Salem, located just an hour from the hustle and bustle of Boston, is a popular destination for tourists phrazle interested in history and adventure. According to Stacia Cooper, the interim director of Destination Salem, "Salem is best known for the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when 19 innocent men and women were hanged, accused of practicing." 

Fast-forward Now over three hundred and thirty years later, the little community of 44,000 people is one of New England's most popular autumn tourist sites, particularly around Halloween. A visit during the Halloween season will be one for the books, but you should be prepared for a lot of people. Over 900,000 people visited Salem only in October. To help those who, like hundreds of thousands of others, are thinking of visiting Salem this Halloween make the most of their time in the "Witch City," we've compiled a list of the top attractions, activities, and events happening in the city. 

Salem has several Halloween-themed activities and attractions throughout the year, but the Haunted Happenings celebration in October is the best of the best.  Cooper claims that Haunted Happenings is "the world's largest Halloween celebration." She recommends October because "visitors can learn the history of the Salem Witch Trials, celebrate Halloween at a costume ball (there are ample to choose from), and explore Salem's witch shops." The Howl-o-ween Pet Parade, psychic readings, and seances at The Salem Psychic Fair & Witches' Market are a few other activities not to be missed. For a complete breakdown of this year's activities, see the official events schedule.