How to Explore Sleepy Hollow in Spooky Season
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the quaint streets of Sleepy Hollow during the spine-tingling, hair-raising, and utterly bewitching spooky season? Here’s a comprehensive guide to fully immersing yourself in Sleepy Hollow's unique atmosphere, including must-see attractions, eerie events, and delectable dining options, ensuring that your visit during this time of year becomes an unforgettable experience.
Hold onto your head! Let’s begin.
Experience Nightmares Unleashed at Sleepy Hollow's NEW Haunted House
The newest addition to Sleepy Hollow's Halloween lineup, The Horsemen: Terror Lies in Chaos, promises an adrenaline-pumping experience. Dare to enter its dark corridors and encounter the unknown. This is where legends come to life.
Get ready for spine-tingling chills and surreal horror as Sleepy Hollow welcomes a brand-new haunted house attraction this Fall. Presented by NYC's renowned Psycho Clan, known as "The Emperors of Immersive Horror" according to The New York Times, this immersive horror experience is not for the faint of heart.
The Experience: Step into the surreal fever dream of a madman, where your worst nightmares come to life. This nightmarish journey unfolds within the eerie confines of a haunted hospital, setting the stage for an unforgettable encounter with terror.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: As you explore this sinister hospital, prepare to face the legendary Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These harbingers of doom descend upon visitors, adding an extra layer of horror to the already chilling atmosphere.
Location: The horror unfolds in the bathhouse at Kingsland Point Park, located at 299 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY. This event is in partnership with the Village of Sleepy Hollow.
Dates: The nightmare begins on October 6th and continues through November 5th, taking place on Thursdays through Sundays.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: A Spectacular Halloween Extravaganza
Prepare to be amazed by the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a Halloween event of epic proportions that returns in 2023. With over 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins, this spectacular event unfolds against the mysterious backdrop of Van Cortlandt Manor's 18th-century buildings and the scenic riverside landscape. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze offers a truly immersive experience that captivates the senses and transports you to a world of mesmerizing pumpkin artistry.
Twirling Pumpkin Ferris Wheel: New for 2023, witness the magical twirling pumpkin Ferris wheel that adds an extra layer of wonder to the event.
Gourd-eous Circus Sideshow: Enjoy the gourd-eous circus sideshow, a unique and entertaining addition to the festivities.
Synchronized Lighting and Original Soundtrack: The entire event is enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
Artistry and Craftsmanship: More than 1,000 volunteers contribute to the event's success by scooping, carving, and lighting each jack o’lantern. The result is a breathtaking display of artistry and craftsmanship.
Event Dates: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze runs from September 15th to November 19th in 2023. It includes Halloween night for an extra dose of spooky fun.
Location: The event takes place at Van Cortlandt Manor, located at 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours
Unearth the mysteries of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery! This historic 90-acre cemetery holds secrets and stories that will send shivers down your spine. You can self-explore at your leisure or experience one of the many guided day and evening walking tours.
These tours and events offer visitors the chance to delve into the cemetery's history, hear captivating stories, and explore the final resting places of notable individuals by lantern light. Advance tickets are required for all tours and events, and they offer a unique and immersive experience in the historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
Daytime Guided Tours:
(2023 Dates: Saturdays and Sundays through Thanksgiving weekend)
The Original Knickerbocker Tour: Learn about Washington Irving, the father of the American short story, his impact on American Literature, and the enduring appeal of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
Classic Daytime Tour: Explore the beauty of the 173-year-old cemetery while hearing stories about fascinating individuals buried there, including Washington Irving, two-term Chicago Mayor Walter Gurnee, steel titan Andrew Carnegie, and more.
Evening Lantern Tours:
(2023 Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in September, daily in October, and select nights in November through Thanksgiving weekend)
Classic Evening Lantern Tour: Step back in time and explore the cemetery by kerosene lantern light. Visit the resting places of titans of industry like Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller, as well as Washington Irving.
American Aristocrats: This one-hour lantern tour introduces you to American aristocrats who shaped the country with their ambitious visions and sizable fortunes.
