One of this country’s premier Halloween season destinations, the city of Salem is once again geared up to welcome throngs of visitors, both living and dead, for its month-long Haunted Happenings celebration. Situated by the seaside just a few miles north of Boston and accessible via the MBTA’s commuter rail from North Station, this historic locale hosts parades, street fairs, haunted houses, terrifying tours, costume parties and more that are loads of spooky fun for both kids and adults. Signature events include the daily Haunted Happenings Marketplace on Salem Common featuring loads of vendors and entertainment; the Grand Parade on October 5; the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade on October 14; the costumed, 6.66-mile Devil’s Chase Road Race on October 21; all-day trick-or-treating at Pickering Wharf from October 28–30; and the grand finale fireworks over the North River on October 31 at 10:15 p.m. The venerable Peabody Essex Museum even gets in on the action with an exhibit that showcases artifacts from the infamous Salem Witch Trials and Bats!, a display honoring the always Halloween-ready flying mammals.
