Denver’s Most Magical Halloween Tradition Returns to Hudson Gardens
Denver’s enchanting Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns returns to The Hudson Gardens, opening on Friday, Sept. 18 and running on select dates through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. The family-friendly Halloween experience invites guests of all ages to explore a glowing outdoor trail filled with thousands of magnificent hand-carved pumpkins, larger-than-life displays, immersive lighting and plenty of fall magic.
This year’s illuminated journey takes guests through a dazzling collection of pumpkin art and imaginative scenes, where intricately carved jack o’ lanterns transform the gardens after dark. Visitors will encounter everything from a nautical seascape and pirate ship to dinosaurs, dragons and larger-than-life pumpkin creations as they make their way through the glowing trail. Each display showcases the artistry and creativity behind thousands of individually carved pumpkins, creating an experience designed to surprise guests around every corner.
The magic continues inside Enchanted Hollow, an expanded portion of the trail that takes guests beyond the pumpkins and into a spellbinding world of radiant light displays and whimsical fall scenes. Stretching an additional one-third of a mile, the path winds beneath twinkling treetops and through softly illuminated landscapes, offering even more to explore during a night at Hudson Gardens. Enchanted Hollow is included with admission to Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns.
Synchronized Light Show
Throughout the evening, the entire experience comes alive during a synchronized light show. Approximately every 30 minutes, illuminated jack o’ lanterns and displays dance along to music, transforming the trail into a glowing Halloween spectacle and giving guests another reason to linger and experience the magic of the season.
Larger-Than-Life Pumpkin Displays
Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins come together to create massive illuminated works of art throughout the trail. From fantastical creatures and familiar Halloween imagery to imaginative scenes and intricate individual carvings, the displays transform ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary creations that can only be experienced after dark.
Beyond the illuminated trail, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns offers a host of seasonal experiences designed to turn a visit into a full fall evening. Guests can stop at S’mores Stations for a classic autumn treat, capture family photos among glowing pumpkin displays and enjoy seasonal food and beverages throughout the experience. Offerings include crafted cocktails, hot chocolate and cider alongside fall favorites such as smoked turkey legs, sausage on a stick, grilled corn, chicken tenders, fries, funnel cakes, kettle corn, churros and more.
The experience is designed for guests of all ages, combining Halloween atmosphere with incredible artistry and entertainment without the scares of a traditional haunted attraction. Families can stroll the trail at their own pace, discover new displays around every turn and enjoy a Halloween tradition built around creativity, wonder and the magic of the season.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome families back to The Hudson Gardens for another season of Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns,” said Bryan Kopp, General Manager. “There is something incredibly special about watching the gardens transform after dark as thousands of pumpkins begin to glow. From the artistry of the hand-carved displays to Enchanted Hollow, the synchronized light show and all of the seasonal experiences along the trail, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns gives families a chance to celebrate Halloween together and create memories they’ll carry long after the season is over.”
A full seasonal calendar is available at magicofthejackolanterns.com.
Ticket Information:
General Admission: Ticket prices vary based on date and availability
Event Dates: Select nights from September 18 through November 1, 2026
Tickets On Sale: Available online at magicofthejackolanterns.com
Upgrades & Premium Options:
Flex Admission: Upgrade options may be available for guests looking for additional flexibility when planning their visit
Group Tickets: Options available for groups looking to experience the trail together
Seasonal Food & Beverage: Food, fall treats and beverages available for purchase throughout the experience
Special Experiences:
Enchanted Hollow: An additional one-third-mile illuminated trail filled with radiant light displays and whimsical fall scenes
Synchronized Light Show: A dazzling light and music experience occurring approximately every 30 minutes
Larger-Than-Life Displays: Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins transformed into spectacular illuminated scenes
S’mores Stations: Make and enjoy a classic fall treat along the trail
Unique Photo Opportunities: Glowing displays and immersive environments throughout the experience
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun: A festive Halloween experience designed for guests of all ages
Food & Beverage: Seasonal favorites including hot chocolate, cider, crafted cocktails, smoked turkey legs, funnel cakes, kettle corn, churros and more
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Denver opens September 18, 2026, and runs on select nights through November 1, 2026, at The Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, Colo. 80120. For tickets, the complete event calendar and more information, visit magicofthejackolanterns.com.
Photo courtesy of Lina Skrzypczak
