With 5 more to make you scream
The one-time Hub of the Universe sits so close to Salem. You know that Boston Halloween events will bring the scares and the joy of this amazing time of year. This is our biggest list and includes some overflow from nearby Salem.
Table of Contents
Chambers of Terror
Chambers of Terror in Salem, Massachusetts, is a popular haunted attraction known for its intense scares and immersive experience. Located in the historic and spooky town of Salem, this haunted house offers a unique blend of local lore and professional haunt design.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted House: Navigate through various terrifying scenes and encounter sinister characters.
- Fireside Ghost Stories: Enjoy spooky tales told by a storyteller around a fire (as mentioned in reviews).
- Vampire Ghost Adventures Walking Tour: Explore Salem’s haunted history on a guided tour (as mentioned in reviews).
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available nearby.
This event is in Salem itself, which makes it a blast for visitors. You’re right there in the city that embraces Halloween. And visitors say that made a big difference to them. Likewise, they raved about the unique ghost stories and walking tour. Guests saw that as a source of great value.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $15 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more
Parking Information
Paid parking is available nearby.
Barrett’s Haunted Mansion
Barrett’s Haunted Mansion in Abington, Massachusetts, is a renowned haunted attraction that has been scaring visitors for over 30 years. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and professional actors, Barrett’s Haunted Mansion offers a terrifying experience that promises to haunt your nightmares.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- The Haunted Mansion: Navigate through the mansion filled with horrifying scenes and sinister characters.
- Condemned: A separate attraction redesigned to maximize your fears.
- Special Events: Includes “Darkness Unleashed” nights, where visitors navigate the haunted house in complete darkness with only a small light source.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
One of the scariest aspects of this particular Boston Halloween event is the Darkness Unleashed nights. Stumbling through the mansion in the dark makes for an unnerving experience. It’s the perfect way to amp up the scares.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $30 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Available for an additional fee (skip the regular line)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site, with overflow parking within walking distance just north of the attractions.
Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween Screampark
Witch’s Woods in Westford, Massachusetts, is a popular haunted attraction located at the Nashoba Valley Ski Area. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and professional actors, Witch’s Woods offers a terrifying experience that promises to haunt your nightmares.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Hayride: A spooky hayride through the woods, filled with various terrifying scenes and sinister characters.
- Castle Morbid: Navigate through a haunted castle with eerie rooms and frightening inhabitants.
- Nightmare Mansion: A classic haunted house experience with peeling wallpaper and creepy decor.
- 3D Keeper’s Crypt: A 3D haunted house experience with stunning visual effects.
- Jack O’Lantern Jamboree: A display of intricately carved pumpkins.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
They do a great job to provide a lot of options. When the lines are long for the Haunted Hayride, and they are often really long, you have a few haunted houses and the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree. The Jamboree drew high praise, as did the Hayride.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $45 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
Fright Kingdom
Fright Kingdom in Nashua, New Hampshire, is one of the largest indoor haunted attractions in New England. Known for its high-quality production, immersive environments, and professional actors, Fright Kingdom offers a terrifying experience that promises to haunt your nightmares.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Bloodmare Manor: A haunted house filled with creepy rooms and sinister characters.
- Apocalypse Z: Navigate through a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies.
- Grim: A dark and eerie attraction with terrifying scenes and characters.
- The Abandoned: Explore an abandoned asylum with deranged patients and creepy doctors.
- Psycho Circus: A haunted circus with creepy clowns and eerie performances.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
This is an indoor event. And I really appreciate that. By mid-October, nights in New Hampshire are often dipping into the upper 30s. Even in Nashua. That kind of frost on the pumpkin feeling is nice for a moment. It gets old quick, and Fright Kingdom does a good job at avoiding the temperature related chills.
Another thing I like about this event is that they keep it going after Halloween. In addition to the autumn scares, they have “Krampus Night” for Christmas scares and “Valentine’s Day Massacre” in February.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $30 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Available for an additional fee (skip the regular line)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
The Historic Lizzie Borden House
The Historic Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a well-known bed and breakfast and museum that offers a unique blend of history and mystery. This historic house is the infamous site of the 1892 axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, for which their daughter Lizzie Borden was tried and acquitted. Today, the house operates as both a museum and a bed and breakfast, offering tours and overnight stays for those curious about its haunted history.
The main attractions for 2024 include:
- Guided Tours: Explore the house with a knowledgeable guide who provides detailed accounts of the Borden family and the infamous murders.
- Overnight Stays: Experience the eerie atmosphere of the house by spending a night in one of its historic rooms.
- Ghost Hunts: Participate in paranormal investigations to uncover the mysteries of the house.
- Special Events: Themed events such as murder mystery dinners and historical reenactments.
- Gift Shop: Purchase memorabilia and books related to the Lizzie Borden case.
I’m not going to digress into the case itself. It’s one of the more remarkable unsolved mysteries in American crime history. And for that reason alone, this is a terrific place to visit.
