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Salem Massachusetts Halloween

 
how salem became halloween central

How to Have the Best Salem Massachusetts Halloween

 

A Salem Massachusetts Halloween is the absolute best Halloween. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know in order to enjoy the Witch City to its fullest. If you’re looking for all the things to do, places to stay, packages, and events, you’ve come to the right place. Start with our Top 5 Video on things to do in Salem.
 

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Salem Massachusetts Halloween Packages 2023

We are currently hard at work developing our Halloween package for 2023. We plan to announce it in the summer. If you’d like to be notified when it’s released, shoot us an email at joel@tosalem.com and we’ll make sure you get the Salem Massachusetts Halloween Package 2023 when it comes out. You can also email us if you’d like a personalized tour with our site runner Joel during your stay in Salem. 

The Salem Witch Museum offers a great Halloween package that offers discounts on multiple attractions in Salem and Boston. Check it out here. 

Until our 2023 Salem Halloween package is ready, check out our picks for the best places to stay, things to do, shopping, and more that you’ll find in the Witch City. 

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Getting to Salem During Halloween

Driving to Salem
Driving to Salem during Halloween can be a huge challenge. If you're coming from the Yankee Division Highway, expect major delays from the exit to downtown Salem itself. While the distance between these two points is only about 4 miles, a collection of single-lane roads can make delays last more than an hour. Consider and alternate route into town like Highway 1A, especially if you're coming from Boston. Once you get to town, there are several makeshift parking lots. If you get in early enough, the two major parking garages are best for all-day parking. They're at 1 New Liberty St. and 10 Congress St. Fair warning, though, they fill up very fast in the Halloween season.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is generally the best option for getting to and from Salem during the Halloween season. Luckily, there are two methods for getting to Salem from Boston that are both fantastic.
Salem Ferry
Salem Ferry: If you like the open water, check out the ferry from Boston to Salem. This hour-long ferry ride offer snacks, beverages, stunning views, and runs between May and November. It sets off from 1 Long Wharf in Boston and arrives at 10 Blaney Street in Salem or about a 10-15 minute walk from the center of town. Tickets are generally around $25 for one-way or $45 for a round trip. Check out current ferry prices and schedules below.
Salem Ferry
Commuter Rail
By far the most affordable and reliable transportation option for your Salem Halloween trip is the MBTA's commuter rail. The Newburyport/Rockport Line runs right up the coast and can get you to the Witch City in about an hour from Boston. It continues past Salem too, so you may be able to ride in from anywhere along the coast. But be aware, trains out of Salem tend to stop around 11pm on Halloween, so if you want to stay later, you'll need another method for leaving town. Trains tend to leave every half hour or so, varying based on the normal sorts of factors one should expect with public transportation like time of year, weather conditions, maintenance, etc. Best of all, a ride from Boston to Salem on the MBTA will only cost you about $3 for a one-way ticket or $5 for a round trip! Check out current fares and schedules below.
Commuter Rail
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Where to Stay in Salem MA in October

Every October, the historic city of Salem, Massachusetts, comes alive with spooky tales, eerie ambiance, and chilling festivities. As the infamous site of the Salem Witch Trials, Salem has become synonymous with Halloween. If you’re planning a visit during this spine-tingling season, it’s essential to find the perfect place to stay. Here are some of the best accommodations that will enhance your Halloween experience in Salem.

hawthorne-hotel-salem-massachusetts-1280x960-02The Hawthorne Hotel: Nestled in the heart of downtown Salem, The Hawthorne Hotel is a go-to choice for Halloween enthusiasts. With its historic charm and Victorian-era decor, this hotel provides a bewitching atmosphere. Plus, it’s conveniently located near popular attractions like the Witch House and the Salem Witch Trials Memorial. It’s also reportedly very, very haunted. If you want more info about the spooky reasons why, head to our countdown of the top 5 most haunted places in Salem, Massachusetts. 

 

salem-inn-2-scaledThe Salem Inn: For a more intimate and cozy stay, consider The Salem Inn. Comprised of three restored historic homes, this bed and breakfast offers a unique and authentic experience. The inn’s proximity to haunted sites and the famous Essex Street Pedestrian Mall adds to its allure, making it an ideal choice for Halloween enthusiasts. Some of the rooms even have fireplaces, making this one a perfect accompaniment to your New England autumn experience. 