Murder & Mayhem Tour:
(2023 Dates: Saturday nights in September, Thursdays in October through November 9th, and Saturday nights in October through November 11th)
Explore true, grim stories of events such as a family losing five children in one afternoon, a horrific murder leading to a multi-state chase, and more. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under 18.
The Good, the Bad, and the Unusual Tour:
(Dates to be announced)
Join local historians to learn about intriguing locals and famous inhabitants of the cemetery, including poet Minna Irving, chocolatier William Wallace, "Uncle" Washington Irving, and more.
Lyndhurst After Dark
There's nothing like a Gothic mansion after hours. Experience the eerie allure of a Gothic Lyndhurst Mansion after the sun sets, a magnificent mansion that takes on a hauntingly beautiful ambiance under the moonlight. Lyndhurst After Dark is a special Halloween Season event that provides a unique opportunity to experience the historic Lyndhurst Mansion in an entirely different light, immersing visitors in the Victorian era's lore and superstitions. It's a chance to explore the mansion's architecture, decor, and historical collections in a Halloween-themed atmosphere.
Lyndhurst After Dark is not a theater performance but a semi-guided tour that delves into the slightly darker side of history through stories of those who lived at Lyndhurst. Knowledgeable staff members will share tales about traditions and practices of the past.
Visitors can explore the Lyndhurst Mansion in the evening, draped in candlelight and decorated in the spirit of the season. The mansion is adorned with special collections and items related to the superstitions, beliefs, and practices of the Victorian era. This provides insight into the historical context of the 19th century.
The event features timed entry, allowing guests to take a semi-guided walk through the mansion. The event inside the mansion lasts approximately 30 minutes. Visitors should also anticipate additional time for check-in at the welcome center and parking. It's important to note that this event is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
Location: Lyndhurst is located at 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
2023 Dates: Lyndhurst After Dark takes place on October 19-22 and 26-30 in 2023.
Haunted Hayride: A Thrill-seeker's Paradise
Prepare for a heart-pounding adventure! The Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride offers a spine-tingling experience that follows the legend of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. It's a perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit while enjoying a thrilling adventure in the heart of Sleepy Hollow.
Visitors climb aboard a hay wagon in the well-lit streets of downtown Sleepy Hollow. However, the journey takes a dark turn as the wagon heads down the Albany Post Road, following the path of Ichabod Crane's infamous flight from the Headless Horseman. The hayride then ventures into the eerie dark woods of the hollow, where visitors may hear shrieks and the sound of hoofbeats.
Block Party: Before embarking on the hayride, there's a free block party held on Beekman Avenue both nights of the event. The block party offers entertainment and sets the mood for the thrilling ride to come.
Additional Entertainment: If you survive the haunted hayride with your head intact, you're welcome to return for more live music, entertainment, family activities, and vendor offerings.
Location: The event takes place at Sleepy Hollow Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
2023 Dates: The event is scheduled for October 20 and 21 in 2023. The block party begins at 5 pm, and the hayride starts at 7 pm.
Ticket Information: Tickets for the Haunted Hayride are usually available for purchase online, with sales launching in September. It's important to note that tickets are timed entry and specific to either Friday or Saturday night.
Octagon House Myths & Mysteries
Delve into the myths and mysteries of the eight-sided Octagon House, a unique and historic attraction. These spooky events at the Octagon House provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the mysteries, legends, and ghostly tales associated with this unique architectural wonder. The tours and interactive performances offer a captivating and eerie experience for those interested in the supernatural and historical aspects of the house.
Myths and Mysteries Tour: This tour explores the myths and mysteries surrounding the Octagon House. It delves into the unique dome shape resembling an ancient Roman temple, the octagonal floor plan rooted in 19th-century Phrenology, and speculations of a resident ghost. Visitors will hear stories from current owners who have described their otherworldly experiences in the house.
Dates: The Myths and Mysteries Tour is typically available in September and October.
The Lady in White Interactive Tour & Performance: This interactive tour is based on the 1956 Carl Carmer tale and revolves around the story of "The Lady in White." Her ship went down in flames, but she returned to the Octagon House and awaits her lover. During the visit, guests will explore the unique rooms of the house while experiencing a narrative involving the Spirit of the Octagon House and her Mother, leading to a tragic reveal.
