Salem, Massachusetts turns into a Halloween capital every October during Haunted Happenings. Known for its witch trial history and spooky vibes, the town becomes a festival zone filled with eerie attractions, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and spine-tingling tours. With over a month of themed events, Haunted Happenings offers something for everyone, from creepy ghost hunts to creative costume contests. These 12 experiences explain why it’s a can’t-miss fall destination.
1. Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
The month-long celebration starts with the Grand Parade, a street-wide party packed with costumed dancers, floats, and cheering crowds. It’s held on the first Thursday of October and weaves through downtown Salem. Local schools, fire departments, and artists participate each year, making it a huge community event. The parade brings in over 10,000 people and sets the stage for the spooky fun that fills the rest of the month.
2. Haunted Witch Village Tour
This indoor haunted house blends historical scenes with jump scares and eerie storytelling. Located on Essex Street, the tour walks visitors through a maze of fog, skeletons, and flashing lights while sharing tales of witches and spirits. It’s open every day in October and lasts around 15 minutes. Teens looking for a mild thrill will enjoy the mix of spooky sights and facts about 1600s Salem life and legends.
3. The Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market
Held daily at Witch City Mall, this market brings together vendors selling crystals, incense, books, and handmade charms. There are also psychic readers who offer tarot readings and palmistry sessions. The market is one of the oldest parts of Haunted Happenings and draws curious tourists from all over the world. It’s a chance to learn about modern witch culture in a friendly, indoor space open to all ages.
4. The House of the Seven Gables Haunted Tours
Built in 1668, this historic home offers candlelit tours each October. Guides in period dress take visitors through shadowy hallways while telling real ghost stories. The house inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel and is said to be haunted by past residents. The tours mix literary history with eerie vibes, making it a unique experience for visitors interested in haunted places with real roots in American fiction.
5. Witch Trial Memorial Events
To honor the victims of the 1692 witch trials, Salem hosts candlelight vigils and remembrance ceremonies throughout October. These events often take place near the Witch Trial Memorial on Liberty Street. Guides read names of the accused, and visitors can leave flowers or candles. It’s a quiet space that encourages learning and respect, reminding guests of the tragic side of Salem’s past that’s not just about ghosts or costumes.
6. Ghosts & Legends Trolley Tour
This 60-minute trolley ride is a moving ghost story on wheels. It travels through Salem’s most haunted spots, like the Howard Street Cemetery and Old Salem Jail. Guides share tales of haunted houses, pirate curses, and strange sightings. The trolley is especially fun at night when the fog settles in. It’s a great way to explore the city and hear its spookiest stories without doing a walking tour.
7. Halloween Costume Ball
This indoor dance party takes place near the end of October and is open to teens and adults with family-friendly vibes. People show up in creative costumes and dance to live DJ music under neon lights and spooky decorations. Some years feature cash prizes for best costume or group outfit. It’s a chance to celebrate Halloween in style without the jump scares, and many visitors return just for this one night.
8. Jack-O’-Lantern Displays
Throughout downtown Salem, hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins light up doorways, shop windows, and sidewalks. Local artists create scenes with witches, bats, black cats, and even famous faces. Many displays are part of contests and stay lit through Halloween night. Salem Common also hosts a pumpkin patch with live music and vendors. These glowing pumpkins add a magical, fall-themed glow to the town every evening in October.
9. Spooky Storytime at Salem Common
Held on Saturday evenings, this event brings together families for outdoor ghost stories under the trees. Professional storytellers share tales from New England folklore, some based on real Salem legends. Blankets, hot drinks, and crisp autumn air create the perfect setting. Storytime lasts about an hour and mixes eerie and silly stories, making it fun for both younger and older visitors who want a chill scare.
10. Salem Horror Fest Screenings
Movie lovers gather at local theaters to watch cult horror classics, indie films, and new scary releases. Salem Horror Fest runs for multiple weekends in October and includes panel discussions and director meet-and-greets. Some showings are held late at night, adding to the creepy atmosphere. It’s a quieter but intense way to experience Halloween, especially for teens who love horror but want a seat instead of a scare maze.
11. Broom Making and Witchcraft Workshops
Some local shops host craft workshops where you can make your own mini broomstick, learn how herbs were used in old rituals, or try candle-making. These sessions are often led by practicing witches or artists and offer a safe space to explore witch history and tradition. It’s educational, hands-on, and fun. Most workshops are small, so signing up early is a good idea if you’re in town.
12. Halloween Night Finale
Everything builds toward October 31, when the streets fill with thousands of people in costume. Live bands, street performers, food stalls, and fire jugglers appear across downtown. Police and staff patrol the area to keep it safe for all ages. The night usually ends with a fireworks show or a dramatic closing performance. It’s the biggest Halloween celebration in the region and something you have to see once in your life.
