I don’t know about our family but when most people think of Christmas, they often think of traditions and attractions that have been around for years. But when it comes to Halloween, they may not always think of those same kinds of traditions. My family has some different memories, especially when it comes to Pumpkin Nights!
We’ve been invited to Pumpkin Nights several times throughout the years we’ve been blogging, and we are always grateful, thankful, and blessed for those opportunities. It’s a wonderful feeling when someone thinks of your family and invites you to come out and experience something together.
We were even more excited to find out that Pumpkin Nights is happening again this year! Now, as to whether we’ll be attending this year or not, that is all in the Lord’s hands. We never know exactly what He has planned for us, and we have learned to take things one day at a time. But if it were our choice, you can bet your bottom dollar we’d be attending!
There is something special about getting out with your family, seeing something new, laughing together, and making memories you can look back on later. And when you have an event filled with glowing pumpkins, imaginative displays, themed lands, and plenty of things to discover, there is no telling what kind of memories you might make.
So today, I want to take you along with me as we explore what Pumpkin Nights in Arlington, Texas, has to offer. We’ll look at the different themed lands, find out what families can experience along the trail, and discover what else is waiting when the night comes alive at Pumpkin Village.
And who knows? Maybe by the time we’re finished, you’ll be ready to make Pumpkin Nights part of your own fall traditions, too. Welcome to GreatfulMoments.com, where we believe in being Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed. Let’s see what kind of Halloween memories are waiting to be made!
Pumpkin Nights is a fall festival held at Howell Farms in Arlington, Texas and you will find it inside our Interactive Halloween Gift Guide. Instead of focusing on traditional Halloween scares, the event celebrates creativity through glowing pumpkin displays, larger-than-life sculptures, themed lands, and activities for the family.
The walking trail is about half a mile long, and the organizers describe nine immersive pumpkin lands. The experience continues in Pumpkin Village, where visitors can enjoy food, games, live entertainment, and other seasonal activities. One of the things I appreciate about attractions like this is that families can enjoy them together. You can walk at your own pace, stop to take pictures, look closely at the artwork, and enjoy seeing how everyone reacts to the different displays.
When Charlie was growing up, we #homeschooled, and we found plenty of ways to learn about the world around us. Sometimes we studied animals and ocean life, and sometimes learning came through games, books, and exploring something new together. You never know what might catch someone’s attention. One person may love the dragons, another may enjoy the ocean-inspired displays, and somebody else may spend the whole evening looking at the pumpkins and wondering how the artists created them. That’s part of the fun of exploring somewhere new. Everyone gets to discover their own favorite things.
The Forbidden City sounds like a place full of adventure, and I already know David is going to love this one because of the 40-foot dragon! Dragons are some of David’s favorite animals and mythical creatures. If he could have a dragon for a pet, I think he probably would! Laughing out loud.
I can’t wait to see the dragon and find out what it looks like when it breathes fire. That’s quite a way to make an entrance! The display also features hundreds of glowing hanging lanterns. I imagine those will be beautiful to see as they light up the area around the trail. I would love to take my time looking at all the details and seeing how the lanterns and pumpkin sculptures work together.
And then there are the pumpkin turtles! David and Charlie both love turtles, so I know those will get their attention, too. I can just imagine them stopping to look at the turtles while I’m checking out the lanterns and wondering how much work went into creating everything. That’s one of the nice things about going somewhere as a family. We don’t all have to love the same things to enjoy being together. Sometimes the fun comes from seeing what catches someone else’s attention.
I can’t wait to see what we discover in the Forbidden City! Then there is Neon Reef: An Underwater World Without Getting Wet. If there’s one thing I know about Charlie, it’s that anything involving the ocean, sea creatures, fish, or aquariums is going to get his attention.
When we homeschooled, we spent time learning about ocean life, and those subjects gave us plenty to talk about. I always enjoyed finding ways to make learning interesting because sometimes the best lessons happen when you’re exploring something together. Neon Reef sounds like a fun way to experience an underwater world without actually getting wet! Laughing out loud.
According to the official guide, this land features black-light coral, drifting jellyfish, and glowing pumpkin fish. I can imagine how different everything will look when the displays are illuminated against the darkness. Texas weather can be unpredictable. One day it can be hot, another day cold, and sometimes we get rain when we’re least expecting it. So an underwater-inspired adventure that doesn’t require a swimsuit sounds pretty good to me!
