PUMPKIN ILLUMINATION
Saturday, October 24, 2026
(Rain date is Sunday, October 25)
Vail Mansion Plaza, 110 South Street, Morristown, NJ
About Pumpkin Illumination
Each autumn, the Morris County community gathers at Vail Mansion Plaza for Pumpkin Illumination. Attendees are invited to come in costume and to bring a carved pumpkin to place around the reflecting pool. We provide electric tea lights to place inside each jack-o-lantern, creating a dazzling display that reflects off the water as the sun sets.
This fun-filled evening also features activities like storytelling, art workshops, music and dancing, and a luminary mask parade. A FREE, family-friendly event, Pumpkin Illumination is the perfect way to celebrate the fall season and enjoy the arts in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Schedule of Activities
5:00 PM – The Sleepy Hollow Halloween Story by Kit’s Interactive Theatre
6:00 PM – Art Workshop with artist Dan Fenelon
6:30 PM – Luminary Mask Parade
6:45 PM – Pumpkin Illumination! (bring your carved pumpkins, we’ll provide the lights)
Music by DJ Frank D.
The The Sleepy Hollow Halloween Story by Kit’s Interactive Theatre
Attendees are invited to kick off the evening with The Sleepy Hollow Halloween Show by Kit’s Interactive Theatre. Beginning at 5:00 PM, Kitty Jones will weave the characters from Washington Irving’s classic story into a new and exciting tale. Designed to be spooky (but not scary), the show begins where the original story leaves off and combines storytelling, music, dance, audience participation, and a great deal of humor.
Kitty Jones, a professional actress from NYC, writes, choreographs, produces, and performs all of her material for Kit’s Interactive Theatre. Kitty combines her passion for history and love of theatre to create 16 different high-energy programs.
Mummy Decorating Art Workshop with Artist Dan Fenelon
Acclaimed NJ artist, Dan Fenelon will be leading attendees in decorating a mummy to march with in the luminary mask parade before the pumpkins are illuminated. Everyone can join in to unleash their creativity!
Dan Fenelon has many murals and public artworks that can be seen around New Jersey and beyond. He works with communities to create one of a kind original art projects. Museums, libraries, schools, community centers, performing art centers, and hospitals have commissioned Dan to create artwork for their spaces.
Music by Morristown’s Own DJ Frank D.
DJ Frank D’s background is deeply rooted in hip-hop. He’s been spinning since the start of the hip-hop explosion and has experience with many different genres from Latin to techno to R&B. Hear him playing classic Halloween hits and fun bops the whole family can enjoy at Pumpkin Illumination!
Luminary Mask Parade
Grab a spooky light-up mask created by artist Dan Fenelon and join in the luminary mask parade led by Mayor Tim Dougherty around the Vail Mansion Plaza.
Pumpkin Illumination!
As the sun sets and the skies turn dark, we will culminate the evening by lighting the candles in the pumpkins for a dazzling display of illuminated pumpkins glowing in the reflecting pool!
Questions? Please contact Debra Broseker at dbroseker@morrisarts.org.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
For sponsorship opportunities, please visit: Pumpkin Illumination 2026 Sponsorships or contact Patti French at pfrench@morrisarts.org.
This program is also made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Special Thanks to the Vail Mansion Condominium Association for hosting us.
