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NJ's Most Amazing Halloween Pumpkin Displays and Pumpkin Festivals

Enjoy more than 40 pumpkin- and fall-themed activities at the Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
Enjoy more than 40 pumpkin- and fall-themed activities at the Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
10/9/22 - By Michelle Vames

Kick off the festive fall season at one of the many wonderful pumpkin-themed events happening around New Jersey, from elaborate pumpkin displays and carving competitions to good old-fashioned pumpkin picking at local farms. There's also plenty of fun to be had at pumpkin decorating events. 

Read on for our top picks, plus a couple of bonus events worth a drive across state lines. You can find even more seasonal events in our Guide to New Jersey Fall Fun and Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

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The streets comes alive with entertainers, vendors, shoppers for the Blackwood Pumpkin Festival. Photo courtesy of Mainstage Center for the Arts
The streets comes alive with entertainers, vendors, shoppers for the Blackwood Pumpkin Festival. Photo courtesy of Mainstage Center for the Arts

Pumpkin Festivals in New Jersey for Families in 2022

South Jersey Pumpkin Show

Woodstown
Saturday, October 8-Sunday, October 9
The 19th annual South Jersey Pumpkin festival returns to the Salem County Fairgrounds. Festivalgoers enjoy pumpkin desserts, vendor booths, a fall home show, contests, giveaways, wine sampling, a food court, amusement rides, a haunted barn, pony rides, and hayrides. READ MORE

Blackwood Pumpkin Festival

Blackwood–FREE
Sunday, October 9
The 29th Annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival boasts food, games, music, shopping and  entertainment. Activities include pumpkin painting, a pet costume parade, crafts, hay rides and more.   READ MORE

Great Pumpkin Festival

Vernon
Select dates through Sunday, November 6
The largest fall festival in northern New Jersey features 40+ themed activities including farm animals, a spider web crawl, a mad scientist-themed corn maze, an obstacle course, farm animals, duck racing, a dancing robot show, and much more. READ MORE
Skylands Stadium’s third-annual Jack-O’-Lantern Experience is a great Halloween event for all ages. Photo courtesy of Skylands
Skylands Stadium’s third-annual Jack-O’-Lantern Experience is a great Halloween event for all ages. Photo courtesy of Skylands

Pumpkin Displays in and near New Jersey in 2022

The Amazing Pumpkin Carve

Titusville
Wednesday, October 12-Sunday, October 16
This impressive display boasts 125-pound pumpkins carved by local artists. Both walk-thru and drive-thru options are available. Walk-thru days feature fire-pits with storytellers and s'mores. READ MORE

Gardens Aglow

Upper Montclair–FREE
Friday, October 21
The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens come alive for one night only this Halloween season. Visitors can see a display of artfully carved jack-o'-lanterns provided by art students at local high schools. READ MORE

Wagner Farm Arboretum Brite Nites

Warren
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from Thursday, October 13- Saturday, October 29
Wagner Farm Arboretum's popular Brite Nite attraction returns for its 11th season with both drive-thru and walk-thru options. The family-focused Halloween-themed Brite Nites showcases an elaborate display of intricate, creative, hand-carved, and lit pumpkins.  READ MORE

The Magic Pumpkin Patch

Mullica Hill
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
Harbaugh Village presents its Magical Pumpkin Patch, with spooktacular activities like roller skating, carousel, games, photo ops, food trucks and more. Plus, take a stroll through a patch of illuminated pumpkins. READ MORE

Haunt O'Ween

Holmdel
Select dates through Sunday, October 30
Take a haunting walk through a tunnel of glowing jack-o’lanterns and nine “worlds” to explore across 200,000 square feet. The frightening fun includes games, rides, face painting, a carving station, and more. READ MORE

2022 Skylands Stadium Jack-o’-Lantern Experience

Augusta
Select dates through Friday, November 4
This festive 30-day event guarantees thrills and chills for the whole family! Enjoy seasonal food and drinks, carnival rides, pumpkin picking/painting, and a stroll through over 6,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns in the crisp fall air with family and friends. READ MORE

The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze

Croton-on-Hudson, New York
Various dates through Sunday, November 20
This renowned walk-through Halloween experience features more than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o'-lanterns forming assorted impressive displays, with lighting and music enhancements. See the pumpkin carousel, windmill, and the New York City skyline. New for 2022, watch the animated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees. READ MORE
Dress in your favorite costume for Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land
Dress in your favorite costume for Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land. Photo courtesy of Storybook Land

Pumpkin Decorating Events in New Jersey in 2022

Thompson Park Day

Lincroft–FREE
Sunday, October 16
Drop by Thompson Park for a fall day full of family fun. Pumpkin painting, wagon rides, a scarecrow contest, and more make for a festive fall day. READ MORE

Harvest Homecoming at Historic New Bridge Landing

River Edge
Sunday, October 16
Come celebrate fall with the Bergen County Historical Society. Join the society at they celebrate 120 years as an organization. All three 18th century Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses, including the state historic 1752 Steuben House, are open for tours throughout the day. READ MORE

Celebrate Fall 2022

Summit
Sunday, October 16
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum welcomes visitors for an afternoon filled with family-friendly entertainment. Play games, do arts and crafts, decorate pumpkins, and get plenty of face time with the goats at this highly anticipated seasonal festival.  READ MORE

Hoboken Harvest Festival

Hoboken–FREE
Saturday, October 22
Free activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a trackless train, music, a hay maze, face painting, a moonwalk, balloon art, craft activities and more. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch Day

Union
Saturday, October 29
The Liberty Hall Museum hosts its annual Pumpkin Patch Day featuring pumpkin picking, carving, and decorating, plus hayrides, and more crafts. Join the event for a memorable day that's become a fall tradition for so many families.  READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land

Egg Harbor Township
Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, October 30
Families visiting Storybook Land can climb aboard the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin, and decorate it just in time for Halloween. Then, find your way through Elmer’s Haymazin’ Maze, and pick up treat bags. READ MORE
When Halloween's over, set your pumpkin afloat on Echo Lake. Photo courtesy of Trailside Nature Center
When Halloween's over, set your pumpkin afloat on Echo Lake. Photo courtesy of Trailside Nature Center

Post-Halloween Pumpkin Events in New Jersey in 2022

The Great Pumpkin Sail

Union
Tuesday, November 1
Bring your carved jack-o'-lantern to Echo Lake Park post-Halloween, and enjoy the spectacular view of floating pumpkins. Sign up for one of three sessions. READ MORE

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