Just a quick train ride away from New York City, this over-the-top display in Croton-on-Hudson, New York boasts over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns designed and carved by local artisans on sight. Set up around an 18th-century historic site along the river, this experience defies all expectation — with everything from a Pumpkin Carousel to a Pumpkin Planetarium. If you're too busy scrambling for a last-minute costume to make it before Halloween, you're in luck: it's open after the holiday on select days until November 30.

A local tradition that has gained notoriety over the nearly 30 years since its inception, New Hampshire's Keene Pumpkin Festival emphasizes the old-fashioned magic of the holiday.

"The Pumpkin Festival has been broadcasting to the world what can happen when people come together for no other purpose than making magic happen," writes founder Nancy Sporborg on the festival's website.

The festival has repeatedly broken the world record for the number of jack-o’-lanterns lit at one event, reaching as many as 30,581 pumpkins back in 2013.

Curious to see the spooky sight for yourself? It's one day only, so make sure to stop by on October 27, between 12-7pm.

Beyond its impressive collection of over 5,000 intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns — such as the pictured portraits of John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy — this spectacular offers an unbeatable aerial view to enjoy the display when it's all lit up. Be sure to stop by before November 3, and to hop on the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride to take in the twinkling lights of the pumpkins in addition to the city of Providence spread out below.

This iconic display of over 5,000 hand-carved illuminated jack-o'-lanterns in Long Island's Westbury Gardens makes for a walk to remember. Featuring multi-pumpkin structures comprised of dozens of jack-o'-lanterns to create everthing from a life-sized fire truck to a 40-ft.-long dragon, this is a family-friendly experience not to be missed if you're in the area. It's on view from October 11-28 — but best to scoop up your tickets quick, as it's already selling out!

This display transforms Iroquois Park in Louisville, Kentucky into a blazing trail of more than 5,000 sweet, spooky and seriously artistic carvings. Themed music and scenes set the mood for a stroll through these illuminated woods, which are open through November 3.

Seeking to break the Keene Festival's hold on the Guinness World Record for the largest display of carved and lit pumpkins (30, 851), this festival in Highwood, Illinois draws over 70,000 attendees annually to its towering pumpkin wall for one weekend in early October. Jack-o'-lanterns are stacked impossibly high and as far as the eye can see, with all proceeds from the event benefiting Make-A-Wish Illinois.