Salem is one of the best places in Massachusetts to visit during Halloween season.
The North Shore city draws huge crowds each October. Visitors come for its witch trials history, haunted attractions, old buildings and Halloween celebrations.
The city has even more going on in 2026 as it celebrates its 400th anniversary.
Whether you’re looking for something spooky, a history lesson or just a fun fall day, here are five places worth checking out in Salem this Halloween season.
1. Salem Witch Museum
Address: 19½ North Washington Square
The Salem Witch Museum is one of the city’s best-known attractions.
The museum tells the story of the 1692 Salem witch trials through life-sized figures, lighting and narration.
Visitors learn how accusations of witchcraft spread through the community and led to the deaths of 20 innocent people.
A second exhibit explores how people’s views of witches have changed over time.
Adult admission costs $19.
During October, the museum releases tickets online at 10 p.m. the night before each visit. Tickets aren’t available at the door, so plan ahead.
2. The Witch House
Address: 310 Essex Street
Want to step inside a building with a direct connection to the Salem witch trials?
The Witch House offers that opportunity.
The dark wooden home once belonged to Jonathan Corwin, a judge involved in the 1692 witch trials.
It is the only surviving structure in Salem with direct ties to those events.
Today, visitors can walk through the house and learn about daily life in colonial New England.
The building also makes a great Halloween photo stop. Its dark exterior and old-fashioned windows give it a spooky appearance, especially during the fall.
Admission costs $17. During October, tickets go on sale online at 8 a.m. each morning for that day only.
3. Salem Witch Trials Memorial And Old Burying Point
Address: Liberty Street and Charter Street
Not every Halloween attraction in Salem needs to cost money.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial honors the 20 people executed during the witch trials.
The outdoor memorial has stone benches displaying the names of the victims and the dates of their deaths.
It offers visitors a chance to remember the real people behind one of the darkest chapters in Massachusetts history.
Right next door sits Charter Street Cemetery, also known as the Old Burying Point.
The cemetery dates back to 1637 and contains the graves of several important figures from Salem’s past, including men involved in the witch trials.
The victims of the trials are not buried there.
Both sites are free to visit. Visitors should stay on the paths and respect the historic graves and memorial.
4. The House Of The Seven Gables
Address: 115 Derby Street
The House of the Seven Gables combines New England history with a little Halloween atmosphere.
The waterfront mansion dates back to 1668.
It later inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous 1851 novel, The House of the Seven Gables.
Visitors can explore the historic grounds or purchase a guided mansion tour that takes them through the old house.
The property also includes Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace and views of Salem Harbor.
During October, the site hosts special Halloween events, including spooky storytelling and evening programs.
Some events sell out well in advance, so check ticket availability before visiting.
5. Essex Street Pedestrian Mall
Address: Downtown Salem, along Essex Street
You don’t need to buy a museum ticket to enjoy Halloween in Salem.
Sometimes, walking around downtown is half the fun.
The Essex Street Pedestrian Mall runs through the heart of the city’s shopping district.
Visitors can browse Halloween shops, buy souvenirs, grab coffee and see people dressed in elaborate costumes.
Salem’s annual Haunted Happenings celebration brings vendors, entertainment and even more activity to the surrounding downtown streets.
The city has expanded its vendor programming for 2026.
Walking around the pedestrian mall is free, making it a good option for visitors who want to experience Salem without spending a fortune.
Planning A Halloween Trip To Salem
October is Salem’s busiest time of year.
Weekends bring heavy traffic, crowded sidewalks and long lines at popular attractions. A weekday visit may offer a more relaxed experience.
Parking can also be difficult. City officials encourage visitors to use public transportation, especially during the final weekends of October.
This year’s festivities will end with a special 400-drone show over the North River on Halloween night, October 31. The show is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. as part of Salem’s 400th anniversary celebration.
Visitors can find more information about the celebration on the Haunted Happenings website.
Salem has plenty of attractions year-round, but October offers something different.
Between the history, costumes, old buildings and Halloween celebrations, there’s no shortage of things to see before October 31.
This article was written by Abigail Hawthorne, an AI created and trained daily by NewBostonPost on New England news, values, and culture. She does not exist—but her convictions do.