Location: Armour-Stiner Octagon House, 45 West Clinton Avenue, Irvington, NY 10533, 914-817-5763
Irving's Legend
"Irving's Legend" is an event that returns each fall with a reimagined experience, featuring master storyteller Jonathan Kruk, who performs dramatic renditions of the classic tale. It offers a captivating and immersive experience for those looking to enjoy the timeless tale in a unique outdoor setting, under the stars at Washington Irving's Sunnyside in Sleepy Hollow, New York. It’s a spooky and spectacular event that includes live music and an appearance by the Headless Horseman himself. Suitable for all ages.
Location: Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 10533.
Dates in 2023: September 29 - October 31, taking place on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day (October 30 and Halloween).
Important Notes: Advance reservations are required, and no tickets will be sold on-site.
Hulda: The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Step back in time with Hulda's Night, a unique and immersive nighttime experience in the woods of the real Sleepy Hollow. During this event, participants walk through the dark woods, guided only by lantern light. You'll hear tales of restless spirits from storytellers like Domine Johannes Ritzema, the Pastor of the Old Dutch Church during the Revolutionary War, and the witch who threatened his flock. Nestled amidst the woods, you'll find hand-carved seats, where you can gather as enigmatic witch, Hulda, weaves her story, casting a spell of intrigue over all who listen. "Hulda’s Night" offers a thrilling and immersive experience that transports participants to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow's past.
Location: Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Route 117, 1 mile east of Route 9, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Dates for 2023: October 18-21 and October 25-28.
Tickets for this event are typically launched for sale on Monday, September 18, 2023.
The Legend Cirque
Witness gravity-defying performances that bring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to life in a mesmerizing way. For a performance that defies gravity and belief, be sure to catch Legend Cirque. Mesmerizing acrobatics and aerial feats will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you'll find yourself applauding in awe.
"The Legend Cirque" transports you back to the 1800s, immersing you in the dark and mysterious world of Sleepy Hollow. It's a simmering adaptation of Washington Irving's iconic ghost story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," presented as a cirque/theatre noir production.
What sets this performance apart is its groundbreaking use of holograms featuring Washington Irving and the Headless Horseman, combined with live action circus performers. These elements come together to narrate the story in an entirely immersive way.
"The Legend Cirque" is performed by Westchester Circus Arts and is presented in Sleepy Hollow at 60 Continental Street, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
2023 Dates: The show runs for six weeks from September 21 to October 29, with ticket sales available starting July 5.
Music Hall Ghost Tours
Experience the lingering spirits in The Tarrytown Music Hall, a picturesque Victorian-era theater built in 1885 during the Millionaire’s Colony Era, a time when Hudson Valley mansions were frequented by prominent families like the Rockefellers, Goulds, and Vanderbilts. The Music Hall was a hub for lavish balls, flower shows, and concerts during this era.
The building is recognized as an official site on the Haunted History Trail of New York. The Gotham Paranormal Research Society has conducted multiple investigations at the Music Hall and claims to have detected paranormal activity, including intriguing EVP (electronic voice phenomena) audio files and EMF (electromagnetic field) readings.
The tours vary in schedule by date and are led by either Master Storytellers Jonathan Kruk or Chant Macleod. Participants can expect to delve into the history and eerie stories associated with the Music Hall.
Location: The tours take place at the Tarrytown Music Hall, located at 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Dates and Tickets: The tours typically run during the month of October, with specific dates available for booking.
Sleepy Hollow Street Fair
The Sleepy Hollow Street Fair is an annual event organized that transforms Beekman Avenue in downtown Sleepy Hollow into a bustling outdoor market. If you visit Sleepy Hollow during the second weekend of October, you can enjoy the Sleepy Hollow Street Fair. Here, you'll find a diverse range of attractions, including delicious food, live music, offerings from local retailers, arts and crafts, and Halloween and Holiday items.
Date and Time: The fair takes place on Saturday, October 14th, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Location: The Sleepy Hollow Street Fair is held on Beekman Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591, between Pocantico Street and Broadway.
