Returning for a third smash year to Croton-on-Hudson this spring is LIGHTSCAPES, an incredible nighttime display of sculpture, light, sound, and special effects. It launches on Friday, April 29, and will run for 20 select evenings through May 30 at historic Van Cortlandt Manor.
Debuting in 2014, LIGHTSCAPES is the newest large-scale public event from Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization which owns and operates Van Cortlandt Manor and other historic sites, and all proceeds support the organization’s education programs. The same team creates the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, which has gained national recognition and had a 2015 audience of more than 130,000 visitors.
Ideal for all ages, LIGHTSCAPES is a walk-through, land-art experience. Visitors will enter through a rainbow and emerge from a bubbly haze into a dreamland of curiosities spread throughout this historic landscape as far as the eye can see. Do some “shadow dancing” in front of an interactive silhouette wall and transport yourself into a world of wonder as you enter the brand new Bubble Tunnel.
Encounter enormous “live” Luna Moth creations — some 15 feet tall! — perching high on a hill, flittering around for all to see. Check out the underbelly of a giant centipede as you worm your way through its segmented legs!
Navigate a drawbridge as you cross the River of Light and continue on your way to the Colorwheel Castle. Squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern and discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly.
Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for all of our intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures. State-of-the-art illumination highlights these amazing works of art and showcases Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.
In the artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington.
LIGHTSCAPES takes place rain or shine on April 29-30, and May 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-30. The first entry is at 8:15pm (8:30pm the final three weekends).
Admission is by timed ticket only. Time slots and dates sell out, so Historic Hudson Valley strongly recommends buying in advance online, where ticket prices are $20 for adults ($25 on Saturdays), $16 ($20 Saturdays) for children 3-17, and free for children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members. Those prices are $2 more on-site and over the phone. Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Ave. in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, just off Route 9. Tickets and info: www.hudsonvalley.org, 914-366-6900.
You can find Historic Hudson Valley and #LIGHTSCAPES on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest (username:HHValley), Instagram and YouTube (username: InTheValley1).
