Halloween in Salem is like nothing you've ever experienced before. It's one of my favorite places to be and living so close lets me experience its charm all year. Once fall comes, however, something magical happens – quite literally, in many cases! The entire month of October is dedicated to Halloween in Salem, with special events and spooky activities leading up to a crazy night. If you've never been but you're dying to see the Witch City put on its Halloween colors, I hope these stunning shots of things to see and do during a Salem Halloween will convince you to start planning!
1 The Burying Point
The Burying Point, the Charter Street Cemetery, Old Burying Point – whatever you call it, it's Salem's oldest cemetery and it's both beautiful and appropriately spooky. It's filled with little intrigues and stories, and it's a huge feature during Halloween in Salem – as you shall see!
2 The Witch Trial Memorial
Right next to the Burying Point is the hauntingly beautiful Witch Trial Memorial, where under a canopy of trees, you can pay your respects to the men and women accused of witchcraft during the trials. Though this too, is a must-see any time of year, it takes on special significance around Halloween.
3 Spooky Sights
The same details that give Salem its charm – cemeteries, cobbled streets, ornate fences – help create a spooky atmosphere in October.
4 The Cemeteries
Salem is full of cemeteries, though Charter Street's Burying Point is its most popular. That house is not haunted, but doesn't it look like it could be?
5 Festive Fun
Witches abound in Salem, but while there are lots of scary sights and highlights, the town also knows how to have fun and be a little cheeky!
6 Haunted Tours
It seems like every square inch of Salem is haunted. If you choose to go on one of the amazing haunted tours on or around Halloween, you'll discover that not even the churches (especially not the churches!) are exempt.
7 Witch Shops
Salem is filled with shops that specialize in witchcraft and the occult. Some of them are tourist traps and others are far too commercialized, but you can definitely find a few gems. Hex is my favorite favorite!
8 Fall Magic
Salem really does blossom around Halloween. You can feel the magic simply by strolling down the streets.
9 Dynamite Decorations
And everyone decorates! You'll see great décor spilling from storefronts, but the lucky residents who live in Salem's sprawling houses and gorgeous apartments get into the spirit as well.
10 Foreboding Statues
Well, really, Salem's statues are quite beautiful … but some of them do look pretty angry from certain angles.
11 Fantastic Foliage
Granted, changing leaves don't inspire fear, but you're sure to feel a little awed.
12 The Witch House
The Witch House is one of Salem's most popular attractions, and it's an excellent place to spend Halloween.
13 The Witch House at Night
Also, once the sun sets, it strikes an entirely different chord, don't you think?
14 Colorful Crowds
Some people come in the most epic costumes imaginable, others dress for comfort, but you're never alone.
15 The Halloween Carnival
Oh yes, my favorite tradition! Carnival food, witchy souvenirs, rides, live music – the Halloween Carnival is incredible!
16 The Waterfront
Pickering Wharf is sometimes forgotten in favor of Salem's witchery areas, but the city has a rich maritime history as well, so if ghostly pirates are your thing, a trip down to the waterfront is a must.
17 Salem Witch Museum
Straight up, this is more of a touristy thing, but if you're in town for Halloween, you'll definitely enjoy a trip through the museum.
18 The Architecture
In fact, just standing outside of the museum, or the Witch House, or even City Hall is a little spooky. There's just something about the Witch City's stunning architecture that makes every building seem a little haunted.
19 Living Statues
While Salem is full of statues, some of them come to life – especially around Halloween.
20 Crazy Costumes
Can you pick out any of the costumes in this photo? Because no lie, Salem has some of the most intricate, detailed, and astounding costumes you'll ever see!
21 Pioneer Village
On and around Halloween, Pioneer Village invites visitors for ghost stories and spooky tours around the village. Those woods are scary!
22 Surprises in Unexpected Places
What do you think? Witch statue, bewitched witch, witch costume, or living statue?
23 The House of Seven Gables
Salem is still wild about Hawthorne, and you have to admit that the House of Seven Gables fits the city's vibe.
24 Ghost Stories
The city has its fair share of ghost stories, and in the month of October, there are numerous ways to hear them.
25 Personal Stories
Nothing is more horrifying, however, than the story of the accused. If you decide to take a tour, the Witch Memorial has to be one of the stops.
26 Old Friends
Since anything is possible on Halloween, Samantha might even wriggle her nose.
Have you ever been to Salem on Halloween? If you love the holiday, you have to come some day! Just remember that anything's possible after dark!
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