Halloween in Salem 2023: Embrace the Magic of the “Witch City

Witches, Ghosts, Vampires, & Parades

Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts, is a spellbinding month-long extravaganza of haunted happenings, séances, ghost stories, witches, pirates, vampires, and all things macabre. Salem gears up for Halloween early, and by October 1st, the entire city is adorned with Halloween decorations. Moreover, this is when all the spooky, unique attractions, shows, and activities open their doors to welcome visitors, ensuring that the Halloween spirit prevails throughout the month.

While Salem is an intriguing destination throughout the year, October offers a unique opportunity to explore the darker chapters of this coastal city’s history while enjoying the contemporary Halloween festivities.

Getting to Salem and Immersing in the Magic of Halloween:

Getting to Salem from Boston is a breeze, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway. The fast ferry departing from Boston’s Long Wharf offers a convenient way to reach Salem. Once you step ashore in Salem, you’ll instantly notice that everyone is dressed in colourful costumes, wigs, and imaginative makeup, so remember to embrace your Halloween alter ego.

Salem Halloween Highlights for 2023:

Haunted Happenings Grand Parade: The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is the ideal way to kickstart the Halloween festivities in Salem. It features music, pageantry, and creative floats. Although the parade elements are stationary, attendees can admire the captivating displays. The parade typically takes place on the first Thursday evening of October.

Haunted Happenings Marketplace: The marketplace kicks off the Halloween celebrations with music, pageantry, and costumed students from Salem schools parading from Shetland Park to Salem Common. Make sure to dress in your Halloween best to embrace the event’s spirit entirely.

Salem Witch City Tours: Immerse yourself in the history of witch trials with a guided day trip to Salem, which includes a visit to the Salem Witch Museum. Explore the reasons behind the witchcraft panic that led to the Salem witch trials. Afterwards, embark on a walking tour through Salem’s historic district, uncovering historical events and their enduring legacy.

More Halloween Events in Salem: Throughout October, numerous Halloween-related events take place in Salem. There’s something for everyone, from pumpkin decorating to seances and haunted tours. Some events are free, while others may require admission fees. Expect a mix of expertly done and delightfully cheesy Halloween experiences.

Salem Witch Museums: Salem boasts several witch museums and ghoulish attractions transformed with extra decorations and special effects for Halloween. While these attractions may not always focus on historical accuracy, they prioritize delivering thrilling experiences. Here are some famous witch museums in Salem:

• Salem Witch Museum: The oldest of the witch museums, it offers a “living history” presentation and exhibitions.
• Salem Witch Village: This attraction offers guided tours and transforms into a Haunted Village on October weekends.
• Salem Wax Museum and Frankenstein’s Laboratory: Explore the history of Salem through wax figures and navigate Frankenstein’s Laboratory during October weekends.