Salem Halloween – Your 2025 Ultimate Guide to Events, Tours & Spooky Stays

Salem Massachusetts Halloween is not just a celebration but a full-blown October takeover, and 2025 promises to be the spookiest yet. From candlelit cemeteries to broomstick-ready parades, there’s a reason Salem Halloween draws ghost-hunters, history buffs, and thrill-seekers from around the world.

Known as the Witch City, this eerily charming New England town transforms into a real-life Halloween movie set every fall. Whether you’re into haunted houses, historical walking tours, or just want to snap a selfie with a very committed Sanderson Sister cosplayer, Salem has something waiting in the shadows for you.

And with updated 2025 events, tours, and hotel details dropping fast, now’s the time to start planning. Get ready for a guide so packed with eerie delights, you’ll want to book your trip before the witching hour—read on if you dare!

What Are the Best Halloween Tours to Take During Salem Massachusetts Halloween in 2025?

Some of the best tours to experience during Salem Massachusetts Halloween in 2025 blend eerie history with interactive fun and unforgettable storytelling. A fan favorite is the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, which combines a haunted trolley ride with guided cemetery visits led by a costumed “gravedigger.”

If you’re coming from the city, the Salem Day Trip from Boston by Train: The Legacy of Witches offers a small-group walking tour to key landmarks like the Witch Trials Memorial and the Salem Witch Museum. For those craving coastal vibes, the Salem in a Day from Boston by Ferry includes a scenic ride and a full-day guided journey through Salem’s haunted highlights.

And if you’re looking for a tour with a twist, the Salem Witch Tour from Boston: History, Hysteria & Handcrafted Brooms ends with a broom-making workshop you didn’t know you needed. With each tour offering a different take on Salem’s haunted history, choosing just one might be the scariest part!

Book the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour for a Spine-Chilling Night Out

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour delivers a ghoulishly good time with a 90-minute combo of haunted trolley rides and cemetery strolls through Boston’s darkest history. Your journey kicks off at Long Wharf Marriott, where a gravedigger guide in full costume leads you to infamous burying grounds like Copp’s Hill and Granary.

Along the way, you’ll hear tales of notorious spirits, including “Jolly Jane” Toppan and the Boston Strangler, told with theatrical flair and historical grit. Tours run rain or shine, and kids under 13? Consider leaving them with the babysitter—things get chilling fast.

Hop on the Salem Day Trip from Boston by Train: The Legacy of Witches

Experience the Salem Day Trip from Boston by Train: The Legacy of Witches, a 4-hour historical immersion led by a licensed guide and capped at just 14 guests. Starting at North Station in Boston, you’ll ride a scenic commuter train straight into the heart of Salem, where stops include The Witch Trials Memorial, The Burying Point, and the Witch House.

Depending on the day, you’ll step inside the Salem Witch Museum or the Real Pirates Museum, each offering a different side of Salem’s storied past. With flexible return tickets, you can explore spooky shops and cozy cafés after your tour wraps—just don’t miss the Bewitched Statue for your perfect Insta moment.

Sail Into Spooky Season with the Salem in a Day from Boston by Ferry: The Legacy of Witches

The Salem in a Day from Boston by Ferry: The Legacy of Witches tour kicks off with a breezy Boston Harbor ferry ride and plunges into a 7.5-hour adventure through Salem’s haunted heart. You’ll walk historic Essex Street and visit the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, The Witch House, and even iconic film spots like Ropes Mansion from Hocus Pocus.

Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore the town’s Puritan roots and pop culture rebirth, plus gain entry to either the Salem Witch Museum or the Real Pirates Museum depending on your travel date. With built-in free time for lunch and shopping, you can customize your eerie escape before catching your return boat back to Boston.

Step Back in Time on the Salem Witch Tour from Boston: History, Hysteria & Handcrafted Brooms

The Salem Witch Tour from Boston: History, Hysteria & Handcrafted Brooms blends true-crime storytelling with a DIY twist that’s anything but ordinary. Starting at North Station, you’ll board the MBTA with a historian guide and dive into 1692’s tragic events as you visit the Old Town Hall, Witch Trials Memorial, and the iconic Witch House.

Afterward, head to The Witchery—Salem’s enchanting broom-making studio—for a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own keepsake broom and assemble a personalized spell satchel. With flexible return options and time to roam, this 4-hour experience is equal parts history lesson and magical memory-making.

What Are the Top Salem Halloween Events Happening in 2025?

If you’re wondering what are the top Salem Halloween events happening in 2025, brace yourself as this year’s lineup is spellbinding. The season kicks off with the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on October 2nd, setting the stage for a month of costumed revelry and historic mischief.

