Add a little spookiness to family travel this October with a visit to Salem, Massachusetts, busily preparing for its annual Salem Haunted Happenings, a month-long celebration of Halloween that attracts visitors from around the world. Destination Salem offers a visitor’s guide, mobile application and dedicated website detailing the month’s many initiatives.

© Courtesy of Destination Salem
“Haunted Happenings is a collaborative, city-wide event that is carefully planned and re-visited each year to provide a fun and safe experience,” said Ashley Judge, executive director, Destination Salem. “The city of Salem and its many cultural attractions and local businesses work together to celebrate the mysticism of the city in October. This year’s theme is ‘Keep Salem Magical.’”
Favorites return to the schedule this year, like the 27th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and the Salem Night Faire. That’s just the beginning, though, as hundreds of other events are planned, ranging from After Hours Ghost Hunts and the Salem Witch Trials 1692 exhibit at Peabody Essex Museum to the decorating of the Historic Rope Mansion to mimic how it was during the filming of Hocus Pocus.

© Courtesy of Destination Salem
Salem Haunted Happenings is one of the largest celebrations of Halloween in the world. Advance purchases and reservations for events are strongly recommended.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedParents
Sep 29, 20263 Destinations for a 5-Star Honeymoon on a Budget
After spending a small fortune on the wedding, you might find your budget stretched a bit thin for an incredible honeymoon. The good news is there are plenty of 5-star honeymoons to be had, even with a tight budget, and they’ll take you to some pretty incredible destinations around the world. A recent report from digital entertainment platform BC Game listed the top honeymoon destinations where happy couples can have an amazing stay without breaking the bank.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 29, 2026This Hotel Brand Brings Gaming, eSports Right to Your Room
This year, after a successful pilot of gaming rooms and a gaming studio at nhow Berlin, nhow Hotels & Resorts takes gaming to the next level with the launch of GAME:NXT by nhow, a new gaming and esports ecosystem bringing interactive digital experiences to hotel stays. Family travelers can now enjoy hospitality blended with gaming and digital culture.
Travel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
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.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
ShareThis