A Canadian village turns thousands of glowing pumpkin creations into a Halloween night-time attraction for its 15th season | World News

A Canadian village is welcoming visitors back for a night-time attraction featuring thousands of illuminated pumpkin creations. PumpkInferno returns to Upper Canada Village in Ontario in October 2026 for its 15th season, bringing new themed displays, interactive activities and familiar favourites.According to The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, this year’s event features new exhibits inspired by jungle creatures, racing through the decades, childhood toys, and destinations across all seven continents.The outdoor experience combines intricate pumpkin artistry with family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats, and photo opportunities. Visitors can explore the displays on selected evenings throughout October, while dedicated Accessibility Nights will provide a different way to experience the attraction.

PumpkInferno returns for its 15th season with new illuminated pumpkin displays

The 2026 season introduces new exhibits at Upper Canada Village. PKF1 takes visitors on a racing adventure through the decades, while Jungle Giants features larger-than-life creatures from the wild. Timeless Toys celebrates childhood favourites, and Postmarked Paradise takes visitors on a journey across all seven continents.The new displays join returning exhibits designed to appeal to both first-time visitors and those familiar with the event. These include Autumn Adventures, Bug Eyed, Feline Frenzy, Jack Attack!, Ladies of the 80’s, Après Ski and Rhinestone Rodeo. Together, the themed installations form the illuminated outdoor attraction, with colourful pumpkin creations bringing different scenes to life after dark.

How artists create PumpkInferno’s thousands of illuminated pumpkin displays

The displays at PumpkInferno are made using hand-carved artificial pumpkins rather than traditional jack-o’-lanterns. Each artificial pumpkin is moulded from the shape of a real pumpkin, providing the basis for the detailed creations featured throughout the attraction.The work begins every spring, when a team of artists from Eastern Ontario starts designing, carving and constructing the displays. The process continues over several months as the team transforms thousands of artificial pumpkins into elaborate works of art.The finished creations illuminate Upper Canada Village during the autumn event. Their intricate carving, varied colours, and carefully assembled designs help bring the themed exhibits to life. This artistic process is a central feature of PumpkInferno, distinguishing its large illuminated installations from conventional carved pumpkins displayed during the Halloween season.

PumpkInferno features student artwork, seasonal treats, and interactive games

PumpkInferno offers more than its illuminated pumpkin exhibits. Visitors can take part in interactive activities and family-friendly games, while designated photo opportunities provide places to capture memories of the visit.The event also features the Painted Pumpkin Art Gallery, which showcases hundreds of decorated pumpkins created by local students. Guests can visit the Cauldron Corner Café for seasonal treats and beverages while enjoying the autumn atmosphere. These additional features give visitors opportunities to explore the attraction beyond its main illuminated installations.

When can visitors explore the illuminated pumpkin displays at Upper Canada Village

PumpkInferno’s 2026 season began on October 2. The first run of evenings, October 2-4 and October 8-12, took place from 7 pm to 10 pm. Dedicated Accessibility Nights was held on October 6, with a second one tonight, October 14, from 7 pm to 9 pm.The attraction reopens on October 15-18 and continues October 22-31, with evening hours shifting to 6:30 pm to 10 pm. One final Accessibility Night is scheduled for October 21, from 7 pm to 9 pm.Accessibility Nights are designed for visitors with limited mobility or sensory needs. Guests experience the illuminated displays from their own vehicles during a 30-minute driving tour through Upper Canada Village.