Haunted Halloween in Salem: Discover Spooky Legends and Ghostly Secrets
You're in for a spellbinding adventure if you're planning a Halloween trip to Salem, Massachusetts. This historic town transforms into the Halloween capital of America every October, offering a bewitching blend of history, haunts, and festive fun.
What makes Salem special for Halloween? Picture this: streets filled with costumed revelers, haunted houses around every corner, psychic fairs promising glimpses into the future, and museums that bring the witch trials to life. The entire witch city gets into the spirit, with shops, restaurants, and even historic sites donning their Halloween best.
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But beware – Salem's popularity means it gets jam-packed. Last year, nearly 160,000 people visited in a single weekend. So if you're planning a trip, be prepared for crowds and book your accommodations well in advance.
Salem at Halloween is more than just a destination – it's an immersive experience that brings history to life in the most enchanting (and sometimes eerie) ways. Whether you're a history buff, a Halloween enthusiast, or just looking for a unique autumn getaway, Salem promises a wickedly good time that you won't soon forget.
Salem’s Haunted History & Legends
Salem, Massachusetts is steeped in a haunting history that draws visitors from around the world, especially during the Halloween season. The city's dark past and eerie atmosphere have given rise to numerous ghost stories and local legends.
At the heart of Salem's haunted reputation are the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. This tragic event saw over 200 people accused of witchcraft, with 19 executed by hanging and one pressed to death. The paranormal activity in Salem is often attributed to the restless spirits of these victims. Instead of shying away from the tragic history, Salem and its residents have leaned into it hard and gained the reputation as the most haunted city in the United States. Each year a million people visit Salem to partake in the spooky festivities and get scared for fun.
The Old Burying Point Cemetery is Salem's oldest cemetery and is said to be one of the most haunted spots in town. Visitors report seeing apparitions and feeling cold spots near the graves of witch trial judge John Hathorne and Mary Corey, wife of Giles Corey who was pressed to death.
photo by Jen / CC 3.0
The Witch House is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the witch trials. This 17th-century home of Judge Jonathan Corwin is believed to be haunted by victims of the trials.
Proctor's Ledge was recently confirmed as the actual site of the witch trial hangings and is said to be haunted by the spirits of those executed there. It's a small plot of land with some trees and a retaining wall with the names of the hanged inscribed on some of the wall blocks.
Howard Street Cemetery is infamous for being the site where Giles Corey was pressed to death. His ghost is said to appear before disasters strike Salem. It is said that he cursed the town of Salem before he died. The Great Salem Fire of 1914 has been attributed to Giles. Almost 1400 buildings were burnt down of the 5200 buildings in Salema and 20,000 people lost their homes. This was almost half the town's population.
photo by Nelson Dionne Salem History Collection / CC 2.0
The Old Salem Jail is no longer a jail, but the building on this site is reportedly haunted by former inmates and even the ghost of the Boston Strangler's last victim. The jail was closed down in the mid-1990s for unsanitary conditions due to no plumbing or running water. Passersby would see lights flickering inside the empty building and eerie screams could be heard from within. Brave ghost hunters have seen shadow people inside the building. Today the building houses apartments, a restaurant, and an arcade. Would you live in a former prison with shadow people? Yikes!
photo by Bonss / CC 3.0
The House of the Seven Gables was made famous by author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The house is actually called the Turner-Ingersoll mansion. John Turner was a wealthy hat and shoe merchant and one of the richest people in the colony. This house is said to be haunted by past residents, including a young boy seen peering out of the windows. But others argue there are no ghosts. The ghost of Susannah Ingersoll is also said the wander the house that she once lived in.
The ghost of Bridget Bishop, the first person executed during the witch trials, is said to haunt the area where her apple orchard once stood, now home to Turner's Seafood restaurant. Guests report smelling apples and others have seen her ghost at the top of the stairs and in mirrors.
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photo by Alexius Horatius / CC 3.0
The Old Town Hall is reportedly haunted by the ghosts of sailors and merchants from Salem's maritime past. A poltergeist calls this historic building home. and likes to throw objects about and create loud noises that have no source. People walking by see figures glide past the windows when the building is closed at night.
photo by Swampyank / CC 3.0
The Joshua Ward House is said to be haunted by Sheriff George Corwin, the High Sheriff during the witch trials, who was known for his cruel treatment of the accused. This building is not open to the public, but there are a couple of well-known ghost stories. Sheriff Corwin is thought to haunt the location and has tried to choke one person at least. A female witch has been captured in photos.
Salem's haunted history goes beyond just the witch trials. The city's maritime past, with tales of pirates and sailors, adds another layer to its ghostly lore. Many restaurants, inns, and historic buildings in Salem have their own ghost stories, making the entire town feel like a living Halloween attraction.
Top Halloween Events in Salem
Haunted Happenings is the month-long celebration at the heart of Salem's Halloween festivities. Kicking off Spooky Season with the Grand Parade full of music, costumes, and floats. Multiple street fairs and vendor marketplaces run throughout the month offering unique Halloween-themed goods.
There is also a glamorous Costume Ball at the Hawthorne Hotel. The entire city gets involved, creating an immersive Halloween experience that blends history with modern festivities.
Pioneer Village holds the Salem Night Faire on select October nights, featuring over 50 local artists and vendors, live performances, fireside ghost stories, and a Biergarten.
