A Million People Will Head To The North Shore Of Mass. Next Month

Every October, Salem, Massachusetts, turns into the ultimate Halloween party. This small city on the north shore is famous for the witch trials back in 1692, when people were wrongly accused of being witches. Now, it's called the Witch City! Folks from all over the world flock there for fun scares.

There's the Haunted Happenings festival with parades, haunted houses, ghost tours, and costume contests. You can visit museums about the witches, shop for spooky souvenirs, or watch street performers. The fall leaves and crisp air make it extra magical. Experts say over a million people will visit in 2025, chasing that witchy vibe.

The number of people Salem attracts is crazy!

Last year, in 2024, Salem smashed records with 1,040,600 visitors during October—that's an 8.6% jump from 2023's about 958,000 people. On Halloween night alone, 87,351 showed up, way more than the year before. The all-time high? 2024 holds it so far, but 2025 might top 1.2 million if trends keep going up. -boston.com

When does the madness start?

Salem starts buzzing in late September, but it really ramps up in early October. By mid-month, crowds explode, especially on weekends. Halloween week is the wildest - streets pack tight, and lines snake everywhere.

If you're heading there, plan smart! Book hotels super early - rooms fill a year ahead. Driving? Skip it - parking is a nightmare. Take the train to Salem station; it's easy and drops you near the action. Free shuttles run too. Dress in layers: October can be chilly, rainy, or sunny. Go mid-week for fewer people, and eat early to dodge lunch rushes. Respect locals - they love the fun but need space!