Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

Imagine a nighttime stroll with carved pumpkins that have been transformed into glowing artwork masterpieces along a meandering path under the stars. Well imagine no more! Simply visit Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns this October to see this glowing spectacle for yourself. You’ll be amazed at the creations and delighted by the scenes portrayed with pumpkins in a variety of sizes and shapes.

What is Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns? This special exhibit takes thousands of pumpkins to the next level of carving creativity. The website says there are 5,000 hand-carved illuminated pumpkins used to create the formations and works of art. In San Diego, Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is being held at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park just outside Escondido, California. The event is staged in an upper portion of the parking lot on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. There are also two locations in the Los Angeles area (Descanso Gardens in La Cañada and Santa Anita Park in Arcadia) and one location in New York.

Beyond your standard faces and expressions, these Jack O’Lanterns transform you to new locations such as Under the Sea, to when Dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and on a Safari Walk with animals like those found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The giraffes seemed like they were life-size! Instrumental music – specially composed for Rise – accompanies the different areas and adds to the atmosphere perfectly.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credits: Krista

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credits: Krista & Lloyd

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credits: Krista

You’ll also experience an auto show created completely out of pumpkins and pop culture pumpkins like Star Wars and animated characters.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credits: Krista & Lloyd

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

The majority of the pumpkins are carved and illuminated yet there are also examples of hand-painted pumpkins.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

Different light sources and colors are used inside the pumpkins which adds to the colorful ambiance. One especially amazing sculpture is the dragon – it’s over 50 feet long!

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

The pumpkin trail for Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is approximately a third of a mile and it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1-1/2 hours to enjoy all of the creations. In San Diego, the trail is a paved parking lot, but there are a couple small hills and ramps, and some of it may be tricky to navigate in the dark. However the path has some lights and friendly staff at the corners with flashlights to light the way.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

The Rise permits photography without flash and tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks are not allowed. At the entrance, the SD Safari Park photographer takes a green-screen photo which is available for purchase at the end. We decided to purchase the photo – it’s a package with a large picture, 4 wallets, and a magnet frame.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: SharpShooter Imaging

Ticket prices to the Rise vary on the day of the week, and start time you select. Discount tickets may also be available through sites like Goldstar.

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is a family friendly fall event and is sure to become a cherished autumn tradition. Seeing all of these pumpkin creations gave me some new inspiration and carving ideas for Halloween. We enjoyed our visit and we’re looking forward to bringing family and friends next year.

Now it’s your turn: Will you be attending Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns this year? What pumpkin carving traditions do you have?

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns | SD Zoo Safari Park | October 2015 | Photo Credit: Krista

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