Salem's Jack-O'-Lantern festival called Hollowed Harvest Wicked Labyrinth includes hundreds of intricately carved pumpkins, a spider web tunnel, hands-on pumpkin carving, and animated Jack-o'-Lanterns that sing and tell stories. The sheer scale and creativity of the pumpkin displays set this event apart.
Uniquely Salem Must Visits
Salem is a unique experience all in itself, but to heighten the dark and mysterious vibes of your trip you MUST visit a couple of locations that cannot be experienced anywhere else!
Crow Haven Corner
This magical witch shop located at 125 Essex St has been in operation for over 20 years. Its filled with an array of mystical items, including spell kits, crystals, and tarot cards, drawing in those curious about witchcraft and the occult. Lorelie, the owner, is known as Salem's Love Clairvoyant and offers readings using Tarot cards, clairvoyance, palmistry, and mediumship.
Her dogs always accompany Lorelei during readings. Her love of animals and desire to honor the untold story of the animals that died during the witch trials led her to found an animal rescue and advocacy organization working to make the world a better place for all creatures. As if this shop couldn't be any more awesome, there are 2 Airbnb suites available! With its rich history and enchanting atmosphere, Crow Haven Corner offers a unique experience for visitors looking to explore Salem's magical and supernatural roots.
photo by Crisco 1492 / CC 4.0
Salem Art Gallery and Satanic Temple Headquarters
The Salem Art Gallery exhibits works of art that are distinctly unique and thought-provoking. There are permanent exhibits about witch hunts, Satanism, and the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 1990s. I admit that I am not a big art, but this place is legendary. Visitors love to have their pictures taken with the famous bronze statue of Baphomet on display.
The Gothic building used to be a funeral home and now serves as the home of the Satanic Temple, known for its focus on free thought and social activism. Visitors can explore the Temple's philosophy and appreciate its bold stand on modern issues while immersing themselves in Salem's diverse and unconventional history. This stop provides an intriguing contrast to the town's traditional Halloween attractions.
Quick Disclaimer: I realize the Satanic Temple can be extremely controversial for some. But it is a truly unique Salem experience and I promise they won't try to convert you to Satanism.
Best Places to Stay
When visiting Salem for Halloween, you have a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly to luxurious, with several offering a spooky atmosphere. Here's an overview of some top choices:
Hampton Inn Salem
This modern hotel is a pet-friendly option for those attending the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade. It's centrally located at 11 Dodge Street to all the attractions and events. Amenities include free breakfast and a pool. There is a Starbucks across the street and it's a 6-minute walk to the Peabody Essex Museum.
photo by Fletch6 / CC 3.0
Haunted Hawthorne Hotel
This historic hotel is in a prime location next to Salem Common and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in Salem. It is a higher-end hotel with amenities such as 2 on-site restaurants, a fitness center, and free bikes to get around Salem. The hotel also hosts the annual Hawthorne Halloween Ball so it's extremely convenient if you plan to attend. The Hawthorne is located at 18 Washington Square W.
Practical Tips for Visiting Salem at Halloween
The easiest way to get to Salem is to fly into Boston Logan Airport and then take public transportation or a rideshare to Salem.
From Boston, you can take the MBTA Commuter Rail from North Station to Salem. It's about a 30-minute ride.
The Salem Ferry is a scenic option from Boston, running seasonally from May to October.
Obviously, you can drive to Salem, but if you do drive it might be best to park your car at the hotel and just walk everywhere. Otherwise, you will spend your entire trip in Salem looking for a parking spot.
Book accommodations months in advance – hotels fill up quickly.
Consider staying slightly outside downtown Salem for lower rates.
Visit on weekdays rather than weekends for better rates and smaller crowds.
Expect crowds: Salem welcomes over half a million visitors during October.
Wear a costume: Many visitors and locals dress up, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Be patient: Prepare for long lines at attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Salem is very walkable. Most attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as many sidewalks are old brick and uneven.
The Salem Trolley offers hop-on-hop-off service to major sites from April to November.
The Salem Skipper is a local rideshare service that can take you anywhere in Salem for just $2/ride.
Bluebikes bike share is available for getting around town.
Explore residential areas: Some of the best Halloween decorations are found away from the main tourist spots.
Stay for evening events: Many attractions and decorations are even more impressive after dark.
Download the Salem app: It provides easy access to event schedules, maps, and local information.
As the autumn leaves turn and the veil between worlds grows thin, Salem beckons you to experience a Halloween unlike any other. This historic town, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, transforms into a bewitching playground where history and mystery intertwine.
So, dear adventurers, heed the call of the Witch City this Halloween. Come for the history, stay for the haunts, and leave with memories that will linger long after the jack-o'-lanterns have flickered out.
Who knows? Perhaps your story will become part of Salem's rich tapestry of legends. After all, in a town where history whispers from every shadow, every visitor has the potential to become part of the ongoing tale.
So pack your costume, summon your courage, and prepare for a Halloween experience that's centuries in the making. Salem is waiting, and the witching hour approaches. Will you answer the call?
And when you do visit, don't keep the magic to yourself! Share your Salem experiences and photos. Your spectral snapshots and ghostly tales might just inspire the next brave soul to embark on their own Salem adventure.
Are you looking for a less intense, less crowded Halloween? Check out the Irvington Halloween Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana for a small-town celebration! Can't get enough ghost stories? Learn about LA's most haunted hotels.
