Planning a Halloween getaway in Salem, Massachusetts? Known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, this town has become the epicenter of all things witchy and spooky! There’s no better time to visit than in October, when Salem transforms into a real-life Halloweentown. Salem Haunted Happenings, one of the biggest Halloween celebrations on the planet, takes over the streets. And with it comes witches, ghouls, and goblins galore. Keep reading to discover top things to do, where to stay, and what to expect during Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts!
Looking to extend your trip? Don’t miss our guide to Boston, Massachusetts, for even more adventures!
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Travel Tips for Halloween in Salem
Expect Crowds + Arrive Early
Prepare for crowds and aim to arrive early! October in Salem draws a huge number of visitors, so getting a head start on the day is key. Arriving early means you can explore the sights with fewer people around, snag better parking spots, and make the most of your time without feeling rushed. It’s the best way to beat the crowds and soak up the magic of Salem.
Book Your Hotels Early
The sooner you book your hotel, the better! October in Salem is a popular (and pricey) time, so staying close to the action can really add up. For our trip, we opted for a more budget-friendly option by staying in Woburn, a charming suburb just 30 minutes away. It was the perfect balance of affordability and accessibility, letting us enjoy the excitement of Salem while keeping our accommodations budget in check.
Consider Visiting Ahead of Halloweekend
We visited over Halloween, and it was super crowded! Although we still enjoyed ourselves, showing up any time in October still has the same feel without the buzzing crowds.
Taking the Train vs Driving
If you’re staying in Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail from North Station to Salem is a convenient option. But since we were in Woburn, driving worked better for us. Despite warnings about traffic, arriving around 9:00 AM made parking a breeze. We saw plenty of street parking near downtown, plus there’s free parking at Salem High School, which is about a 30-minute walk to the action. You can also grab an Uber from the lot if you prefer. If you visit between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, there are free shuttles running from the high school to downtown. For us, walking from our spot was easy and stress-free! Find more info about parking and transportation on the Haunted Happenings website.
Things to Do During Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts
Take a Trolley Tour Through Town
One of the best things to do in Salem is taking a trolley tour through town! On this one hour tour, you’ll get the lay of the land, see all the stunning landmarks and hear about Salem’s storied past, plus see some pretty waterfront sights on the outskirts. From the witch trials and the city’s history to filming locations for the famous Disney movie, Hocus Pocus, this trolley tour is a great way to start your time in Salem. Head over to Salem’s visitor center to snag tickets on the day you want to tour. They don’t take reservations, so plan accordingly!
Visit the Salem Witch Museum
If you’re interested in the history of the Salem Witch Trials, a trip to the Salem Witch Museum is an absolute must! Crafted based on real documents from the trials, the exhibits capture the trials’ history and significance. We found it fascinating how a series of accusations, ego, and neighborly conflict spiraled into one of the most infamous witch hunts in America. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Salem’s unique stories and learn about the true history of the witch trials!
Check Out the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
For fans of Hocus Pocus, Salem boasts plenty of filming locations for this Halloween classic. From the Ropes Mansion and Max & Dani’s House to Salem Town Hall, you can find lots of featured spots from the movie. If you want to have time to take photos without waiting in lines, consider visiting in the early mornings or evenings, when there tend to be fewer tourists out and about. Otherwise, put your patience cap on! We waited 20-30 minutes for photos outside of Ropes Mansion – but the shot above was totally worth it.
Pick Up Some Spooky Souvenirs Along Essex Street
Shopping along Essex Street is a must-do when visiting Salem, Massachusetts! This iconic road is lined with quirky, locally-owned shops that capture the town’s unique, witchy charm. Whether you’re searching for a new wand, spellbook, or a one-of-a-kind souvenir, Essex Street has it all. From potions and robes to the perfect magnet to commemorate your trip, you’ll find plenty of magical items to take a piece of Salem home with you. Here are a few of the best places to go shopping in Salem, on (and around) Essex Street! Keep in mind you may need to wait in line, as they have capacity limits.