I’m looking forward to seeing the glowing fish and coral displays. Charlie and David will probably be looking at everything from a different angle than I will, but that’s part of the fun. You never know what you’ll learn or discover when you take the time to explore something together.
Maravilla Lane is next. That’s a funny name, isn’t it? Laughing out loud. But when I read about this land, what caught my attention wasn’t just the name. It was the celebration of life, family, and tradition which is something not only near and dear to my heart but Charlie and David’s to.
If you’ve spent any time here on GreatfulMoments.com, you know those things mean a lot to me. Our tagline is Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed, and I believe we should make time to remember the people we love and the memories that have shaped our lives.
One of the special features mentioned in the official guide is a Family Tree where visitors can write a loved one’s name on a leaf. That’s something I definitely want to see. I already know there are names I’d want to remember. Suzzane’s name would be one of them. I might think of my father-in-law, David Sr., or someone else who has made a difference in my life. God only knows who else I might want to include once I’m standing there.
Sometimes we carry people in our hearts every day, and having a place to honor them can mean more than anyone else realizes. The land also features a dancing pumpkin mariachi band and what the event calls the world’s largest pumpkin guitar. Now, that guitar takes me back to the days of air guitar, hair bands, and all that music! LOL. I can just imagine looking at that giant guitar and thinking about the songs we used to enjoy. If only we could play it! Maravilla Lane sounds like a place where fun, music, family, and memories all come together. And that’s the kind of experience I appreciate.
Spider Alley: I Hope You Don’t Expect Me to Love Spiders! OMG, spiders! I have to tell you right now that spiders are not my cup of tea. I don’t care how artistic they are, how colorful they are, or whether they’re made out of pumpkins. I know what a spider is, and I’m perfectly happy admiring them from a distance! LOL
The official guide describes Spider Alley as a black-light experience featuring a giant neon spider and web, along with lots of smaller pumpkin spiders. I have a feeling David and Charlie won’t have any problem walking through this section. They’ll probably be looking at everything while I’m busy putting on my big-girl pants and reminding myself that these displays aren’t real spiders. Of course, I have two men with me, so if I need somebody to hold my hand, I have options!
I think Spider Alley will be an interesting display to see, even if it isn’t the first place I’d choose to decorate my house. The glowing colors and the artwork sound impressive, and I can appreciate the creativity that goes into making something like this. Just don’t ask me to bring a real spider home afterward. That isn’t happening! I’ll do my best to make it through Spider Alley, and if David and Charlie start calling me over to look at something, I might just have to ask them to come to me instead.
The Enchanted Forest! You know I’m absolutely going to love this one. What do you think of when you hear the words Enchanted Forest? I think of fairies and gnomes, magical woods, and all those children’s stories that take me back in time. There is just something special about imagining a place where magic might be hiding behind every tree and a little fairy might be waiting around the next corner.
I can already picture myself wandering through this land, looking at all the details and letting my imagination run wild. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from the everyday world for a little while and remember the stories that made us dream when we were children. And who says we have to stop believing in a little magic just because we grow up?
I must venture into the Enchanted Forest and see what Pumpkin Nights has waiting for us. I want to take my time, look around, and see what little surprises I can discover along the way. Are you brave enough to come with me? Bring your imagination, and let’s go see what kind of magic we can find together!
Pirate’s Cove! You know, back in the day, I could have seen David as a pirate. He’s already got the beard. All he needs is a peg leg! LOL.. Although, with his knees being as bad as they are, sometimes I think he almost has a peg leg already. Don’t tell him I said that!
I have a feeling David and Charlie are going to absolutely love that pirate ship and those mermaids. I better watch out, because they might decide to take one of those mermaids home with them! LOL. I can just see the two of them standing there, checking out the ship and imagining themselves sailing off on some grand adventure.
And you know what else comes to mind when I think about Pirate’s Cove? Captain Hook, Peter Pan, and Tinker Bell! I can almost picture them all showing up, with Peter trying to outsmart Captain Hook while Tinker Bell sprinkles a little fairy dust around. Maybe I need to keep my eyes open and see if I spot any of them hiding among the pumpkins.
Now, as much as I love the idea of looking at a pirate ship, I’m not so sure I want to climb aboard. What if they make me walk the plank? I have absolutely no desire to find out how cold that water is! LOL. I’ll happily admire the ship from a safe distance, thank you very much. But what about you? Are you ready to climb aboard and join the pirates, or are you going to stay on dry land with me?