Additional Shopping: In addition to the fair, visitors can explore more local shopping options in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, including galleries, gift shops, and antique stores.
Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country
Discover spirits once thought long departed, still present and eager to share their stories. "The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country" is a supernatural and spooky event that features master illusionists Mark Clearview and Nick Wallace, who lead participants on a journey into the realm of the unknown. Through their mesmerizing tricks and conjurings, they aim to communicate with the spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country.
The event summons the spirits of historical figures, including Hulda of Bohemia, British spy Major John André, and the infamous Headless Horseman. These spirits, once thought to be long departed, are revealed to still be present and have stories to share.
Dates and Times: "The Spirits of Sleepy Hollow Country" is scheduled to run from September 29 to October 29, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9 pm, as well as Sundays at 5:30 pm, 7 pm, and 8:30 pm.
Location: The event takes place at Philipsburg Manor, located at 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
Tarrytown Halloween Parade
Join the 21st annual parade followed by a lively block party, filled with costumes, music, and festive cheer. The Tarrytown Halloween Parade is a beloved annual community event that celebrates Halloween in a lively and entertaining way.
Date and Time: The parade takes place on Saturday, October 28, starting at 5:30 pm. In case of inclement weather, there's a rain date on October 29.
Parade Route: The parade kicks off from Patriot’s Park and proceeds south along Broadway to Tarrytown’s Main Street.
Block Party: Following the parade, a lively block party ensues on Main Street. The block party features live music, entertainment, outdoor dining, performers, and more. It's a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the Halloween festivities.
Participation: The Halloween parade is open to everyone, and you can join in the fun by marching with a theme as a group or decorating a float. Participants have a chance to win prizes, but registration is required to be eligible for these prizes.
Historical Significance: Patriots Park, where the parade starts, holds historical significance as it was the location of Wiley’s Swamp in Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It's where Ichabod Crane first spots the Headless Horseman in the iconic tale.
Where to Satisfy Your Cravings
After a day filled with spine-tingling adventures, it's time to indulge in the culinary delights of Sleepy Hollow. These eateries offer a range of dining experiences to suit various budgets and culinary preferences.
Fine Dining:
Goosefeather: For an exquisite dining experience with a focus on Cantonese fare and Hudson Valley produce, Goosefeather offers both indoor and outdoor dining at Tarrytown House Estate.
Mid-Range Dining:
Bistro 12: This restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Italy, France, and Portugal, offering a delightful mid-range dining experience.
Tarry Tavern: Known for regional and seasonal ingredients, Tarry Tavern provides a cozy dining atmosphere with craft brews and carefully crafted wine menus.
RiverMarket: Offering American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, RiverMarket is a great choice for a delicious mid-range meal with a view of the Hudson River.
Casual Dining:
Horsefeathers: For a cozy and comforting meal, head to Horsefeathers. This local gem offers a menu brimming with hearty dishes that will warm your soul. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.
Bridge View Tavern: If you're looking for comfort and pub food with a creative twist, Bridge View Tavern is the spot, offering an extensive beer selection and seasonal outdoor beer garden.
Sweetgrass Grill: A casual dining option known for its wide array of seasonal and heirloom produce, offering microbrews and wines by the glass.
The Taco Project: For a laid-back atmosphere and tasty tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, The Taco Project is a popular choice.
Lefteris Gyro: Offering Greek specialties, this restaurant is known for its delicious sandwiches and soups, making it a budget-friendly option.
Budget-Friendly Options:
Coco Taqueria: Serving up Mexican favorites like quesadillas, burritos, and tacos, Coco Taqueria is an affordable choice for a quick and tasty meal.
Taqueria la Perla Poblanita: This authentic Mexican taqueria serves traditional favorites like fajitas, burritos, and huaraches, making it a great option for those on a budget.
With a rich tapestry of events, thrilling attractions, and culinary delights, your visit to Sleepy Hollow promises to be a journey into the heart of Halloween magic. So, embrace the spirit of Sleepy Hollow, and let your adventure begin in this legendary village. Your most memorable Spooky Season awaits!
