Get ready to get your fright on
“It just so happens that Halloween is based on the ancient feast called All Hallows’ Eve. It’s the one night of the year where the spirits of the dead can return to Earth.”
So said Allison, Vinessa Shaw’s character, in the 1993 comedy “Hocus Pocus.” And each October, the historic town of Salem, MA, celebrates Halloween and fall in New England with Salem Haunted Happenings — a fantastic collection of monthlong festivities that would make any witch proud.
For more than 35 years, the historic town has conjured up spooky fun for all ages. With more than 500 individual events scheduled throughout October, Salem Haunted Happenings is easily considered one of the best places to celebrate Halloween the world over. Whether you go for a day trip or spend the night in Salem, you’re in for a real treat. Read on for happenings to consider when planning your trip to “The Witch City.”
What to do
It well may be an easier task to list what not to do in Salem during October — the city overflows with events, tours, celebrations and such. So without further ado and directly from Destination Salem, here’s a brief list of 2018 Salem Haunted Happenings, appropriate for all ages and interests:
- The Grand Parade, Thursday, October 4, at 6:30 PM — marks the official opening of Salem Haunted Happenings
- Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, October 6 – 7
- The Second Annual Kids Costume Party, October 17
- Hawthorne Hotel’s 28th Annual Halloween Party, “Happily Never After,” October 27
- The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball, October 26
- Salem Horror Fest, October 4 – 14
- Halloween Night, live music and fireworks, October 31
Theatrical programming options bring the past to life:
- “Shipwrecked,” interactive performance at Haunted Dinner Theatre
- “Spirits of the Gables” and “Legacy of the Hanging Judge” at The House of the Seven Gables
- “Harvey” at Salem State Theatre
- “Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop,” presented by History Alive
Several attractions and tours explain the events of the Salem Witch Trials and their relevance to the world today:
Plenty of family activities will entertain all the ghouls and goblins:
- Great Salem Pumpkin Walk, October 10
- Kids Costume Party and Cosplay Celebration, October 17
- Salem Fairy Door Trail, October 24
- Salem Kids Tours, throughout October
- Sea Shuttle’s Spooky Shuttle Cruises, throughout October
- “Hocus Pocus” Site Tours (released in 1993, the Disney film was filmed on location in Salem and many of the sites can be seen and photographed today), throughout October
Frightening sights include haunted houses and ghost tours:
- Imprisoned! 1692, tour of the Old Witch Gaol
- Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery
- Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour
- The Lost Museum at Gallows Hill Museum/Theatre
- Salem Night Tour
- Tales at the Witch House
Plan your trip
Learn more about this year’s Salem Haunted Happenings. Plan a visit to Salem with Archer Hotel Burlington as your home base, about 20 miles west in Burlington, MA.
And like Aunt Jet Owens, Dianne Wiest’s character in “Practical Magic,” warns, “Be careful what you wish for.” In The Witch City of Salem – and especially at Salem Haunted Happenings in October — you just may get it.
Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again!