The Pumpkin Tunnel! What do you think of when you hear those words? I think of lots and lots of lit-up pumpkins in different colors and designs. I can’t wait to see what everyone has created and how they have turned pumpkins into something special. I love seeing what people can do when they put their imagination and creativity together.
I think this section is going to be fun because I can take my time looking at all the pumpkins and checking out the different designs. I want to see which ones catch my eye and which ones make me stop and say, “Now, how in the world did they do that?”
And after making it through Spider Alley, I’m hoping the Pumpkin Tunnel will be a little less spooky! LOL I can handle glowing pumpkins a whole lot better than giant spiders coming at me. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself! Would you like to come along with me through the Pumpkin Tunnel? Let’s see all those glowing pumpkins together and discover which designs become our favorites. And don’t forget to look around, because you never know what little surprise might be waiting just ahead!
The Great Hall! Well, I don’t plan on wearing my ball gown tonight, so I sure hope I don’t have to be dressed to the nines to get through this part of Pumpkin Nights. LOL! If everyone is expected to show up looking like they’re headed to a royal ball, I’m going to have to scurry and sneak my way through before anyone notices I didn’t get the invitation!
But you know what? When I hear the words The Great Hall, I can picture a grand castle hall at the end of the walkway. I can almost imagine walking toward those castle doors and wondering what might be waiting inside. Maybe I’ll feel like Cinderella for a few minutes, although I might need a fairy godmother to help me find that ball gown!
Of course, if I see a prince waiting inside, somebody better tell David I’m only looking. LOL! But if he is handsome enough I might bring him home to my sister. Now, I have a question for you. Are you up to scurrying and sneaking through the Great Hall with me? If you are, come on, let’s go! We’ll make our way toward that grand castle hall together and see what Pumpkin Nights has in store. And don’t worry if you’re not dressed for a royal ball. I have a feeling we’ll fit right in with a little imagination and a whole lot of laughter!
The adventure doesn’t have to end when you finish walking the trail! According to the official Pumpkin Nights guide, Pumpkin Village keeps the festivities going with a live fire show, food and drinks, games for the family, pumpkin activities, seasonal vendors, and photo opportunities. One thing that caught my attention is the live pumpkin carving. Artists work in the Village every night, turning fresh pumpkins into works of art right in front of visitors.
I love seeing people who are good at what they do. Whether someone is carving a pumpkin, painting a picture, making something by hand, or creating something I would never have thought of myself, I enjoy seeing the creativity that goes into it. I can imagine stopping to watch the artists work and wondering how they decide what to carve and how they manage to turn an ordinary pumpkin into something so detailed.
The event page also highlights features and themes such as the Lover’s Lounge, Fun with Friends, Live Pumpkin Harvest, and Date Night. These are among the experiences highlighted by the event, although the page doesn’t provide enough detail for us to explain exactly what each one includes.
And don’t forget the fire show! Be sure to check the showtime board when you arrive because the schedule can vary. There are also opportunities to take pictures, play games, explore pumpkin activities, and enjoy food and drinks. You might want a family picture, a funny picture, or one that captures the moment when somebody in your group discovers their favorite display. Sometimes those pictures become the memories we look back on long after the pumpkins have been put away for another year
If your like me you might be wondering whether Pumpkin Nights is suitable for families, the organizers describe it as an all-ages event focused on creativity and wonder rather than horror. There are spooky displays, including Spider Alley, but the organizers say the main experience avoids forced jump scares and gore. Families can explore the themed lands and enjoy the pumpkin art without having to go through a traditional haunted house.
There is an optional haunted-house attraction for visitors who want a scarier experience. That is an extra attraction, though, and not the same as the main pumpkin trail. For families who enjoy Halloween decorations, colorful lights, imaginative artwork, and seasonal activities but aren’t looking for a night full of frightening surprises, Pumpkin Nights may be worth considering.
Of course, every family is different. If you have little ones who are sensitive to spiders or spooky decorations, it may help to explain what they might see before you go. If you’re thinking about taking your family to Pumpkin Nights this fall, here are the details you’ll want to have handy before you go.
Event: Pumpkin Nights — The Art of Halloween
2026 dates: September 17 through October 31, 2026.
Location: Howell Farms, 4016 W. Division Street, Arlington, Texas 76012.
Hours and entry times: From September 17 through October 1, entry slots are scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. From October 2 through October 31, entry slots run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends. These are entry windows, not necessarily the event’s closing times. Check your selected date’s ticket information for the exact schedule.