Fans of witchy glam won’t want to miss The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball 2025 on October 31st, hosted at the Hawthorne Hotel with live rituals, dancing, and a costume contest. Movie lovers can relive their favorite moments at It’s Just a Buncha Halloween, featuring Hocus Pocus cast meetups and themed trolley tours from October 2–5.

For something atmospheric, the Salem Night Faire on select October weekends brings candlelit markets, ghost stories, and a cozy Biergarten to Pioneer Village. And don’t forget the daily Salem Psychic Fair and the immersive Salem Haunted Magic Show: Hysteria! – The Ghost Magician, both running throughout the season for nonstop chills.

Dance the Night Away at The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball 2025

Hosted at the historic Hawthorne Hotel, The Official Salem Witches’ Halloween Ball 2025 casts its spell on October 31, from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. This 21+ extravaganza features live music from the legendary Dragon Ritual Drummers, ritual performances, psychic readings, and a ballroom packed with elaborately costumed guests.

Expect cash prizes for costume contests, candlelit magic, and an atmosphere dripping with witchy glamour. Tickets sell out quickly for this one-night-only celebration of Salem’s mystical roots.

Kick Off the Season at the Haunted Happenings Grand Parade

The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is the official launch party for Salem’s month-long Halloween celebration, marching through downtown on October 2, 2025. This beloved annual tradition features themed floats, high school bands, community groups, and locals decked out in costumes that range from cute to downright chilling.

The parade loops around Salem Common and spills into nearby streets, turning the whole area into a festive (and photo-worthy) carnival. If you want to catch the kickoff energy of Salem Halloween, this is the event to see.

Celebrate Spooky Nostalgia at It’s Just a Buncha Halloween

Back by demand, It’s Just a Buncha Halloween runs from October 2–5, 2025, and brings the magic of Hocus Pocus to life in Salem. The weekend includes cast appearances, fan meet-and-greets, trivia nights, and behind-the-scenes trolley tours that visit filming locations.

Screenings of the movie include live commentary, and brunches feature themed menus and photo ops with your favorite Sanderson sisters. It’s the ultimate Halloween nostalgia trip for 90s kids and witchy movie lovers alike.

Explore the Enchanted World of the Salem Night Faire

Held under the stars at Pioneer Village, the Salem Night Faire runs on October 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2025 and transforms this 17th-century site into a magical marketplace. With over 50 vendors offering handcrafted oddities, gothic jewelry, and spellbound art, it’s a treasure trove for lovers of the mystical and macabre.

The fair features ghost stories, circus-style performers, candlelit paths, and a cozy Biergarten serving mulled cider and local brews. It’s as close to a haunted Ren Faire as you’ll ever get.

Unlock Your Third Eye at the Salem Psychic Fair

Open daily from October 1–31, 2025, the Salem Psychic Fair takes over Witch City Mall with an ever-changing lineup of readers, mystics, and magical merchants. From tarot to palmistry and aura photography, you’ll find spiritual services for every flavor of the metaphysical.

This event in Salem also one of the best spots in town to pick up enchanted gifts, spell kits, and witchy souvenirs. Come early or visit often—this is Salem’s longest-running psychic event for a reason.

Be Amazed at the Salem Haunted Magic Show: Hysteria! – The Ghost Magician

Starting September 23, 2025, the Salem Haunted Magic Show: Hysteria! – The Ghost Magician brings a chilling blend of illusions and ghostly storytelling to Emerson Hall Theater. This live theatrical experience uses cinematic lighting, creepy sound effects, and mind-bending sleight of hand to immerse audiences in Salem’s eeriest legends.

Suitable for teens and adults, the show updates each season with new tricks and spine-tingling tales. It’s part ghost story, part stage show, and all haunted spectacle.

Exactly When Is Salem Massachusetts Halloween Festival in 2025?

Wondering exactly when the Salem Massachusetts Halloween festival is in 2025? The answer is: all October long—but with some very specific dates you won’t want to miss.

The official Haunted Happenings Festival runs from October 1 to October 31, 2025, filling the town with costumed chaos, spooky tours, and witchy vibes. While events happen throughout the month, the biggest crowds and most iconic experiences land on Halloween night (October 31st) and the weekend before, October 25th and 26th.

Those final days feature everything from parades and street performers to haunted houses and historical reenactments. Pop-up food festivals, ghost tours, and art shows keep things lively all month, so there’s no bad time to visit—just spookier ones.

What Are the Best Hotels in Salem Massachusetts for Halloween Stays in 2025?

If you’re asking what are the best hotels in Salem Massachusetts for Halloween stays in 2025, you’ll want to book fast—these spots fill up quicker than a cauldron on full moon night. At the top of the list is The Hotel Salem, known for its elevated Halloween decor, themed pillows, and prime location steps from the heart of haunted happenings.

