Halloween enthusiasts are facing early disappointment this year as two beloved annual attractions, Chambers of Hell and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, will not be returning for the spooky season.
Chambers of Hell, a renowned haunted house experience that thrilled visitors for over a decade, has officially closed its doors. Founder Robert Guiliano cited exorbitant operational costs as the primary factor in the difficult decision, expressing regret over the closure of an attraction that had become a staple for fear-seekers.
Guiliano delved into the financial realities, explaining that the prospect of a pop-up event at an alternate location proved unfeasible. Storing the extensive props and elaborate sets alone would cost approximately $30,000 annually for three trailers, coupled with an estimated $70,000 in venue rent. Building out the experience would add another significant sum, pushing pre-opening expenses to around $150,000. He emphasized that scaling down the haunt would compromise its reputation for immersive, large-scale terror.
Chambers of Hell was distinguished by its commitment to annual transformations, featuring over 50 unique rooms, a stark contrast to smaller, typical 10-room haunts. This dedication to innovation and scale earned it considerable acclaim, including a ranking as high as No. 39 among the best live-action haunted houses nationwide.
While Guiliano hopes to resurrect Chambers of Hell in the future, possibly by 2026, he confirmed it would not be this year. The immediate plan is to take a hiatus, reevaluate strategies, and search for the “right situation” that would allow the attraction to return without compromising its quality or financial viability.
Concurrently, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a magical half-mile-long walk-through adorned with over 7,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins, will also be absent from Old Bethpage Village Restoration this autumn. This popular seasonal event, which delighted families for five successful years at the Long Island location, drew considerable crowds eager to witness its intricate pumpkin displays.
Historic Hudson Valley, the organization behind the Blaze, confirmed their decision to withdraw from Long Island, stating a strategic shift to concentrate on developing their roster of fall events at their own sites in Westchester County. They expressed enjoyment from their time bringing the unique experience to Long Island and did not rule out a potential return in the distant future.
For those who annually anticipated the glowing spectacle, the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze can still be experienced at its original and long-standing location: Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, upstate. This alternative offers fans a chance to continue their tradition of autumnal wonder despite the Long Island cancellation, encouraging a road trip to embrace the spirit of the season.
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