Closed dates: September 21–23, September 28–29, and October 5–6, 2026. The event is scheduled to be open every night from October 7 through October 31.
Ticket prices: All tickets must be purchased online in advance. For September 17 through October 1, the official website lists Early Season Savings general admission at $20–$22 for adults ages 13 and older on weekdays and $24–$26 on weekends. Children’s tickets for ages 4–12 range from $13–$15 on weekdays and $17–$19 on weekends.
For October 2 through October 31, general admission ranges from $24–$28 for adults on weekdays and $34–$38 on weekends. Children’s tickets range from $16–$18 on weekdays and $24–$28 on weekends. Children ages 3 and under are free. Prices vary with demand and may increase as dates sell out, so confirm your exact price at checkout.
VIP tickets: The official website lists VIP admission at $50 per adult on weekdays and $60 on weekends. Children’s VIP tickets are $40 on weekdays and $50 on weekends. VIP includes admission to the pumpkin lands and Pumpkin Village, anytime entry during event hours on the ticketed night, one haunted-house admission, one VR Halloween Experience admission, a one-time 15% merchandise discount, and free glow cotton candy.
Parking: Parking costs $10 per vehicle, payable by cash or card. On busy nights, lines can take up to 30 minutes, so leave yourself extra time.
Trail length: Approximately half a mile. Most visitors spend about an hour walking the trail, but allow extra time if you want to take pictures, watch the pumpkin carving, enjoy the fire show, or visit the Village activities.
Food and drinks: Food and drinks are available for purchase at Pumpkin Village. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Alcoholic beverages are available for adults.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes are recommended. The trail crosses grass, loose dirt, gravel, and sand, with some inclines. Farms can get muddy after rain, so wear shoes that can handle the conditions. Bug spray may be useful on warm evenings.
Strollers and wheelchairs: The uneven farm terrain can be challenging for some strollers and mobility devices. Light strollers may be manageable, but wheelchair users should be prepared for uneven surfaces and inclines. Check the official accessibility information before visiting if anyone in your group has mobility needs.
Weather and ticket policies: The event may remain open during light rain but can close temporarily for lightning or heavy rain. If unsafe weather causes a closure, ticket holders receive instructions about transferring their tickets. Tickets are nonrefundable, and the official FAQ says transfers to another date or time may be made up to 48 hours before the scheduled visit, subject to availability and a $5 fee per ticket.
Entry and re-entry: Each guest needs a ticket, except children ages 3 and under. Arrive within the 30-minute entry window on your ticket. Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the festival grounds, so make sure you have everything you need before entering.
For the latest information, ticket availability, and date-specific details, visit the official Pumpkin Nights Dallas–Fort Worth website, the official event guide, and the frequently asked questions page.
If you enjoy glowing pumpkin displays, imaginative themed lands, family pictures, and having something different to do on a fall evening, Pumpkin Nights may be worth considering. What I like about the idea is that there are so many different things to notice. One person may love the dragon, another may be fascinated by the ocean displays, and someone else may spend the evening talking about the giant pirate ship or the pumpkins in the tunnel.
And me? I’ll be looking for fairies in the Enchanted Forest, keeping my distance from the spiders, and trying to make it through the Great Hall without needing a ball gown! LOL The best part of an outing isn’t always the biggest display or the prettiest picture. Sometimes it’s the funny things somebody says, the memories that come back to you, or the way an ordinary evening turns into a story you’ll tell for years.
That’s what I hope for whenever we go somewhere new. I want to enjoy the experience, spend time with the people I love, and find little moments worth remembering. We’ve been blessed with invitations to Pumpkin Nights in the past, and we are thankful for those opportunities. Whether we make it back this year is in the Lord’s hands. But if we do, I already know I’ll be looking forward to seeing what has changed, discovering new details, and making more memories with my family.
If you could visit just one of these Pumpkin Nights lands, which would you choose? Would you head to the Forbidden City to see the dragon, explore the glowing underwater world of Neon Reef, wander through the Enchanted Forest, or climb aboard the pirate ship at Pirate’s Cove?
And if you see me trying to sneak through Spider Alley, just keep walking. I’ll catch up with you! LOL. Thank you for stopping by GreatfulMoments.com, where we believe life is made up of moments worth remembering. May your fall be filled with family, laughter, and plenty of reasons to be Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed!
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
Greatful. Thankful. Blessed.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
