Pumpkin Illumination at Vail Mansion Plaza
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Morris Arts is delighted to host Pumpkin Illumination on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Vail Mansion Plaza (110 South Street, Morristown). This free, family-friendly event features storytelling, music, art workshops, a luminary mask parade, and of course a brilliant illuminating pumpkin display.
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and bring their own carved pumpkins. Morris Arts will provide lights that will be placed inside the jack-o-lanterns to create an illuminating display at sunset. Costumes are encouraged for ALL kids, adults, and dogs! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Those interested in attending can register here for free to receive event updates including weather details (rain date: Sunday, October 26).
5:30pm - The Sleepy Hollow Halloween Story by Kits Interactive Theatre. Attendees are invited to kick off the evening with The Sleepy Hollow Halloween Show by Kits Interactive Theatre. Beginning at 5:30pm, Kitty Jones will weave the characters from Washington Irvings 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 Kits Interactive Theatre. Kitty combines her passion for history and love of theatre to create 16 different high-energy programs.
6:30pm | Art Workshop led by artist Dan Fenelon - Dan Fenelon will be leading attendees in decorating a mummy to march with in the luminary parade before the pumpkins are illuminated.
Dan Fenelon has many public artworks that can be seen around New Jersey and beyond. Museums, libraries, schools, community centers, performing art centers, and hospitals have commissioned him to create artwork for their spaces. Dan works with communities to create one of a kind original art projects.
Artist Dan Fenelon in Luminary Parade
7:00pm | Luminary Parade led by Mayor Tim Dougherty
7:15pm | Pumpkin Illumination!
Music by Morristowns Own DJ Frank D. - DJ Frank Ds background is deeply rooted in hip-hop. Hes 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!
Morris Arts is dedicated to ensuring that events and programs are accessible to all. Attendees needing an accommodation should email Dominique Tornabe at least 10 days prior to the event to ensure appropriate arrangements. Attendees with questions should email Debra Broseker, Events and Volunteer Manager.
Morris Arts would like to thank Mondelēz International, TeamLogic IT, LOKL Café, and Minuteman Limousine & Car Service for graciously sponsoring Pumpkin Illumination 2025. They would also like to thank the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for making funding for this event possible.
Founded in 1973, Morris Arts has been building community through the arts for over 50 years. The nonprofit works to provide meaningful artistic experiences for all Morris County residents regardless of age, means, or background. They facilitate high-quality arts education programs for students, community arts events, and arts in health programs that improve participants well-being. Additionally, Morris Arts advocates for the arts and regrants state funds to local arts organizations, expanding access to arts experiences throughout Morris County.
