Salem

Greet Santa at the Hawthorne Hotel

Salem Main Streets, SalemMainStreets.org, Visit Salem MA for the holidays

Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as we celebrate two of our most beloved annual traditions – Santa’s Arrival and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree – all in one evening. Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W) promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, with assistance from the Salem Fire Department, of course. Organizers recommend arriving to the Salem Common by 5:45 p.m. to catch the arrival. Bring the whole family out for brass carols with Coventry Brass, festivities, and fun!

When: 
Friday, November 29, 2024 5:45-8pm
Location: 
Hawthorne Hotel
Lappin Park
Salem
Holiday
Santa
Tree Lighting

Holiday Tree Lighting

Come to the Holiday Tree Lighting in Salem to kick off the holiday season!

Join Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as we combine two of our most beloved annual traditions – Greet Santa at the Hawthorne Hotel and the lighting of Salem’s Holiday Tree – into one evening. Santa Claus will arrive at the top of the Hawthorne Hotel (18 Washington Square W) promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, with assistance from the Salem Fire Department, of course. Bring the whole family out for carols, festivities, and fun!

When: 
Friday, November 29, 2024 6:30pm
Location: 
Lappin Park
Salem
Holiday
Tree Lighting

Wild Turkey 5 Mile Road Race

Run like a turkey through downtown Salem MA on Thanksgiving Day! Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

Join the fun for the annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run in downtown Salem Massachusetts Thanksgiving morning and raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem! This is the largest race on the North Shore, now in its 21st year, with 2,000 anticipated participants. The first 1600 entries will receive long sleeve shirts. We give out awards in 5-year age groups. The pre and post-race meeting place will be in the Peabody Essex Museum Atrium. The race benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem.

When: 
Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024 8am
Location: 
Peabody Essex Museum
Salem
Holiday
Fundraiser
Race
5 Mile
Thanksgiving

CraneExplorer: Owls Up Close!

Trustees of Reservations features live owl demonstration with Eyes on Owls at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts

Join the Trustees for a special event with Marcia and Mark Wilson from Eyes on Owls, to meet 6 live owls up close and personal! By sharing photos, stories, and live owl demonstrations, the Wilsons highlight our local owls’ unique adaptations, habitats and behaviors in the wild, while sharing tips on how you can look and listen for owls yourself. And everyone gets to practice the owls’ calls during the hooting lessons!

When: 
Saturday, November 2, 2024 1-2pm or 4-5:15pm
Location: 
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Salem
Nature
Live Animals
Owls
Demonstration
Owling
Trustees of Reservations

Salem Arts Artoberfest

Salem Arts ArtOberFest showcases local artists and explores Salem's history with witchcraft, religion and Haloween.

Salem Arts Association celebrates October in Salem each year with this seminal exhibition.  This year, we ask our members and the artist community at large to take a deep dive into the season and into Salem’s history, exploring the themes of witchcraft, the occult, autumn, and Halloween.  This open call for art welcomes artists in the region to submit their work around these themes, in any medium.  From cute to creepy, serious to spooky; from the tragedy of history to the bawdy revelry of October in Salem today, what does this time of year stir in your soul?  By bringing your diverse takes

When: 
Saturdays & Sundays, September 14 - November 9, 2024 Noon-6pm
Location: 
Salem Arts Association
Salem
Art
Exhibition
Gallery
History

Salem Zombie Walk

The Salem Zombiewalk has been an annual event for a number of years. This is a great family-friendly event will be held in Downtown Salem, MA. Prior to the Zombiewalk, participants gather at Salem Commons for some field day activities, last-minute costume tweaks and alterations, and of course to admire other lovers of the Zombie theme. Then, join the cohort of zombies, and walk with the herd in Salem, MA.

When: 
Saturday, October 5, 2024 starting at 11am-1pm
Location: 
Salem Common
Downtown Salem
Salem
Haunted Happenings
Zombies
Parade
Walk

Pet Rock Annual Animal Welfare Fundraiser

Pet Rock by the Sea benefit concert for the North Shore Animal Shelter at Winter Island Salem Massachusetts

Pet Rock by the Sea  is a fun afternoon in one of Salem MA's beautiful historic parks - Winter Island. Enjoy an open air Pavillion with food from local favorites Lulu's Bakery, shop clothing and accessories, meet a local author, learn about local shelters and enjoy music from great local musicians. Plus raffles, prizes and a silent auction - all to benefit a great cause, The Northeast Animal Shelter.

When: 
Saturday, September 15, 2024 12-6pm
Location: 
Winter Island Maritime Park
Salem
Pets
Music
Fundraiser
Pet Adoption
Outdoor Activity
Live Music
Performance
Charity

Lanterns in the Village

Come celebrate the the spooky feeling of October at Pioneer Village in Salem Massachusetts!

