Known for its rich history of mysterious encounters and occurrences, and infamous for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, Salem, Massachusetts is a must-do if you're local to the state, passing through, or visiting our Massachusetts campground for a Halloween Weekend. If your favorite time of year is spooky season, visiting Salem is a bucket-list experience. Filled with culture, history, and a love for Halloween traditions, here are 7 must-do Halloween activities in Salem, MA.
Salem Haunted Happenings
Salem Haunted Happenings is the largest celebration of Halloween in the world! The half-million visitors can enjoy a variety of parties, parades, vendor fairs, walking tours, museums, special events, and more! Make sure you wear an awesome costume, as many visitors will be dressed up to the nines. For a full list of the Salem Halloween activities, click here.
Photo courtesy of Salem Witch Museum.
Salem Witch Museum
It wouldn't be a visit to Salem, Massachusetts without this ultimate Salem Halloween activity: The Salem Witch Museum. The museum covers one of the most notorious events in American History, the Salem witch trials of 1693. Visitors can experience the drama of the dark times through various exhibits where they can learn about the phenomenon of witch hunting through life-size figures and stories that recap the history. Please be aware, this museum highlights emotional, dark experiences and is best to leave the younger children at home.
Salem Night Faire
Head over to Pioneer Village on October 20-21 & 27-28 for the Salem Night Faire to learn about the spooky dark arts of Olde Salem Village. Step into the magic and enjoy 50+ local artists, clothing, jewelry, vendors, live entertainment, campfire ghost stories, fortune tellers, and more! This event aligns with two of our final Halloween weekends, so stop by if you're staying with us!
October Cruises
Mahi Cruises is hosting special seasonal cruises during spooky season! If you're looking for Salem Halloween events, book a Haunted Happenings Harbor Cruise! This 75-minute cruise is filled with spooky photo ops, face painting, music, scary stories, and monsters that haunt the ship! If you'd prefer a cruise with a view, you can sign up for a 90-minute lighthouse + foliage cruise which travels along the shores and points out the beautiful fall scenery.
Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
The Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour is one of Salem's most haunting attractions. Experience Salem's longest-running ghostly tour with the city's 'spirited' tour leader! The knowledgeable ghostly guides combine captivating storytelling, macabre humor, and stellar presentation to convey Salem's authentic haunted history.
The Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball
Join the Witches of Salem in one of the most hauntingly epic parties of the year! This event is for adults only on October 27th and will have live entertainment and magical activities all night long! Plus, the first 100 guests will get a gift bag filled with magical goodies! Grab your best costume and enjoy a parents-night-out--find more info here!
Frankenstein's Castle
You can't have a spooky-themed trip to Salem without visiting a haunted house! This Salem Halloween activity is voted the best haunted house in the city. Frankenstein's Castle will transport you into The Wax Museum’s dungeon and witness the horrors of Dr. Frankenstein with live actors and animatronics. Click here for more information.
As you can see, Salem, Massachusetts is a must-see city if you love all things Halloween! These 7 Salem Halloween events and activities are only a few of the many that are planned all season long. The Witch City also has plenty of local shops, fall festivals, places to eat, and historical spots to check out during your visit! For a scary good time, spend a week in Salem, and the weekend at our Camp-Resort for a Halloween Weekend!