History lovers should check into the iconic Hawthorne Hotel, which pairs historic charm with haunted tours right outside its door and spooky surprises like Halloween-themed menus. For a more boutique vibe, The Merchant offers cozy-luxe rooms, a downtown location, and a restaurant serving seasonal fare worthy of a spell or two.

All three properties are within walking distance of major Halloween events, making them perfect home bases for spooky adventures. Whether you’re dressing up, ghost-hunting, or just sipping cider, these hotels make Halloween in Salem next-level.

Stay at The Hotel Salem for the Ultimate Halloween Vibes

Few spots capture the spirit of The Hotel Salem quite like its Halloween-ready rooms—think plush pillows, moody lighting, and tasteful spooky décor that’s more chic than cheesy. Nestled just steps from downtown’s biggest events, you’ll be within walking distance of everything from the Salem Witch Museum to the Haunted Happenings Festival.

The staff? Total pros at Halloween—expect insider event tips and maybe even a ghost story or two at check-in. With ambiance and location locked in, this hotel books fast for October—don’t wait.

Experience Timeless Spooks at Hawthorne Hotel

History and Halloween collide at the legendary Hawthorne Hotel, where creaky charm meets classy seasonal décor. Located in the heart of downtown Salem, you’re just minutes from haunted houses, costumed reenactments, and every witchy event on your bucket list.

The staff goes above and beyond, offering curated tips for Halloween weekend and themed surprises like spooky cocktails or eerie evening turndowns. Dining here even feels enchanted—expect fall flavors and festive flair in every dish.

Book The Merchant for a Stylishly Spooky Salem Stay

For travelers who like their hauntings with a side of luxury, The Merchant delivers cozy elegance wrapped in Halloween magic. Located right in downtown Salem, this boutique stay gives you effortless access to costume parades, ghost tours, and pop-up spell shops.

Their on-site restaurant rolls out seasonal specials that feel straight out of a fall Pinterest board. And the staff? So friendly and well-versed in Salem’s haunted happenings, they could practically lead your walking tour.

Are There Any Halloween Boston Hotel Packages?

Finding the best Halloween Boston hotel packages doesn’t have to be a headache as Tripster has already done the spooky savings for you. Thanks to exclusive bundle deals, you can pair nearby attractions with top hotels and save up to 26% without breaking a sweat (or your budget).

The Go City Pass Boston + Hotel Package offers up to 16% off, giving you access to multiple must-see spots with one easy booking. Prefer something more classic? The Boston Old Town Trolley Tour + Hotel Package lets you ride through historic streets and haunted corners with a 15% discount.

And for those with kids in tow (or just really into bricks), the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston Package brings playful thrills with up to 14% savings. With these Tripster bundles, Halloween in Boston gets a whole lot more affordable—and way less stressful.

What Are the Salem Massachusetts Halloween FAQs?

What Halloween Boston Vacation Packages Are Available?

Scoring unforgettable Halloween Boston vacation packages is easier (and cheaper) with Tripster’s bundles that offer up to 19% off when you combine two nearby attraction tickets. Whether you’re into history, hauntings, or skyline views, these curated combos let you see more of Boston for less—perfect for squeezing in extra thrills between Salem festivities.

Skip the lines and maximize your haunted holiday time. Tripster’s no-hassle booking makes it easy to plan a full-day itinerary without playing phone tag with multiple ticket vendors.

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour + Boston Explorer Pass Ticket Combo

Save up to 19% on this chilling Ghosts & Gravestones Tour + Boston Explorer Pass Ticket Combo that blends a haunted nighttime tour with all-access passes to Boston’s top attractions. It’s the perfect way to load your trip with history, horror, and flexibility all in one go.

View Boston Observatory + Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Save up to 18% when you pair sweeping skyline views with revolutionary history through the View Boston Observatory + Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum package. Get a high-altitude perspective, then step onto floating museums for a two-in-one cultural deep dive.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum + Old Town Trolley Tour Ticket Combo

Save up to 15% with this classic Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum + Old Town Trolley Tour Ticket Combo that brings colonial Boston to life, one landmark at a time. Cruise past key sights by day and board an interactive museum experience for an unforgettable look at American history.

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So, What’s My Next Move?

Salem Massachusetts Halloween in 2025 isn’t just a trip but a full-on October mood. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through cobblestone streets under the glow of jack-o’-lanterns, now’s your chance to live it.

The smartest way to plan? Lock in your vacation early with Tripster to snag the best hotel rates, Halloween packages, and attraction deals before they vanish like a ghost. Whether you’re booking witchy tours or snagging prime parade spots, having your itinerary squared away will make your visit way more magical.

From haunted happenings to must-see museums, Salem Halloween promises something unforgettable for every spooky soul. Let the countdown to your eeriest, most iconic Halloween yet begin!