Come stroll through historic Pioneer Village for this 6th annual family-friendly event. You will be enchanted by the soft light of jack-o-lanterns while listening to spooky tales (Flashlights Optional).  This Lanterns in the Village fundraiser supports all positive events for the students of Collins Middle School located in Salem. 100% of the proceeds will support our school!

When: 
Friday, October 4, 2024 6:30-9:30pm
Location: 
Pioneer Village
Salem
Hike
Walk
Outdoor Activity
Haunted Happenings

Salem Witches' Magic Circle

Join the Witches of Salem on the Salem Common to celebrate the Magic Circle - a Halloween tradition!

Halloween is the night when the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead thins and magicla things happen!  Join Christian Day & Brian Cainwith drumming by the Dragon Ritual Drummers as Witches from around the globe gather for the sacred and magical ritual of Halloween! This event is free and open to all who wish to attend with an open heart and a love for their dead. There is also no limit on the number of participants.

When: 
Thursday, October 31, 2024 5-8pm
Location: 
Salem Common
Salem
Halloween
Haunted Happenings
Ceremony

Pages

Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts offers farm-based Summer Programs for kids ages 5-15

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

The Lady of Salem: Maritime Art

Learn about the history of Salem Massachusetts through this unique public art installation self-guided tour!
Discover Salem’s Golden Age of Sail as you uncover clues! Celebrate America’s Maritime History! The Ladies of Salem will have you looking up at whimsical and beautifully designed figureheads gracing lampposts downtown. “What is a figurehead ?” you may ask? It’s a large carved wooden decorative...
Where: Destination Salem Visitors Center, Where: Downtown Salem
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
Where: Pingree School
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Marblehead Farmers' Market
Find fresh local produce and other foods at the Marblehead Farmer's Market!
The Marblehead Farmer's Market boasts 15+ local farms, and booths with an educational spin nutrition, vendors and farms selling homemade prepared goods and craft vendors that are switched up in a rotation basis week to week. Additionally there are entertainers and exhibits by environmentally...
Where: Marblehead Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Crescent Farm Corn Maze
Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
Where: Crescent Farm
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour
Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Haverhill Farmers' Market
Haverhill Farmers Market, North Shore Farmers Market, Cape Ann Farmers Marke
The vibrant, colorful Haverhill Farmers Market is where local farmers and food producers meet to sell directly to the community. Established in 1978, the Haverhill Farmers Market mission is to provide access to farm-fresh products and promote local agriculture, as well as serve as a social...
Where: Haverhill Farmers' Market
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Andover Farmers' Market
Find Fresh Local Produce at the Andover Massachusetts Farmers Market North of Boston
The Andover Farmers Market is a vibrant hub connecting local farmers, artisans and the community through the joy of local food. Whether you come for carrots or conversation, it is a place to nourish the body, mind and spirit.
Where: South Church in Andover
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Marini Farm Corn Maze
The 2025 Marini Farm Corn Maze in Ipswich Massachusetts is themed for The Wizard of Oz
Come to Marini Farm for a fun journey through our corn maze! The Maze Park, corn maze, farm stand, bakery and other attractions provide a great destination for kids birthday parties, school trips, corporate team building, scout outings, and family activities. Marini Farm is located in beautiful...
Where: Marini Farm
10:00 am to 10:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Kimball Farm Corn Maze
Kimball Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
At the Kimball Farm Corn Maze all are welcome to come and enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the winding corn field maze. Our originally designed CORN MAZE  is full of Crazy angles and is sure to be a fun challenge. Have no fear, there will be clues along the way.  Be daring and try...
Where: Kimball Farm Corn Maze
10:00 am to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Trick or Treating Hayrides at Marini Farm
Trick or Treating by hayride at Marini Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts is Safe and Fun!
Come to Marini Farm for our most popular event of the year. Take a Hayride around our 7 acre corn maze. Your hayride driver will make some special stops along the way. Favorite costumed characters await the wagon to hand out Tricks and Treats. Hayrides run continuously from 10am to 4pm.
Where: Marini Farm
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Haunted Happenings Marketplace
The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
Where: Downtown Salem, Where: Salem Common, Where: Derby Square
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Kids Fun Fest on Salem Common
Salem Common Neighborhood Association invites families to the Common for an afternoon of fun for the whole family!
A tradition on Salem Common, the Fun Fest has lots of great family activities for kids of all ages, including slides, rides, games, and fun! There's nothing like October in Salem and the Salem Common Neighborhood Association is thrilled to host two weekends of our annual Kids Fun Fest on the Comm
Where: Salem Common
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Ipswich Illumination
Come to Ipswich Massachusetts as points along the Ipswich River are illuminated!
The Town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, proudly presents 2025 Ipswich Illumination. This year we are celebrating harvest, hearth, & home, and our maritime history, heritage & culture.
Where: Downtown Ipswich
11:00 am to 9:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Pumpkin Dash 5k

