In search of Halloween witches in Salem, Massachusetts? Ready to give up the Sunday football game to take the kids exploring? Nothing is as Halloween focused as Haunted Happenings. This Massachusetts fall festival that draws more than 250,000 guests (or victims?) to celebrate Halloween in “Witch City.”
Historic witch trials made the seaport of Salem famous. During the 17th century, residents accused of witchcraft were presumed guilty, imprisoned and executed. Today, families take advantage of the many happier “haunted happenings” that are being offered in this bewitching town the entire month of October.
Since its 1982 beginnings, the festival has grown to include local museums, restaurants, hotels and more. This is a fun and unusual festival with enough variety to appeal to families, couples, history buffs, and Halloween enthusiasts worldwide.
Halloween Witches in Salem Museums
Go back to the day in April of 1692 when Bridget Bishop is accused of witchcraft at the Bridget Bishop Home and Salem Witch Museum. The house and orchards tell about her story and trial until she was hung on Gallows Hill. The hill itself is the site of reenactments and other history-invoking events on several evenings.
At the Peabody & Essex Museum, The Salem Witch Trials: 1962 is one of several museum shows that showcase the area’s poignant history. This fascinating, small museum is the only collection of authentic items from the actual trials.
Learn more about fashion, inclusion and women’s roles in this historic community, Asian art and other eclectic topics. Coming in September 2024 is Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums, which would be another perfectly spooky experience to add to your trip.
Board the 50-minute long tour, Ghosts & Legends Trolley, as it circles the town. All ages will enjoy guides sharing tales of woe, witchcraft and distress. Pass the House of the Seven Gables, the old cemetery, Winter Island and much more.
Year Round Witchery In and Around Salem Village
Experience Salem’s most authentic and renounced ghost walk with Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tours. This frightful saunter occurs every night in October and at other times throughout the year. Ensure this bone chilling experience with advance tickets. By the way, parking is usually a nightmare. This year, the City of Salem has expanded free satellite parking and shuttle service on three weekends to help with parking congestion. For more information and advice about visiting Salem, check out their Facebook page.
The Festival of the Dead explores death’s mysteries through events that investigate the favored and forbidden ways in which people have honored, celebrated, and secretly delved into life’s inevitable destination. It includes a number of different events throughout the month of October, such as “Messages from the Spirit World: An Authentic Salem Seance” and “Graveyard Magic.” Note that tickets are typically required.
There are also a variety of slightly unsettling, night-time outdoor excursions which feature the historic structures of Pioneer Village.
Salem Family Attractions Minus the Witchcraft
Salem was also an important overseas trading destination and its wharves were once busy with successful captains and sea merchants bringing home money and goods from all over. Stop by the Salem Maritime National Historic Site Orientation Center for directions to the spit of land known as the Long Wharf. Along the way, you’ll pass the replica of the fully operational 171-foot, three-masted Friendship of Salem, which takes on passengers during the warmer months. (An East India man built the original ship in 1797.) Look for the stout Derby Wharf Lighthouse, built in 1871. It’s a mere 20 feet tall but offers a beautiful view of the water to accommodate visitors.
Visitors may also recognize the destination for being the muse of author Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter while in Salem.
A truly remarkable historical attraction that should be on any visitor’s list is the First Church In Salem, located off the intersection of Essex and Summer Street. Founded in 1629, the church is one of America’s oldest Protestant churches in continuous operation. It, too, was actually involved in the witch hysteria in Salem Village in 1692. Today, however, the Unitarian Universalist church is much different and accepts congregation members of all ages, religious backgrounds, races and even sexual orientation.
How to Save in Boston while Experiencing Halloween Witches in Salem
Crowds book up little Salem over the October holidays, so we suggest basing the family in nearby Boston, a great city where you can spend many more days in exploration. A Boston CityPASS (digital tickets or app) guarantees savings on the most popular attractions. That’s one easy way to save on sightseeing. Another way to save, according to hotel experts — is to avoid the dates when the New England Patriots are playing. Seriously!
Although Salem is only about 20 miles north along the coast, with traffic it can take about an hour to get there. Because of the travel time, you will definitely want your own car. Because you want your own car, you will want an affordable parking spot. Check each hotel’s parking policy before you book.
With these tips in mind, find a great deal on Booking.com for a Boston Orlando hotel and save big this season. Tip: Sort the choices by number of people in your group, and use the More Filters tab if you need a crib or other special request, to make finding the right hotel easy. (Perhaps easier than ridding it of Halloween ghosts.)
For non-spooky ideas on what to do in the area, check out Family Travel Forum’s guide, Boston, Massachusetts Attractions, with sights selected for all groups.
Looking for more fun haunted houses for kids, spooky thrills, and frights? See what’s going on this Halloween across the country.
Tips for a Smooth and Spooky Halloween Adventure
Beat the Crowds
Popular Halloween events, especially those on weekends, can get busy. Arrive early to snag good parking spots and avoid long lines. Consider buying tickets online in advance if the option is available.
Dress for the Weather
East Coast weather in October can be unpredictable. Dress your little ghosts and goblins in costumes that allow for layering. Warm sweaters under superhero suits or extra tights under a princess dress can make a big difference on a chilly night.
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans can be foiled by rain. Have an indoor alternative in mind, like one of the museums or a kid-friendly movie screening, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Snacks and Supplies
Pack water bottles and some snacks to keep everyone fueled for the festivities. A few glow sticks for after-dark never hurt either!
Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos of your costumed crew having a blast. Remember those goofy grins and spooky adventures forever!
Bonus Tip: Check local event websites or Facebook pages for any specific parking tips and discounts they might offer for their Halloween events.
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