Halloween

Halloween is the absolute zenith of Salem's tourist season, when about half a million visitors descend upon the town. Prices are higher, and all restaurants, events, and hotels will have sold out months in advance of the holiday. More kid-friendly events take place during daylight hours, and things get more wild as the night progresses. If you'd like to avoid the worst of the crowds, the presence of Halloween vibes (and porta-potties) remains strong throughout the entire month of October. Do not drive into town, it can take hours in traffic from Boston, and some streets close to cars. The ferry continues to operate and the MBTA runs extra trains to accommodate revelers. Prepare yourself for an experience, wear a costume, bring snacks, and get ready to party!

Hours: October 31
Website: hauntedhappenings.org (opens in a new tab)

Suggest a nearby place

Listing from Wikivoyage: Salem (Massachusetts), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

No exact location on record.

More in Salem

Do
Bakers Island Light
Essex Heritage Tours
While this tour group offers several interesting walking tours, the real highlight is the excursions offered on their 32 foot vessel, Naumkeag. During the high season they offer trips to see Bakers Island Light and Misery Island. The trip is slightly adventurous, and visitors must be at least 4 years old and be able to withstand some light exposure to the elements. Most visit the island for 2.5 hours; but it is possible to camp overnight. Those with deep pockets may stay at the assistant keeper's house. Boat tours depart from the Salem Ferry dock.
Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM$35, children $25
Do
Fame of Salem
Take a tour of Salem harbor on a full-scale replica of the famous schooner. Framed and planked of white oak and trunnel-fastened in the traditional manner, this replica was launched in 2003. The original Fame was a fast Chebacco fishing schooner reborn as a privateer when war broke out in the summer of 1812. She was arguably the first American privateer to bring home a prize, and she made 20 more captures before being wrecked in the Bay of Fundy in 1814.
From $39
Do
Fort Lee
These 5 point irregular star fort is what remains of earthworks constructed in 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Some original bits remain, although it has been modified dozens of times over the years. Granted to the Federal Government in 1867, it was returned to Salem in 1922. Some trails and interpretive signs were added at the nation's bicentennial, but they were removed and the site is today overgrown. The paths are well trod today, and it's certainly worth a visit to any history buff.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
Misery Islands
In the past Great Misery Island played host to a golf club and manicured course with over two dozen permanent cottages. However; a fire in 1926 destroyed pretty much everything, and an 87-acre nature reserve was established here in 1935. Today the islands are uninhabited and managed by The Trustees. The peculiar name originates with shipbuilder Robert Moulton. After being stranded on the islands during a winter storm in the 1620s, he described his experience as "three miserable days". Nearby, Little Misery Island can be reached from Great Misery on foot by wading across at low tide. If you lack a private vessel, Essex Heritage Tours offers occasional day trips here in summer.
Sunrise-sunset dailyFree