The World’s Largest Halloween Party – Salem’s Haunted Happenings 

There’s a lot to be proud of as part of Salem Massachusetts’ business community. From the region’s diversity to its rich maritime history, Salem is a unique place to visit, do business, or call home. We love the historic architecture, world-famous museums, eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions as well as the uniquely New England feeling community. 

But of all the things we love about Salem, nothing compares to the month-long celebration of Haunted Happenings every October! Let’s explore this event so you can plan your next visit to the Witch City. 

What is Salem’s Haunted Happenings? 

The concept of Haunted Happenings originated in 1982 when the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Salem Witch Museum launched the first Salem Haunted Happenings. What started as a weekend-only event with a few family-friendly attractions drew in about 50,000 visitors to the region. Today it is the largest celebration of Halloween in the world! 

Every year during Haunted Happenings, Salem welcomes over half a million visitors throughout October. Events include parties, parades, unique attractions, vendor fairs, walking tours, museum attractions, shops, art, culture and so much more. The entire month is steeped in history and provides lots to do, see, eat, and experience. 

Things To Do In Salem During Haunted Happenings

Since there are hundreds of activities, attractions, shops, tours, and special events, where you start exploring the Witch City depends on your interests. Choose from walking tours, harbor tours, special events, museums, psychic fairs, haunted houses and more. Here are just a few of the attractions and events you may want to visit when you visit Salem this year. 

Haunted Houses 

If you are seeking a heart-pounding adrenaline rush, a haunted house may be just your speed. 

• Solve the mystery of the abandoned museum or be forever lost at the Lost Museum at Gallows Hill. Here you can discover cursed artifacts, ghosts, and scary creatures on this haunted adventure. 
• Visit the Haunted Witch Village, the longest-running haunted house in Salem. 
• Be prepared to experience a spooky surprise around every corner at Witch Mansion, one of Salem’s scariest haunted houses. 
• Don’t miss Frakentein’s Castle, voted Salem’s best-haunted house. 

To view a full list of haunted houses, visit the Haunted Happenings haunted houses page. 

Walking & Harbor Tours 

Take your pick of walking, trolley or harbor tours to learn more about Salem’s intriguing past including the maritime history of the city as well as the events of the Witch Trials of 1692. 

• The Salem Witch Walk is dubbed Salem’s only “magical” tour. During this tour, visit enchanting places, learn about magic spells, voodoo dolls and the magic circle. 
• Salem’s Ghost Tours include a daytime Secrets of Salem tour or a Witches and Witchcraft tour to hear rarely-told stories and delve deeper into the roots of witchcraft and the occult. 
• Wake up your taste buds with a Salem Food Tour. This award-winning and delicious tour allows visitors to learn about Salem’s vibrant culinary scene, history, and spice trades.
• Join local historians on the Witches and Seafarers Tour through downtown Salem where you can learn about the unique history and culture of this region including the Salem Witch Trials and maritime history. 

To explore all walking, trolley, and harbor tours visit Haunted Happenings Walking Tours page. 

Museums and Attractions 

Salem is fortunate to have many museums that celebrate the history of the region including the world-class Peabody Essex Museum, the Salem Witch Museum, the House of Seven Gables, and so many more. 

Depending on your interests, choose a museum that will pique your imagination or answer questions about your latest obsession from pirates to witches and magic spells. To explore all the museums within Salem and in neighboring communities, please visit the Haunted Happenings Museum page. 

Plan your trip and buy tickets early to the most popular attractions so your visit will be a true success.