The jack o'lantern trail, which is accompanied by a musical score, follows a variety of themes from classical to topical. New and exciting themes for 2016 are likely to impress both RISE newbies and returning fans. This year, the artists (and when you see their work, you'll agree that the carvers are artists) have increased the number of intricately carved 100+ pound pumpkins on display. Masters spend 10-15 hours on each pumpkin illustrating to perfection, including the event’s most iconic, multi-pumpkin structures, such as larger-than-life dinosaurs (my younger son’s fave), dragons, skeletons, and safari animals. Among the new structures, featuring time-honored characters from favorite movies, are one or two to make you feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away.

Pumpkinosaurus Rex

Visitors can also check out the artists at work during live carving events. Four live carving stations allow guests to watch the masters create the different types of displays used in the show. For the first time in 2016, RISE artists are carving and lighting 5,000 fresh pumpkins each weekend at each location.

Since a significant challenge to producing The RISE outdoors is weather (in the northeast organizers dodge wind and rain, while in Southern California heat shortens the pumpkins’ lifespan), this year The RISE moves indoors in Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Boston; only Long Island remains an outdoor event. This not only allows for climate control; it also allows The RISE to open earlier in the day, rather than having to wait for darkness to fall. This is great news for families with younger children, who can now experience the show as early as 10am.

Both the outdoor and indoor versions of the pumpkin trail at The RISE are well lit and staffed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The first time we went, my youngest son was still in a stroller, and the path was easy to maneuver. There is a lot to see, with displays on both sides of the trail, and it took us about an hour to see it all. There is also a Ghost Walk at the Long Island location, but the only thing scary is the name; little kids are unlikely to be disturbed.

The Boston show will be held at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, 10/27-10/30; the New Jersey show is at Meadowlands Exposition Center, 10/27-10/30; and there will be two SoCal locations this year on two separate weekends: Los Angeles Convention Center, 10/13-10/16, and Pomona Fairplex, 10/27-10/30.

More exciting news! We've got a special promo code for Mommy Poppins readers. Click to get up to 50% off RISE in Los Angeles, New Jersey or Boston, while supplies last! Kids 2 and under are admitted FREE. Ticket prices vary by date, time, and location. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

Some things just look right in orange...