 

joshua-ward-house-merchant-bed-and-breakfast-salem-massachusetts-1280x960-05The Merchant: Situated in a former 18th-century commercial building, The Merchant seamlessly blends modern comfort with historic elegance. Its prime location provides easy access to haunted tours and ghostly attractions. The basement itself is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Witch Trials Sherriff George Corwin. You can learn more about him and the cursed history of this home in Season One of our Salem Witch Trials-themed audio series, Salem’s Ghosts. 

 

Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites: One of the more affordable of the centrally-located Salem hotels, the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers guests a middle-of-the-road lodging experience. By far, the best thing about this place is its location. It’s situated immediately between the main Essex Street drag and Wharf areas. These two sides of town are the undisputed hubs of Halloween activity in Salem, making the Waterfront an enticing locale for your Salem October trip.

 

Airbnb Options: Salem boasts a wide range of Airbnb options, from cozy apartments to historic houses. Renting an Airbnb allows you to experience the city like a local and customize your stay according to your preferences. Many Airbnb hosts in Salem decorate their homes with spooky themes during Halloween, making it an ideal choice for an immersive experience.

The Clipper Ship Inn

The Clipper Ship Inn is one of the most affordable places to stay in Salem Massachusetts. Discover the location, rates, & staying in October!

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February 7, 2020 1 Comment
Fidelia-Bridges-Guest-House-Salem-Massachusetts

Fidelia Bridges Guest House

Everything you need to know about the Fidelia Bridges Guest House in a short video. Location, history, overnight packages, staying in October, and more!

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January 23, 2020 2 Comments
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Things To Do in Salem for Halloween

 

There is so much to do in Salem for Halloween and, really, all year-long. While you can find a ton of great resources on all of the Witch City’s things to do elsewhere on the site, here we’ll focus on Halloween specifically. If you’re looking for all the best things to do this October, this is a great place to start. 

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Witch Dungeon Museum

Everything you need to know about the Witch Dungeon Museum in a short read. Tour, location, price, hours of operation, history, and more!

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August 13, 2020 2 Comments
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Salem Massachusetts Bars & Restaurants

 

Mercy Tavern

Everything you need to know about Mercy Tavern in a short video. Location, hours, history, menu, drinks, merchandise, and more!

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October 10, 2019 No Comments
Bit Bar Salem Massachusetts Salem Ma Restaurants

Bit Bar Salem

Bit Bar Salem is a non-witchy, isolated establishment offering retro arcade fun and a varied drink menu. Is it worth the trip during your Salem visit?

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December 15, 2018 1 Comment
Maria's Sweet Somethings Salem Massachusetts

Maria’s Sweet Somethings

Maria’s Sweet Somethings in Salem Massachusetts is a tourist staple. This is owed in large part to its central location and unique, tourist-friendly design. 

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November 9, 2018 No Comments
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Halloween Shopping in Salem MA

 
Wicked Good Books-Salem-Massachusetts

Wicked Good Books

Wicked Good Books in Salem took over from a similar shop before it. It also happens to be built on top of haunted tunnels. Learn more here!

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October 3, 2019 No Comments

Salem Halloween FAQs

 

Yes! You’ll find no better place for spooky, witchy, New England Halloween activities than Salem. If this page doesn’t convince you, check out our breakdown on why Salem is worth visiting (both during Halloween and the off-season).

A Halloween parade, tons of vendors and shops, a carnival, concerts, haunted houses, Witch Trials attractions, a psychic faire, seasonal treats and drinks, and much, much more. 

Yes. Salem celebrates Halloween for the entire month of October every year. The largest celebration is, obviously, on Halloween and/or on the nearest weekend before it. 

In the 1970’s, a group of local Pagans and Salem entrepreneurs began the Haunted Happenings celebration. As the years went by, this celebration grew to the place it is today. If you want the complete breakdown, check out our page on How Salem Became Halloween-Central.

Yes! The outside of the house is visible at 4 Ocean Ave. You can’t enter, unfortunately. You can also visit both the inside and outside of Allison’s house at 318 Essex Street.

Yes. You’ll find thousands of costumers in Salem during Halloween.