The Salem Halloween Festival: Everything You Need To Know To Plan Your Halloween Trip
Are you thinking of visiting Salem for Halloween? Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Salem Halloween Festival, Haunted Happenings, for the chance to explore the town’s rich history while embracing the magic of the season. Salem’s connection to Halloween runs deep, rooted in the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. If you’re already familiar with Salem, Massachusetts you know about the legendary story of the Salem Witch Trials. This chapter in the town’s history has transformed the area into a Halloween mecca of sorts, where witchcraft, legends, and paranormal fascination thrive.
The eerie stories and all-around spooky vibes of this area makes it the perfect destination for Halloween lovers; but Salem’s Halloween Festival take those spooky vibes to an entirely new level, turning this charming, yet mysterious, New England town into a month-long celebration of all things spooky. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and mystical aura make it an unmissable fall destination, but its Halloween season is an unforgettable experience steeped in both historical and haunting allure.
Key Events at the Salem Halloween Festival
To be clear, the name of the Salem Halloween Festival is Haunted Happenings. Throughout the entire month of October there are several events held designed to give visitors the ultimate spooky experience:
Parades & Costume Parties: If you plan to dress up, bring your A-game. The iconic Haunted Happenings Parade brings out witches, goblins, and every other spooky character you can think of. Salem also has numerous costume parties to participate in to win prizes and show off creativity.
Witch Trials Reenactments & Tours: It’s 1692 and YOU’RE on trial. These reenactments take you back in time to the infamous witch trials that took place in Salem. Haunted walking tours give visitors a deep dive into the eerie tales and haunted history of the town, with stops at cemeteries and key witch trial locations.
Psychic Readings & Witchcraft Markets: Want to tap into Salem’s mystical side? There are witchcraft shops, psychic readers, and metaphysical markets for a “witchy” experience.
Family-Friendly Events: For families with kids, Salem offers pumpkin carving contests, trick-or-treating events, and magical storytelling sessions to ensure that even children can enjoy the Halloween festivities.
For a list of all events, maps, locations, and pop-ups keep the Haunted Happenings website saved on your phone. They will list everything you need throughout your stay.
Best Time to Visit
October in Salem is jam packed with Halloween and fall festival energy. While the Salem Halloween Festival runs throughout the month, timing is everything to avoid major crowds. It’s said that over 1 million visitors attend the Haunted Happenings festival every year, but the busiest days are typically on the weekend leading up to Halloween. The large parades, parties, and events draw in the biggest crowds. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience during the month of Halloween, try visiting mid-week when it’s quieter but still plenty to do. Early October is ideal for a balanced mix of festivities and space to explore without the heavy crowds, trust me, it gets packed.
What to Pack
Speaking of packed, packing for your trip to Haunted Happenings, Salem’s Halloween Festival, is about balancing comfort with style—and spooky flair! Here’s what I’d suggest you bring:
Costumes: Salem is famous for its costume culture, so don’t shy away from dressing up. Obviously if you intend on attending a costume party or parade, get creative, go BIG! But even while you’re just touring the town a classic witch hat or cape gets you in the spirit.
Layers, Layers, Layers: Fall weather in Massachusetts can be unpredictable. It’s best to be prepared for cool mornings, warm afternoons, and very chilly nights. With plenty of layers you should be prepared no matter what. Think sweaters, scarves, and jackets.
Good Walking Shoes: Salem’s cobblestone streets and walking tours mean you’ll be on your feet a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must. I particularly like a stylish flat boot to keep things practical but still fall-chic.
Where to Stay
Salem offers a variety of accommodations, from historic inns to quaint bed-and-breakfasts that perfectly capture the fall spirit:
The Hawthorne Hotel: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this historic hotel, named after the famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter), who grew up in Salem. This is an iconic hotel established in 1925 that is also added to the Historic Hotels of America list. It places you in the heart of downtown Salem, which in my personal opinion is the only reason to book this hotel. It’s not my favorite, but it sells out every year so book months in advance.
The Merchant: This modern boutique hotel is definitely a favorite that also sits in the heart of downtown with a storied past. The Merchant blends luxury with a historical atmosphere. Due to its prime location, it also sells out fast, so book in advance.
The Cove: The Cove is a low-key gem! This is another modern, newly renovated, boutique hotel. While it is not in the heart of downtown it is still in Salem, just outside the bubble of adventure. The good news is, it’s about a 20 minute walk from the hotel to much of the festivities in town (if you want to avoid parking), and due to its location it’s much more cost effective than staying in the heart of downtown.
If Salem is fully booked (which it usually is by mid to late September), look for accommodations in nearby towns like Marblehead or Beverly—just a short drive away and less crowded but still packed with fall charm.
How to Get There
Getting to Salem for the Halloween Festival is pretty simple. If you don’t plan to stay in or around Salem, I suggest staying in Boston and heading to Salem for a day trip:
By Car: Salem is an easy drive from Boston, about 40 minutes without traffic, but please keep in mind there will be a ton of traffic depending on the date you arrive. I don’t recommend driving if it can be avoided.
By Train: The MBTA Commuter Rail is a convenient option from Boston to Salem, especially if you want to avoid having to park. It’s a short 30-minute ride, and the station in Salem is centrally located.
By Ferry: The Salem ferry runs between Boston and Salem. The ride is about an hour long and tickets are typically $15 - $30 round trip.
Parking Tips: If you’re going to drive (which I don’t recommend), it’s best to arrive at your destination early to secure parking. The parking lots fill up quickly during festival season, so look for off-site lots with shuttle services to avoid gridlock.
Where to Eat
Salem’s food scene is giving fall vibes and witchy charm. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food or just need a spot to recharge between festivities:
Turner’s Seafood: It's classic New England fall—fresh seafood, cozy vibes, and a touch of seafaring (and haunting) history.
Red’s Sandwich Shop: The locals’ fav, it's serving up hearty breakfast before you hit the haunted streets.
Gulu-Gulu Café: Not your typical cafe, this eclectic and artsy bohemian outpost is perfect for craft beer, coffee, and light food—also perfect for a little people-watching.
And don’t forget, it’s pumpkin spice, cider donut, and apple pie season, so indulge accordingly!
Must-Visit Attractions Beyond the Festival
Salem is packed with historical sites and attractions that go beyond the Halloween festival:
Witch House Museum: The only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witch Trials.
Salem Witch Museum: Explore the details of the infamous 1692 trials through immersive exhibits and historical documents.
House of the Seven Gables: Dive into Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic tale while touring this iconic house with a rich history and a few ghost stories.
Old Burying Point Cemetery: One of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S., it’s a hauntingly beautiful spot to reflect on Salem’s past.
Hocus Pocus filming locations: Relive the magic of this classic Halloween movie by visiting some of the filming locations scattered throughout Salem.
Salem’s Halloween Festival, Haunted Happenings, is unlike any other. With a blend of rich history, vibrant events, and a magical atmosphere, it’s the ultimate Halloween destination. From ghost tours and costume parades to historical buildings, restaurants, and must-see attractions, Salem in October offers something for everyone—whether you're a history buff, a paranormal-seeker, or someone who just loves fall vibes. Start planning your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for a Halloween adventure that’s both spooky and unforgettable!
