Hollywood Gothique
Outdoor Trails & Displays

Nights of the Jack 2018 Review

If you are having withdrawal pains because The Rise of the Jack-O-Lanterns Halloween pumpkin display no longer operates in Los Angeles, don’t fret, because Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience offers its own Pumpkin Light Festival! Located in King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, Nights of the Jack is outside of the central L.A. area but definitely worth the drive.

Nights of the Jack 2018 Review: Experience

Near the entrance is a petite boutique, food and drink vendors, a photo-op area, and an alcohol garden. The area is well lit, with plenty of seating space, providing a perfect place for families: children can enjoy treats and snacks; parents can enjoy adult beverages.

The trail was exceptionally impressive. The magic starts with the music. Each area boasts a different tune to set the mood. The trail is wide, with enough on both left and right for plenty of photo opportunities. The first area features a horde of dinosaurs assembled from illuminated pumpkins, surrounded by a field of Jack O’Lanterns. Nearby are pumpkins depicting celebrities, sharks and other sea animals, then a nice Dia De Los Muertos areas with pumpkin skeletons, backed by appropriate music.

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Next is a creepy graveyard with fog and a more sinister soundtrack, followed by a nice galaxy-themed area, then Disney princesses in a castle facade, then more celebrities and a romantic celebrity couple “love” area.  Other memorable areas include the Hollywood Sign atop a hill of pumpkins with classic Hollywood themes playing. Last but not least, the trail leads to a friendly neighborhood house with singing pumpkins in the front and an amazing field of multi-colored pumpkins on the side.  What a fantastic sight!

There are too many displays to mention; this half-mile trail is definitely a “you-have-to-be-there” event.  To put this into a simple one-liner: Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience resembles a Christmas Wonderland but the Halloween version.

Nights of the Jack 2018 Review: Conclusion
Nights of the Jack 2018 Review
Etymology of Calabasas, derived from the Spanish word for ‘pumpkin’

We had an opportunity to catch up with the owner for a casual interview, and we learned that he is planning to return next season with an even bigger Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience. With the size of King Gillette ranch, anything is possible! We both agreed that an illuminated Pumpkin attraction belongs outdoors, so that viewers become immersed into the environment and the emotion of the season. An indoor attraction – stuffy and filled with moldy pumpkins – doesn’t do the trick. With few competing Halloween attractions that far west (besides the Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks), the owners would love to create a Halloween Town eventually, so that guests of all ages could be spirited away by the season. We are crossing our fingers for that to happen.

Nights of the Jack 2018 Rating
  • 100%
    Jack O'Lantern Displays - 100%
100%

Bottom Line

This must-see event resembles the Halloween version of a Christmas Wonderland, thanks to thousands or artfully designed Jack O’Lanterns.

Nights of the Jack: A Halloween Jack O’Lantern Experience runs until November 4th, 6-10:30pm. Timed Tickets are $25 for Adults, $20 for Children, and Infants are Free. Valet and Self-Parking is available for purchase, and credit cards are accepted. King Gillette Ranch is located at 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 91302. Get more information at: nightsofthejack.com.


Warren

Media Correspondent, Videographer, Photographer @Hollywood Gothique, Halloween Fanatic.