There’s A Glowing Pumpkin Trail Coming To New Hampshire And It’ll Make Your Fall Magical

(Editor's Note: Littleton's Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns did not take place in 2021. Visit the town's website for information regarding future events.)

One of the most wonderful things about this season is the excitement that comes with Halloween. Whether you prefer to keep things kid-friendly or love the spooky tales that are told in the dark, it's a fun holiday that marks the beginning if cozier months. There are lots of ways to enjoy it, including the best pumpkin glow in New Hampshire. This Halloween event takes place in Littleton and is our absolute favorite.

One of the most magical events of the year in New Hampshire is the Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns event that has taken place in Littleton for the past eight years. This year's event takes place on Friday, October 25th, and Saturday, October 26th, 2019.

The event begins on Friday, culminating on Saturday evening with the lighting of over 500 jack-o-lanterns along the Ammonousuc River. WIthout a doubt, if you have little ones in the family, this is one of the best things to do in New Hampshire in the fall.

The event is the brainchild of Dave Harkless, owner of Littleton Bike & Fitness on Cottage Street.

Celebrations begin on Friday when the community is invited to carve pumpkins and drop them off at the local bike shop from noon to 5 p.m. until Saturday.

Each pumpkin is then placed on the rocks that come out of the river.

This is truly a group effort and part of the fun is seeing folks wade into the water or, in some cases, even row boats out to empty rocks.

Then the newly carved masterpieces sit (patiently) along this unique pumpkin trail and wait for the grand lighting on Saturday evening.

In the meantime, excitement builds throughout the town as people begin heading in for the fun events that lead up to the lighting. In terms of everything there is to do around this occasion, this is truly one of the best Halloween events in New Hampshire.

From 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. on Saturday there's something for everyone to do! The official schedule of events for 2019 has yet to be released, but you can bet it will closely follow the events from the 2018 celebration below...

From 10 a.m. to noon enjoy the Annual Littleton Police Department Halloween Festival at Littleton High School for grades K–6. Kids are invited to participate in a pumpkin carving contest, face painting, donuts and cider.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. enjoy the Deep Earth Arts Open House to experience 20-minute readings for $20 beginning at 2 p.m.

From noon to 2 p.m. there's a chili cook-off at the Littleton Food Co-op.

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. stop by Aylakai on Maine Street with your costume and have them help you become a zombie with makeup.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. is the downtown trick-or-treat on Main and Mill Streets. Keep an eye out for "Welcome Trick or Treaters" signs in participating shop windows so you know who's giving out treats.

From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. adventurous folks can enjoy rock climbing, trampoline bungee jumping, basketball, and duck pond with Vertical Entertainment. There will also be glow-in-the-dark novelties available so you can be ready for the big event! You need to buy tickets for this, which are $5-7 per activity.

At the same time, you'll find food trucks along Riverglen Lane.

At 5 p.m. is the zombie walk! Meet at Aylakai on Main Street for the spooky journey along Riverwalk Area.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. you'll find snacks and treats at the Littleton Senior Center.

And at 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. the pumpkins are lit!

The lights are dazzling, made more impressive by the sheer number of pumpkins that line the walkways and river.

This is one pumpkin hike you do not want to miss!

There's also a fun bonfire to keep the celebration going.

This year's event should be the biggest yet!

Have you attended this event in past years and experience the best pumpkin glow in New Hampshire? To learn more about the Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns event, visit the Littleton Chamber of Commerce website.

If you prefer the more scary ways to celebrate the seasons, check out this story of an unsolved series of murders in the Granite State. You might want to read it with the lights on.