The Revere Beach Pumpkin Dash 5K is an exciting and festive community event that combines fitness, fun, and the spirit of the fall season.
The Revere Beach Pumpkin Dash 5K is an exciting and festive community event that combines fitness, fun, and the spirit of the fall season. Participants of all ages come together to dash along scenic Revere Beach for a flat and fast beachside 5K. After the family-friendly run be sure to visit our...
Where: Revere Beach
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Georgia Made This: Scavenger Coin Hunt
Georgia Wrenn was born and is being raised in the Witch City of Salem, Massachusetts, where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
Georgia's seventh annual Salem Gold Coin Hunt returns this October, courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum! Each Saturday and Sunday throughout October, Georgia will release special clues at 12 noon through her Instagram page and the PEM's Instagram story. Those clues will help coin hunters narrow...
Where: Peabody Essex Museum
12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Barktoberfest | Sweet Paws Rescue
Sweet Paws Rescue Barktoberfest in Newbury Massachusetts helps raise funds for this unique shelterless pet matching organization
We invite the entire Sweet Paws Rescue community to enjoy this fun-filled day of music, activities, and local food & drink in celebration of our southern team’s amazing efforts and dedication. You won't want to miss this opportunity to learn more about our organization and meet some of our...
Where: Spencer Peirce Little Farm
12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Fall Foliage Cider & Donut Cruises
Take a guided tour of the Essex Massachusetts Marshes with Essex River Cruises this Autumn
Essex River Cruises hosts a narrated sightseeing tour that winds down the beautiful Essex River aboard Essex River Queen, a pontoon boat.
Where: Essex River Cruises & Charters
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Low-Sensory Play at North Shore Children's Museum
Low-Sensory Play at NorthShore Children's Museum in Peabody Massachusetts
Join us for a low-sensory play session. For some children, visiting places like NSCM can be over-stimulating. This special play session will have reduced noise, crowds, and stimulation. While medical diagnosis is not required, we encourage that these limited tickets be used for families with a...
Where: North Shore Children's Museum
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Halloween Hoot & Howl at IRWS
At sundown this Halloween season, Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will be transformed into a magical forest.
Bring the family for a nature-themed Halloween at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary this October. This charming, not-so-spooky event invites visitors to take a hoot-i-ful woodland walk and learn about nocturnal (costumed) animals that live at the sanctuary.
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
3:30 pm to 8:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Halloween on the Hill
The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Thursday, October 23

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour
Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Crescent Farm Corn Maze
Crescent Farm corn maze in Haverhill Massachusetts
Imagine the biggest puzzle you’ve ever seen. Now imagine a day in the sunshine with your friends or family. Now add an adventure that takes teamwork and memory skills. All these things and more can be found at Crescent Farms Corn Maze. Crescent Farm Corn Maze trails cut into 9 acres of corn. Inside...
Where: Crescent Farm
9:00 am to 9:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Haunted Happenings Marketplace
The Haunted Happenings Marketplace runs Thursdays-Sundays during October in Salem Massachusetts
The Haunted Happenings Merchant Marketplace is coming this October! Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza throughout Historic (and some say haunted) Downtown Salem!
Where: Downtown Salem, Where: Salem Common, Where: Derby Square
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works House Tours

Free Ranger guided tours of the Saugus Iron Works House in Massachusetts
Join National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a 30-minute tour of The Iron Works House.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
11:00 am
♦ Read More →

Saugus Iron Works Tours
Free Ranger guided tours at Saugus Iron Works Colonial Industrial Site in Massachusetts
Join the National Park staff at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for a tour of the colonial industrial site. On select days, you may be able to stick around and witness pop-up molten iron pour, blacksmithing, waterwheel demonstrations, and take part in hands-on river stewardship activities.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
2:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Halloween on the Hill
The Trustees host a celebration of Autumn and Halloween at Long Hill Sedgewick Gardens in Beverly Massachusetts
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to tour the gardens at Long Hill Gardens in Beverly, Massachusetts to celebrate Autumn and Halloween! Long Hill is excited to bring back our annual Halloween on the Hill event! Come explore our beautiful property as we transform the Long Hill gardens into a...
Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens
5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
♦ Read More →

Friday, October 24

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point
Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
Where: Halibut Point State Park
7:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School in Hmailton Massachusetts hosts their annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture exhibit each Fall. Sculpture: Phoenix by Robin Tost.
Pingree School hosts the 16th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, Massachusetts .
Where: Pingree School
8:00 am to 6:00 pm
♦ Read More →

Salem Witch Hunt Walking Tour
Learn about the true reality of the Salem Massachusetts Witch Trials Salem Massachusetts on a self guided walking tour with Essex Heritage
This self-guided walking tour is designed to help explain the true history behind the Salem Witch Trials. After more than three centuries of storytelling through countless books, movies, and television shows, the line between historical fact and dramatic fiction has become increasingly blurred....
Where: Downtown Salem
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
♦ Read More →
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