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Salem, Massachusetts is an incredibly popular place to visit for Halloween. Given its history with the Salem Witch Trials, it is a town that fully embraces the spooky season. So one thing to keep in mind is that the whole town will be incredibly busy for the whole month of October.
Salem is known as Witch City and you can truly feel that year round. People dress up even when it’s not Halloween which makes it even more fun to visit. Salem truly feels like Halloweentown!
When planning your trip to Salem for Halloween, there are many things to consider. You’ll need to think about the different fun things to do as well as when special events are occurring.
Most popular Spooktacular things to do in Salem for Halloween
Salem Witch Museum
The Salem Witch Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Salem, especially for Halloween. The museum tells the story of the witch trials of 1692. It features life-size figures, stage sets, and narration in order to tell the story of the trials. These recreate a “living history” presentation of the Salem witch trials and executions.
Located in an authentic, old gothic church adding to the scary vibes. The Salem Witch Museum is the oldest of all the witch museums and claims to be the most visited. This is important to keep in mind for October, as the tickets typically sell out quickly. In total a visit to the museum takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Located: 19 1/2 N Washington Square
Salem Witch Village
Salem Witch Village is more about learning about witches than it is about getting scared. Which is good because I do not like being scared on purpose. The tour guides in the Witch Village will teach you what is a witch, and what isn’t a witch, with a lot of details about present-day Wiccans.
Additionally, there will be great information about Salem in 1692. On October weekends the emphasis shifts from learning about witch history to a Haunted Witch Village. There are ghouls and goblins doing their best to scare all the visitors.
Located: 282 Derby Street
Salem Wax Museum and Frankenstein’s Laboratory
If you’re a fan of wax museums, then you’ll enjoy the Salem Wax Museum. The wax figurines depict local history starting with Salem’s founding in 1626 through the witch hysteria of 1692. Additionally, you’ll see other locals being featured such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, bands of pirates, and much more.
Once you’ve made it through the Wax Museum you can also purchase tickets to head down to Frankenstein’s Laboratory. You’ll head down to the dungeon and then through a maze of grave robbers while avoiding bats. It is definitely a fun Halloween experience.
Location: 288 Derby Street
Pro Tip: Check out the Hysteria Pass to get a combo entrance to the Wax Museum, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, and the Salem Witch Village.
Spooky Salem Tours
Haunted Salem Witch City Tours – Plus House of the Seven Gables– This is the house that is the center of paranormal activity in Salem. This haunted tour takes you through all the haunted and famous houses in Salem.
After Dark Salem Walking Tours– The murder and mystery in this tour are great for visitors looking to take a break from the history of Salem and go down different spooky paths. This tour is not suitable for kids, it is quite scary.
Hocus Pocus Walking Tour– Visit the iconic site of the popular Hocus Pocus movie. This tour includes a free Hocus Pocus souvenir.
Check out the top 10 best Salem Tours here!
Tour the Witch House
This iconic black house is often the house people think of when they think of Salem for Halloween. It is also one of the top Salem attractions. This house is steeped in history.
The Witch House is the only structure that is still standing from the witch trials of 1692. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin. Additionally, the house served as a meeting place for the Salem Village witchcraft hearings. Making this house over 300 years old which adds both to the fascination and eeriness to Salem.
Today, this piece of history is operated as a museum and open to the public. It offers a unique and fascinating look into the history of the Salem Witch Trials. Finally, for Halloween, the house is transformed into the Black Veil Tattoo Night Market. Ghosts, ghouls, and all others are able to come to enjoy artists’ wares, food, and a beer garden.
Located: 310 Essex St
Hop on the Salem trolley
A cool way to tour Salem without having to walk around is by taking the Salem Trolley. The trolley allows you to explore the whole city. Following an eight-mile route, the trolley tour offers a comprehensive experience of Salem’s top sights.
The best part? If something piques your interest then you can hop off and walk around. Then when you’re ready you can hop back onto the trolley. The whole eight-mile loop takes about an hour, making this iconic trolley a hit for everyone.
Explore an old cemetery
Both from a historical perspective or to be creepy for Halloween, heading to an old cemetery in Salem, MA is a must-do. Located near the witch memorials you will find Old Burying Point cemetery. Many important figures of Salem are buried here.
Looking through the gravestones you will find an accused witch Martha Corey, Judge John Hawthorne, and Roger Conant the first mayor of Salem. Additionally, Old Burying Point Cemetery is the oldest maintained cemetery in Salem as well as one of the oldest in the world!
The Old Burying Point Cemetery is one of eight cemeteries from the Witch Trials. It is also the creepiest cemetery. There are so many interesting gravestones to read, helping you imagine what the world was like back then. Additionally, there are several haunted ghost tours that take you right through this cemetery.
Located: 51 Charter St.
Peabody Essex Museum
Right in the heart of Salem, you’ll find the Peabody Essex Museum. This unique museum is a cultural gem that brings all visitors on a captivating journey through time and space. Each step through the museum is filled with wonder.
The collection is an eclectic combination of art and artifacts that create an interesting fusion of art, culture, and history. The museum has an irresistible charm. It dates back to 1799 when sea captains would bring home treasures from their adventures.
