When it comes to Halloween in America, no one does it quite like Salem. With a history steeped in witchcraft, stories about ghosts and witches are the norm in the historic Massachusetts city but come October, the whole town seems to get in on the act when it comes to celebrating Halloween.
Check out this list of reasons why Salem should definitely be on your October travel list.
Fall Colors
October doesn’t just bring spooky decorations and haunted houses. It’s a time of year when Mother Nature is at her finest during the annual changing of the leaves. October is a great time of year to visit Salem, not to mention New England in general due to the vibrant hues of the foliage as leaves change to brilliant shades of orange, red and purple before dropping for winter. The overall effect is a warm, nostalgic feeling that is quintessential fall.
This is a great place to begin your Halloween trip to this historic city. Sneak in a quick lesson about the history of witchcraft in the area complete with an animatronic re-enactment of the famous witch trials of 1692; stop in the gift shop for some witchy souvenirs. The museum is open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. with extended hours in October (open until midnight on select dates). Adult tickets are $13 while children get in for $10.
Salem Witch Museum. Photo: Paul Brady – Dreamstime.com
Historical (and Haunted) Tours
Explore Salem’s haunted history with a walking tour that explores the city’s witchcraft roots and takes you around town to visit locations that played a significant role in the city’s troubled past. Day tours focus on the historic significance of the sites while night tours have an added spook factor, focusing on the many reasons Salem is known as one of the most haunted cities in America. If you prefer a self-guided tour, take the Salem Heritage Trail at your own pace. Simply find the red line that winds through Salem — you can’t miss it — and enjoy the walk as it takes you to all of Salem’s important sites.
Ghost Stories on the Water
Eerie Stories on Salem Sound is taking place Saturdays and Sundays all month long. Ticket holders board the Naumkeag for a boat tour of the city’s historic harbor accompanied by ghost stories about Salem and its haunted history. Tickets for the event start at $18 and tours last approximately one hour. Be sure to bring your jackets along as it can get pretty chilly out on the water.
End With a Bang
If you’ve never celebrated Halloween with fireworks, you haven’t been to Salem on Oct. 31. After the family has its fill of witches, ghosts, candy and costumes, head downtown for the city’s official closing ceremonies of the year’s festivities. The free show starts at 10:15 p.m. and is a spectacular way to celebrate Halloween.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMexico
Oct 26, 2026Parents Can Catch Up on Sleep with Velas Resorts’ New Sleep Experiences
Velas Resorts in Mexico debuts a new collection of sleep-focused experiences designed to help regulate circadian rhythms; reduce stress hormones; and physically prepare the body for deep, restorative sleep. This offer is perfect for parents looking to catch up on sleep and develop healthy sleep habits after a summer of family travel.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Travel Tips
Oct 20, 2026The Importance of Savoring the Moment on Your Next Trip
In a rush to see as much as possible during your travels, it’s sometimes hard to remember the purpose of a vacation is to relax from your everyday world. It’s even more difficult on a family vacation, when everything seems to take a bit more time and your to-go list is longer. But remembering to enjoy the moment is even more important then.
Hotels
Oct 19, 2026Jumeirah Beach Hotel to Welcome Wayne Rooney for Family Soccer Experience
Soccer fans and family travelers will want to make for Jumeirah Beach Hotel as the resort prepares to again welcome an icon of the sport, Wayne Rooney, for an exclusive hosted family experience in collaboration with Football Escapes, Oct. 26–30. The program is part of a seven-night stay at the Dubai resort.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Travel Tips
Oct 19, 2026Keep These Items Out of Your (and Your Kid’s) Carry-On If You Don’t Want to Miss Your Flight
Lines at TSA checkpoints can be long enough, but when you’ve got something in your carry-on that raises a red flag, you could be there much longer than anticipated. There are the obvious things you can’t take on a plane, like weapons and liquids more than 3.4 ounces, but some things that seem totally innocent could lead to unnecessary delays and missed flights.
ShareThis