The Return of the Pumpkin People: Fall Gets a Little Goofy in Mount Washington Valley

There are certain signs that fall has officially arrived in Mount Washington Valley. The leaves begin showing off in shades of red, orange, and gold. The mornings get a little crisper. You start wondering where you put your favorite fleece. You finally cave and light the woodstove. And then, somewhere outside a local inn or business, you spot a person with a pumpkin for a head, sitting on a bench, playing a guitar, or getting into some sort of mischief.

That's right, folks. The Pumpkin People are back!

One of the quirkiest and most beloved autumn traditions in our corner of New Hampshire, the Return of the Pumpkin People transforms Jackson and the surrounding Mount Washington Valley into an outdoor gallery of wonderfully wacky, pumpkin-headed characters. And honestly, what's not to love about a community that celebrates fall by giving pumpkins personalities?

A Valley Tradition That's All About Having Fun

The Return of the Pumpkin People takes place throughout October, with local businesses, inns, shops, and other participating properties creating their own imaginative displays. The tradition has been entertaining visitors and locals for decades, and 2026 marks another year of pumpkin-headed creativity.

These aren't your ordinary jack-o'-lanterns sitting on a porch waiting for Halloween. Oh, no. The Pumpkin People have much bigger plans.

Some are dressed for a day on the slopes. Others are busy with everyday activities, while a few seem to have wandered straight out of someone's imagination after one too many cups of apple cider. You'll find amusing scenes, clever costumes, and plenty of displays that make you stop, laugh, and reach for your camera.

The best part? Every display has its own personality. Local businesses put real thought and creativity into their creations, and you never quite know what you'll discover around the next bend.

Where Are All These Pumpkin People Hiding?

Although Jackson started it and is the heart of the tradition, the Pumpkin People adventure extends throughout the Mount Washington Valley, with displays in places including Intervale, Glen, Bartlett, North Conway, Conway, and more. More than 50 displays are anticipated in 2026, giving you plenty of reasons to explore beyond your usual route.

My advice? Don't rush it.

Pick up an official Pumpkin People map, grab a friend or the family, and make a day of it. You can follow the self-guided tour at your own pace, stopping wherever something catches your eye. The map also includes a People's Choice ballot, so you can vote for your favorite display.

And be warned: choosing just one favorite may be harder than you think. Some displays are so clever that you'll wonder who came up with the idea in the first place. Others are simply so ridiculous that you can't help smiling.

That's the magic of the Pumpkin People. They remind us that a little imagination and a few pumpkins can turn an ordinary October afternoon into a memorable adventure.

More Than Pumpkins: It's the Perfect Fall Day

Of course, this is Mount Washington Valley, which means the Pumpkin People are only part of the fun. October is also one of the most beautiful times of year to explore our little corner of New Hampshire.

The mountains put on their annual color show, country roads become scenic drives, and the villages take on that unmistakable New England autumn charm.

While you're out hunting for Pumpkin People, take time to enjoy some of the other things that make this area special:

• Wander through Jackson Village. Visit the charming shops, stop for a bite to eat, and admire the historic Jackson Covered Bridge. It's practically begging to be photographed, especially when the foliage cooperates.
• Take the scenic route. Whether you're driving through Bartlett, exploring the roads around Intervale, or heading toward Pinkham Notch or Crawford Notch, keep your eyes open. The views can be spectacular.
• Support local businesses. Many Pumpkin People displays are hosted by the very businesses that make our valley such a wonderful place to live and visit. Pop inside, browse a little, and thank them for helping make this tradition possible.
• Make room for something delicious. Fall and New England comfort food go together like pumpkins and, well, more pumpkins. Stop for lunch, enjoy a warm drink, or find a seasonal treat along the way.

And please, don't try to see everything in twenty minutes. This is autumn in the White Mountains. The whole point is to slow down, look around, and enjoy yourself.

Why Locals Love This Time of Year

As someone who has called Mount Washington Valley home for decades, I think one of the best things about living here is that our community knows how to make the most of every season.

Summer brings lake days and hiking trails. Winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, and the occasional discussion about whether we really need that much snow. Spring brings mud season, when we all pretend we're not checking the weather forecast every twelve minutes.

And then there's fall.

Fall is when the valley reminds us why we put up with those long winters. The mountains glow, the air smells wonderful, and there's a sense of excitement everywhere you go. Visitors arrive to see the foliage, local businesses welcome familiar faces and new friends, and traditions like the Pumpkin People bring everyone together.

There's something especially lovely about a tradition that doesn't require expensive tickets or complicated planning. You simply get out, explore, laugh a little, and enjoy the creativity of your neighbors.

That's community. And around here, we happen to do it with pumpkins for heads.

Thinking About Visiting? Here's What You Need to Know

The 2026 Return of the Pumpkin People runs October 1–31, and the self-guided displays are free to enjoy.

Here's how to make the most of your visit:

• Get your map. Official maps and guides are available through participating businesses and the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. You can also find details online at JacksonNH.com.
• Allow plenty of time. The displays are spread throughout the valley, so plan on a leisurely outing rather than a quick stop.
• Bring your camera. These characters are practically begging to be photographed. Just remember to be respectful of businesses and private property.
• Explore beyond Jackson. Part of the fun is discovering displays in neighboring communities.
• Check out the extras. The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce also promotes pumpkin-themed activities and special fall programming during the season, so check its website for current details.

If you're visiting from out of town, consider making a weekend of it. Between the Pumpkin People, fall foliage, scenic drives, local restaurants, and charming inns, there's more than enough to fill a couple of days.

And if you already live here? Well, you have absolutely no excuse not to go.

A Little Pumpkin-People Magic Goes a Long Way

Here's the thing about the Return of the Pumpkin People: It's silly. It's creative. It's a little bit ridiculous. And that's precisely why it works.

In a world that can sometimes feel far too serious, there's something refreshing about seeing a pumpkin-headed character sitting outside a local business, dressed for the occasion and seemingly having a better October than the rest of us.

The displays celebrate the imagination, humor, and community spirit that make Mount Washington Valley such a special place. They also give us another reason to get outside, enjoy the foliage, and appreciate the small businesses and local people who put so much effort into making this area shine.

And from a real-estate perspective, I can tell you that these are the little things that make a place feel like home. It's not just the mountains, the rivers, the beautiful homes, or the spectacular views. It's the traditions, the friendly faces, the local businesses, and the wonderfully unexpected moments that make living here so special.

So grab your map, round up your favorite people, and head out to see what our pumpkin-headed neighbors are up to this year.

Just don't be surprised if you find yourself smiling at a pumpkin in someone's front yard.

Around here, that's perfectly normal.

Happy Pumpkin People season, everyone! I'll see you out there among the leaves, the pumpkins, and the occasional questionable fashion choice.

— Suzie Laskin
Realtor, Mount Washington Valley, NH