Located: 161 Essex St
Gallows Hill
In what is believed to be the area where witches were hung in 1692, Gallows Hill comes to life during Halloween. Throughout the year this hill is “open” on weekends for the Gallows Hill light spectacular show.
For the month of Halloween- I mean October- Gallows Hill has the Ghost and Witches light show every day. It is truly a fun and special event. This seated show does include some audience participation. Expect your seat to rumble and some fog to come out around you. It is a 4D spectacular show with everything the Puritans feared. A must-visit for Halloween.
Located: 7 Lynde St
Special Halloween Events in Salem
Salem truly comes alive for Halloween. While most of the activities above are available throughout the year, they step up for Halloween. Halloweentown has additional Haunted Happenings each year specifically to celebrate Halloween. These are the events you’ll want to plan your trip around when going to Salem for Halloween.
Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
The annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is the official kick-off for the Halloween festivities in Salem. Starting in early October with music, pageantry, and floats. Additionally, the event features floats, vehicles, and stationary displays. The map below shows where the parade walks for some of the best spots to watch.
Haunted Happenings Marketplace
One of the most popular activities during the Haunted Happenings in Salem. During Halloween, the marketplace opens up in Derby Square and Forten Park. Set against the brisk autumnal air, the Marketplace is a great place to do some shopping from local artisans. You can pick up all your Halloween essentials.
The Marketplace has something for every family member. There are many kid-friendly activities as well as items to purchase for kids. There are also many adult-specific items that are spookier. You will also find street performers and some photo pop-up opportunities.
Go Ghost Hunting
Starting October 1st, Gallows Hill offers an After Hours Ghost Hunting. The hunt involves EMF detectors, infrared thermometers, audio recorders, and much much more. This $38 adventure is perfect for every ghost hunter regardless of skill level. The former owner of Paranormal Salem uses all real ghost-hunting techniques and instruments for this authentic experience.
Halloween Cruises
The ever-so-popular Mahi Cruises gets spooky for Halloween. It becomes a 75-minute cruise full of haunted happenings. On board, you’ll find haunted decor, spooky photo ops, tarot card reading, face painting, festive music, and live spooky storytelling. All cruises are on a double-decker boat which holds 155 passengers.
In order to get on the ship you’ll need a reservation. Since space is limited be sure to make the reservation early. The top is open-air with a heated main cabin and three clean bathrooms. Additionally, onboard there is a full bar which includes Grandma’s Spiked Hot Apple Cider! Finally and most importantly there is food on board! Some favorites include burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers as well as chicken noodle soup, or New England clam chowda! It truly is a cruise for everyone.
Salem Night Faire
As the night falls the Night Faire comes to life in Salem for Halloween. Found in the haunting pioneer village, go explore outdoor magic and wonder. Featuring over 50 artists, vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, photo stops, hot cider, a beer garden, & more. Additionally, you can indulge in a fortune teller or explore fashion installations by Ashley Rose.
The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball
There are several Halloween balls throughout October. One is the Good Witch of Salem. The Good Witch of Salem has a magical tea time as well as a costume ball. Most of these events by The Good Witch are for children.
Hosted at the Hawthorne Hotel the Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball is the most popular and sought-after ball. There are so many fun things to do at the ball. From the Halloween costume contest to the live performances to the seances. The Ball also has hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Finally, you’ll find a psychic in Sophia’s room and many places for selfies.
Dinner With The Dead
The Dumb Supper A.K.A Dinner with the Dead is a years-old tradition that takes place in Hawthorne Hotel. This dinner is conducted in complete silence. Apparently, this silence combined with mementos of your dead loved ones and the time of year invites dead relatives to join you for dinner. It can be a powerful event, especially for those grieving losses.
Halloween Night Live Music and Fireworks Finale
Of course, Salem goes all out on Halloween Night! So not only are there events every day leading up to the big night, but Halloween is when everyone in Salem kicks it up a notch. On Halloween Night you’ll have live music and an incredible fireworks show. Over 4 hours there will be many performers and activities to enjoy during the night all ending in the grande fireworks finale! Make sure to get there early enough to get good fireworks-watching seats.
When to visit Salem, MA for Halloween
How to get to Salem from Boston?
Where to stay in Salem, MA, for Halloween
There are many Hotels in Salem. I highly recommend booking early if you are headed there for Halloween as they book up very quickly! Here are some of the hotels we like:
Hawthorne Hotel: The epicenter of some of the Haunted Happenings, this historic hotel is the place to be! It is absolutely beautiful but can be quite expensive throughout October.
Daniels House Inn: This Bed and Breakfast is excellent for couples! It has cozy rooms and a delicious continental breakfast. It is within walking distance of downtown Salem and all the Halloween celebrations.
The Coach House: Walking distance from downtown is this elegant hotel. It is comfortable and spacious with free wifi and parking.
Final Thoughts about Salem for Halloween
Salem truly goes all out for Halloween. But they do not make it an adults-only event, there truly is something for every age level. With so many activities throughout the month of October, it is truly impossible to do and see it all. Pick your favorite things, get dressed up, and enjoy the magic of Salem!