- Wynott’s Wands
Enchanting shop with handcrafted wands, each made from real wood and imbued with a unique touch of magic. - Black Cat Curiousity Shoppe
Eclectic spot filled with curious treasures, from vintage oddities to witchy trinkets! - Black Veil Shoppe of Drear & Wonder
Gothic store featuring macabre decor, handcrafted jewelry, and eerie apparel inspired by the supernatural. - Emporium 32
Old-world inspired boutique with vintage fashion, artisan crafts, decor – and a wide selection of funky hats!
Stop at the Bewitched Statue
You can’t leave Salem, Massachusetts without grabbing a photo at the famous Bewitched statue in the center of town! This magical statue brings the iconic character, Samantha Stephens, to life – riding a broom with a crescent moon behind her. This statue is on Washington Street, within Lappin Park, so it’s really easy to get to from the Old Town Hall and other key landmarks. Wriggle your nose and strike a pose!
Interact With the Street Performers
Salem’s Halloween season wouldn’t be the same without its spooky street performers, who truly bring the town to life! As you stroll down Essex Street, you might spot Borah the Witch stirring her cauldron and gleefully putting people in “perpetual misery.” Look out for Big Top Tiny, a clown stilt walker dragging a jumbo mallet. And don’t miss the Frankenstein of Salem, towering on his platform as he comes to life! These kooky characters, among so many other performers, make Salem’s Halloween vibe truly unforgettable!
See the Salem Witch House
As the oldest building that was directly involved in the witch trials, the Salem Witch House is a must-see in terms of things to do in Salem! Stop by and take some photos, or snag tickets for the house tours. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to go inside – tickets are highly-coveted! They’re only sold day-of, starting at 8:00am on their Eventbrite page. Bonus points if you wear a witch hat for pictures!
Wander the Old Burying Point Cemetery
Also known as the Charter Street Cemetery, the Old Burying Point Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the entire country. It is also very special to Salem’s history, since it houses graves of some of the town’s most famous residents, such as the judge who presided over the witch trials, Judge John Hathorne. To learn more about those laid to rest here, take a ghost tour (book ahead) for some real history intertwined with spooky stories.
Visit the Gallows Hill Museum
Visiting the Gallows Hill Museum is a must for anyone interested in Salem’s haunted history and the infamous Witch Trials of 1692. The museum offers an immersive experience with its theatrical show that combines historical storytelling, special effects, and dramatic reenactments to bring the chilling events to life. With engaging performances and interactive elements, Gallows Hill Museum creates a spooky yet educational atmosphere that’s perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
See the Famous House on Federal Street
One of Salem’s most decked-out Halloween homes is the decorated house at 170 Federal Street. Every October, this historic home transforms into a spectacularly spooky display with tons of pumpkins and larger-than-life skeletons. However, it’s important to remember that this is a private home, so please be respectful of the residents and admire the decorations with mindfulness.
Light Up the Night at the Hollowed Harvest Festival
One of the most fun and family-friendly activities in Salem is the annual Hollowed Harvest Festival! This unique festival is all about jack-o’-lanterns, in all shapes and sizes. As you explore the festival, you’ll encounter jack-o’-lanterns jamming in the graveyard and telling spooky stories in their own words. Consider testing your own carving skills at the carving station! Just a heads up – the pumpkins are actually made of foam, not the real deal (because who wants the smell of rotting pumpkins, right?). It’s quite short, but fun in an innocent kind of way. Just something to keep in mind before you go!
Meet Your Favorite Monsters at the International Monster Museum
Get ready to come face-to-face with iconic haunts at the International Monster Museum! One of the newer additions to Salem’s spooky scene, this museum is packed with famous monsters from classic movies and lesser-known creatures from folklore around the world. As you wander the darkened halls with only a lantern to guide you, animatronics and special effects bring the monsters to life, with eerie sights and small jump scares at every turn. Whether you’re saying hello to Frankenstein or discovering a new fright, this immersive experience is sure to give you chills! Photos are encouraged, so take it slow and enjoy each hair-raising creature you encounter.
Salem, Massachusetts, is hands down one of the best places to experience Halloween! With the rich history of the Salem Witch Trials setting the perfect eerie backdrop, there’s no better spot to celebrate. From festivals and spooky shops to costumed monsters around every corner, Salem truly is the ultimate Halloween destination. Now that you’re ready for a hauntingly good time in Salem, be sure to tag me in your adventures using @marissa.daily on Instagram!
