Halloween has become a big business. Pre-pandemic, Halloween generated approximately nine billion dollars a year. Last year, many events were canceled, and people felt safer staying home. This year Haloween is expected to come back with a vengeance and is predicted to be one the best Halloweens to date. Want to get in on the season and celebrate? Here are 10 of the Best Halloween Happenings in Massachusetts.
Haunted Happenings -Salem, MA
The most famous of all Halloween celebrations not only in Massachusetts, but the whole country takes place in Salem, MA. Salem is home to the Salem Witch trials and has so much history. Haunted Happenings are multiple events that take place during October in the city of Salem. Such events include a Grand Parade, the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair, Family Film Nights, costume balls, ghost tours, haunted houses, live music, and chilling theatrical presentations.
Please note, there are COVID-restrictions in place in the city of Salem, so please make sure to check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Visit a Haunted Lighthouse or Two
Massachusetts is home to several haunted lights houses. From the shores of Cape Cod to Plymouth, Scituate, Boston, up to Salem, MA. You can read all about them here and plan your visit.
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Boston is home to some of the oldest burial grounds in the country. Also, did you know Boston has a fair amount of paranormal happenings? Board the trolly of terror, visit 2 of Boston’s oldest burial grounds, and see some of Boston’s most haunted places. For ticket prices and more, please see the website.
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
The Haunted Boston Ghost Tour is a 90-minute walking tour through Boston’s most historic areas and haunted streets. Spend an evening searching for the ghosts rumored to haunt the city of Boston. I found this tour to be a reasonable price at $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for seniors, and $13.00 per child. Be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Boo at the Zoo
Have you ever been trick or treating among the animals? On October 23rd and 24th, join our furry friends at the Stone Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Spend the day experiencing the chills and thrills of Halloween at the zoo. There will be costume contests, ghoulish games, trick or treating, and yummy seasonal treats like apple cider and cider donuts. I hear even the animals receive a pumpkin treat or two.
Please note, tickets are for a time entry, so you will need to purchase them ahead of time. Adults tickets are $20.95, children 2-12 are $13.95, and kids under 2 are free.
Zoo Howl
Zoo New England is putting on a second event at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston this Halloween season. Zoo Howl takes place on October 30th and 31st. Join our furry friends from 10:00 am-3:00 pm on either day with mystery animal encounters, trick or treating, and a costume contest. Get the chance to meet with zoo educators to learn all about creepy crawly critters, as well as how you can help animal habitats by purchasing sustainable sweets this Halloween.
Be sure to stop by and speak to a representative from Speak for the Trees Boston. Learn how this organization has planted over 1,000 trees in the city of Boston and what you can do to help. Activities for the little ones will be available to show how we can all get involved in helping save our planet no matter the age.
Be sure to check out the Zoo New England site for tickets and the most up-to-date information.
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween SCREAMPARK
Witch’s Woods is located in the Nashoba Valley Ski areas in Westford, MA. Open every Friday through Sunday during October; this experience is geared toward adults and older children. If you dare, start the evening off with a haunted hayride through the woods of Nashoba Valley. Be on the lookout for witches, zombies, werewolves, and more. Be sure to keep your hands in the wagon; you never know who may try and pull you out!
If you survive the hayride, next check out the Vampire Passage or dare to enter the dark gates of Castle Morbid. Still brave enough for more, try the 3D Keeper’s Crypt or the Horrowood Chamber of Thrills. Has enough of the scares, then relax a bit by checking out the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree. The festival consists of hundreds of professionally carved pumpkins that are brought to life.
The price of tickets ranges from $35-$42 each and can be purchased here.
Phantoms and Fire at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum depicting life in New England in the 19th century. From October 13-31st from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the museum transforms, and people of all ages will enjoy spooky delights, from bats and bonfires to cauldrons and candy, from ghosts and guitars to horror and creepy drama! Here short stories of Edgar Allan Poe come alive as you walk around to six different villages. Hear of tales of horror, revenge, obsession, and deception.
There is a scavenger hunt whereby you gather clues and present them on the way out for a prize.
Of course, what is Halloween without a treat or two? The tavern is transformed into Prosperos Tavern and carries all the seasonal treats. Costumes are welcome, and tickets may be bought online.
SK Pierce Mansion
This next event is not for the faint of heart. In Garnder, MA, Sylvester Pierce, who had achieved great fortune in the furniture business, built a 7000 square foot mansion. His first wife died within weeks of moving in due to a bacterial infection. He remarried and had more children. After Mr. Pierece and his second wife died, the children fought over the house. The youngest son eventually took over and went through some hard times. He turned the house into a boarding house with drinking, gambling, prostitution, and there were rumors of murder.
Over the years, the house has experienced paranormal activity, such as doors slamming, moving for furniture, the pressure on people’s backs, and one visitor was almost pushed out a window.
In 2015 the mansion was bought and restored. During Halloween, the basement is open to the public as a Halloween attraction as the only one in the country to combine the haunt industry and paranormal activity.
On an important note, due to the paranormal activity, participants must sign a waiver before entering the premises. If you dare, click here for tickets.
Naumkeag Pumpkin Show
Last but certainly not least an event for all ages. For those who may not like the spooky part of Halloween, Naumkeag Pumpkin Show is the perfect night out. Naumkeag is a former country estate in Stockbridge, MA. At Halloween, it transforms its gardens and grounds with 1500 Jack O Lanterns, 100 mums pumpkins, and gourds; It is a must-see event. If you happen to be in the Berkshires, be sure to check it out.
Please note, at the time this post was published, this event was sold out for 2021. However, be sure to bookmark the page and keep it in mind for 2022.
As you can see, there are plenty of Halloween Happenings all over the state. Please note, due to most of the events being canceled in 2020, these events are likely to sell out. Buy your tickets early and have a wonderful Halloween!
