Halloween Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts
The charming, historic village of Salem is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Massachusetts. Located in the North Shore region just a short drive from Boston, the area was settled around 1626 and has long been infamous for the events that led to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem has masterfully preserved its past and today offers visitors an unforgettable experience that also includes an ambitious culinary scene and boutique shops dotted across the historic district.
The city is home to one of the country’s oldest continuously operating museums (Peabody Essex Museum), the first living history museum (Pioneer Village), and the first national historic site operated by the National Park Service (Salem Maritime). During the month of October, the entire town comes together to celebrate Halloween with dozens of events and activities geared toward families while embracing the town’s history. On each of the weekends leading up to the holiday, crowds of costumed tourists arrive day and night to experience the carnival-like atmosphere with a spooky vibe.
Bucket List Experience: Attend the Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball, a ticketed costume party hosted inside the historic hotel. Spend the evening “people-watching” and admiring the costumes, many of which are created by enthusiasts intent on winning the top prize. Due to the popularity of the event, it sells out every year. The only ticket more challenging to obtain is a room at the historic Hawthorne Hotel during that weekend!
The city is home to one of the country’s oldest continuously operating museums (Peabody Essex Museum), the first living history museum (Pioneer Village), and the first national historic site operated by the National Park Service (Salem Maritime). During the month of October, the entire town comes together to celebrate Halloween with dozens of events and activities geared toward families while embracing the town’s history. On each of the weekends leading up to the holiday, crowds of costumed tourists arrive day and night to experience the carnival-like atmosphere with a spooky vibe.
Bucket List Experience: Attend the Hawthorne Hotel Halloween Ball, a ticketed costume party hosted inside the historic hotel. Spend the evening “people-watching” and admiring the costumes, many of which are created by enthusiasts intent on winning the top prize. Due to the popularity of the event, it sells out every year. The only ticket more challenging to obtain is a room at the historic Hawthorne Hotel during that weekend!
Things to Do
- Begin your day at the Witch Dungeon Museum— the live theatrical re-enactment of a witch trial is the perfect introduction to the hysterics that will always be associated with the charming town. The experience ends with a guided walk through the recreated witch dungeon.
- Take a guided tour of the Corwin House, commonly referred to as the Witch House and once owned by the judge of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The tour of one of the oldest houses in Salem offers a glimpse at life during the period while introducing you to one of the families that was undoubtedly at the center of the trials.
- While walking around the village, stop at a few of New England’s earliest cemeteries. The easiest to find is the Old Burying Point / Charter Street Cemetery, located in the heart of the village. A few of the others located on the outskirts are Howard Street Cemetery and Broad Street Cemetery.
- Through October, walking tours are extremely popular, with evening ghost tours at the top of the list. The tours crisscross the village and meander through many of the historic districts while telling stories about the happenings around the historic homes and landmarks. After a full day of exploring, the tours will connect many of the people and places you have already discovered on your own.
- Take a break from the historic sites and enjoy some family fun at the interactive museums— expect long lines as many of them are only open seasonally. A few to choose from include Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre, and the Salem Wax Museum and Its Haunted Neighborhood.
- Look no further than the historic district to find a handful of spiritual shops, many of which also provide psychic readings and other mystical experiences. One of the most famous is Crow Haven Corner, considered the “Oldest Witch Shop” in Salem. If you are looking for the “Official Witch” of Salem, head to Enchanted for a reading with Laurie Cabot.
Travel Tip: Salem is packed with things to do, from historical sites to museums, and even a small amusement park along the water. A few of the must-see destinations include Salem Maritime National Historical Site, Peabody Essex Museum, and The House of Seven Gables. The vibe leading up to Halloween is amazing, with thousands of people in costume parading around the village. Plan on making another trip during the spring and summer months— the best time to casually see the sights, explore the culinary scene, and spend the night without the crowds.
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