Halloween is a thrilling time for everyone. Combine the stunning fall colours of the season with some great spooky décor, and you have a recipe for success. If you aren’t doing the Trick-or-Treat circuit, however, Halloween can feel like something that passes you by – don’t let it! If you want to really soak in the season and are looking for a way to spend some vacation time, head to New England and enjoy these top five Halloween-inspired activities in the area:
Visit Boston (and Make a Day Trip to Salem)
New England is home to some great Halloween-themed destinations. Couple that with the absolutely stunning fall colours, and you’ll be in for a treat. Boston will be decked out in décor, and with so many wonderful things to do in Boston, you’ll be spoiled for choice. To celebrate the season, you can visit the Halloween Screampark, stay in a haunted hotel, and, of course, make a day trip to Salem.
Salem is a must for anyone heading down to the States in October. The city is home to the Witch Dungeon Museum, The Satanic Temple, and great pop-up events like the Salem Psychic Fair and Witches’ Market. The town will also host its annual Halloween Festival, so expect street fairs and special events you’ll want to book ahead of time.
See an Amazing Jack-O-Lantern Display
You haven’t seen Jack-o-Lanterns until you’ve seen over 10,000 carved and lit-up pumpkins in one place. The Roger William’s Zoo in Providence, RI, offers just that. You’ll be able to see thousands of pumpkins on a ¼-mile trail that will really put you into the spirit. If you go on any day between Thursday and Saturday, then you’ll also be able to enjoy live performances! It’s highly encouraged that you visit in-costume, letting you really get in touch with your inner child – or delight your own kids!
Another excellent Jack-O-Lantern display is the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival in Laconia, NH, giving you multiple options to see some stunning pumpkins in action.
Attend the Portsmouth Halloween Parade
On Halloween itself, Portsmouth hosts a massive Halloween parade that brings together the whole community. Not only will there be a themed parade, but there’s also dances, music, ghost tours, and haunted houses, so you’ll have a lot of fun when you visit the area.
There are also Haunted Happenings and Festival of the Dead in Salem if you’re already in the Boston area and don’t want to head over to Portsmouth to enjoy a great Halloween parade!
Stay in a Haunted Hotel
If you’re up for some frights (but mostly just beautiful architecture), then book a stay at a haunted hotel. There’s the Kennebunk Inn in Kennebunk, ME, which is haunted by the former nightwatchman Silas Perkins. It’s said he pulls pranks and plays mischief on employees and guests he doesn’t like, so best be on your good side!
There’s also the Beal House Inn and, of course, the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, which was once home to the infamous Lizzie Borden. You can take a house tour, stay in a beautiful Victorian or colonial-style home, and then head out to enjoy the many festivities held in and around New England.