When in comes to Halloween, one town in Massachusetts does it bigger and better than anywhere else in the country. We’re talking about Salem, of course. This historic town has a spooky history that goes back hundreds of years and is a community that isn’t afraid to embrace the weird side of life. Every year, this charming seaside town transforms into a terrifying wonderland. Get ready to experience the best Halloween town in Massachusetts!

Any Halloween enthusiast can’t miss the Haunted Happenings festival in Salem!
Flickr/Dex
This month-long celebration of all things Halloween is packed with creepy, crawly and ghoulish events. During October, the whole town transforms into a festively spooky wonderland of things that go bump in the night. Come see why this is the best place to celebrate Halloween in Massachusetts!
There are spooky events for every taste in Salem during October.
Facebook/Salem Haunted Happenings
Drop by a horror-themed trivia cruise, attend a lecture about necromancy as described by a sixteenth-century handbook of magic, catch a horror film screening, listen to spooky stories in a candlelit cottage, learn about corpse medicine in the Witch House or take a lantern-light haunted house tour. There's a reason people consider Salem to be the scariest Halloween town in Massachusetts.
Those looking for not-so-scary events have options, too.
Facebook/Salem Haunted Happenings
Head to the Bewitched Dinner Theater event, wander through the jack o’ lantern at Pioneer Village, or check out the pumpkin carving party in the beer garden at Bit Bar. When it comes to Halloween events in Massachusetts, no other town has more fun than Salem.
There are plenty of historical and supernatural tours to take in Salem.
Flickr/Amy Meredith
Take a candlelit ghostly graveyard walking tour through the city’s haunted attractions, check out the Haunted Footsteps tour for your chance at a ghostly run-in, or simply explore spots like Howard Street Cemetery and the Witch Trials Memorial on your own.

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Head to the Witch Dungeon Museum for an award-winning live reenactment of a 1692 witch trial followed by a guided tour of the witch dungeon.
Flickr/Bill Couch
Afterwards, stop by Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, a cinematic museum that honors famous horror films and characters with life-size models, props and creepy movie magic.
If you visit Salem on Halloween, be prepared for the biggest party of the season.
Flickr/MOTT
Dropping into Frankenstein’s Castle in the Salem Wax Museum is a sure-fire way to contract a case of the shivers. Descend to the deepest and darkest level of the museum to witness the horrors of Dr. Frankenstein in a thrilling immersive experience.
There are plenty options for old-fashioned fair food and autumn treats on hand.
Flickr/Roberto Raimondo
You can also check out the finer dining options around town, but what could be sweeter than wandering through the crisp fall air with a big caramel apple in hand?
Besides the spooky and campy fun of Halloween, there’s actually a flourishing community of modern practicing witches in Salem.
Facebook/Salem Haunted Happenings
The town is dotted with shops that cater to those who still believe in magic. Check out Artemisia Botanicals for all your apothecary needs, stop by Crow Haven Corner for books, spells and psychic readings, head to HEX Old World Witchery for cauldrons and potions and don’t forget to spend some time at Salem Witch Village to learn about the facts and myths surrounding witches and their craft.

 

Click here for the Haunted Happenings event calendar. For one of the coolest Halloween experiences in Salem, check out this haunted boat ride.

What are your favorite Halloween events in Massachusetts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Best Halloween Town in Massachusetts

Elisa Regulski | September 18, 2019

What are the best Halloween events in Massachusetts?

When it comes to Halloween events in Massachusetts, Salem’s Haunted Happenings is just the beginning. Massachusetts is also home to some stellar family-friendly events. Bring the kiddos out to downtown Pittsfield’s trick or treat night. This annual event provides kids and families a safe and spooky atmosphere for collecting candy. Put on your favorite costume and stuff your face full of sweets. This delightful event will put a smile on everyone’s faces. If you’re looking for something more frightening, leave the kids at home and venture to the Black As Midnight Halloween Ball in Marblehead. Here, you can dance the night away and drink special Halloween-themed cocktails. There’s even a costume contest! You won’t want to miss this.

What are the best haunted houses in Massachusetts?

Barrett’s Haunted Mansion will definitely get your adrenaline rushing. This spooky attraction is located in Abington, and it’s full of frightening sights. In addition to the ghoulish creatures and bone-chilling music, Barret’s Haunted Mansion hosts special themed nights. Are you brave enough to explore the house in complete darkness? You can test your wits at this one-night-only event. Ghost Ship Harbor is another terrifying attraction. Head to Boston and explore 100,000 square feet of scary thrills.

What is the scariest place in Massachusetts to visit around Halloween?

In addition to Salem, Fall River is a scary place to visit during Halloween. This town is home to the infamous Lizzie Borden House. If you’re really up for a scare, you can spend the night here. It’s now a bed and breakfast, but don’t be fooled. This isn’t your typical cozy night out. The owners of this inn have placed photos from the murders all throughout the place.

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