Unlike most of the other Boston Halloween events we’re looking at, this is a year-round experience. The different special events add to the already creepy effect. But be forewarned, the accommodations are fairly basic. That makes their price tag pretty scary too. But if the idea of hauntings and ghosts intrigues you, you almost have to stay. It’s like going to the Stanley Hotel in Colorado.
Ticket Prices
- Tours: Prices start at $20 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children.
- Overnight Stays: Room rates vary based on the season and room type, starting at approximately $250 per night as of our most recent update.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
Factory of Terror
Factory of Terror in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a renowned haunted attraction that promises to deliver spine-chilling scares and immersive experiences. Located in a historic factory building, this haunted house offers a unique blend of industrial ambiance and professional haunt design.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Phobia Mayhem: A maze filled with various phobias brought to life to terrify visitors.
- Bloodworth Dungeon: Navigate through a dungeon filled with sinister characters and horrifying scenes.
- Zombie Alley: A post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies and decaying environments.
- 3D Nightmare: A 3D haunted house experience with stunning visual effects.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
Our second Fall River attraction means if you stayed at the Lizzie Borden House, or did the museum tour during the day, you have no reason to skip Factory of Terror at night.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $25 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Available for an additional fee (skip the regular line)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. Guests caution parking is limited, so get there early.
Fear Town Haunted House
Fear Town Haunted House in Seekonk, Massachusetts, is a popular haunted attraction known for its intense scares and immersive experience. Set in a wooded area, this haunted house offers a unique blend of natural ambiance and professional haunt design.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Trails: Navigate through various terrifying scenes and encounter sinister characters in the woods.
- The Compound: An indoor haunted house with eerie rooms and frightening inhabitants.
- The Funhouse: A creepy circus-themed attraction with clowns and unsettling performances.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
Seekonk is right on the border with Rhode Island. But even so, if you are in Boston, it’s under an hour away.
They used to do a fall festival at a wildlife refuge in Seekonk. But the Audubon Society of Rhode Island now manages Caratunk, and I couldn’t find any details about a fall festival. Still, if you’re in Seekonk, it’s a great place to visit to get back to nature.
Screeemfest at Canobie Lake Park
Screeemfest at Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire, is a popular Halloween event that combines the thrills of an amusement park with the chills of haunted attractions. This annual event features a variety of haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and classic amusement park rides, providing a full evening of entertainment for all ages.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Houses: Five terrifying haunted houses, each with its own theme and scare factor.
- Scare Zones: Walk through areas filled with roaming monsters and creepy characters.
- Live Shows: Enjoy live entertainment, including magic shows, musical performances, and more.
- Amusement Park Rides: Many of Canobie Lake Park’s classic rides remain open during Screeemfest.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available throughout the park.
Not to be confused with Salem, Massachusetts. Salem, New Hampshire is east of Nashua and just over a half hour from Boston.
Screeemfest is a great family-friendly option, with enough scares for bigger kids, and enough fun for youngsters. Add in the amusement park and you have a great value.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $44.99 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- Season Passes: Available for frequent visitors
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site. Guests do caution that the free parking fills up fast, so arrive early to make sure you get a good spot.
13th World
13th World Fright Park in Palmer, Massachusetts, is a popular haunted attraction known for its intense scares and immersive experience. Set in a sprawling outdoor area, this haunted park offers a variety of terrifying attractions designed to thrill and chill visitors.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Trails: Navigate through various terrifying scenes and encounter sinister characters in the woods.
- Multiple Haunted Houses: Each house features its own unique theme and scare factor, providing a diverse range of frights.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
As this is an outdoor event, make sure you bundle up.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $25 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Available for an additional fee (skip the regular line)
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
Haunted Overload
Haunted Overload in Lee, New Hampshire, is a renowned haunted attraction celebrated for its elaborate sets, towering props, and immersive experience. Located at DeMeritt Hill Farm, this event offers a unique blend of natural ambiance and professional haunt design, making it a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts.
The main attractions for the 2024 season include:
- Haunted Overload Night Haunt: The main event featuring a terrifying walk through the woods with elaborate sets, giant monsters, and skilled actors.
- Day Haunt: A less scary, family-friendly version of the haunt, perfect for younger visitors or those who prefer a milder experience.
- Fright Night Lite: A toned-down version of the night haunt with fewer actors and scares, ideal for those who want a taste of the experience without the full intensity.
- Live Actors: Skilled actors stay in character throughout the experience, enhancing the realism and fear factor.
- Special Effects: High-quality special effects, including strobe lights, fog, and atmospheric sounds, create an immersive experience.
- Food and Beverages: Seasonal treats and refreshments are available on-site.
The family friendly Day Haunt and Friday Night Lite are terrific options for families with younger children. But visitors say their teens found those events to be pretty boring. Guests also shared that the props and overall commitment to the scares really went a long way.
Ticket Prices
- General Admission: Prices start at $25 (prices may vary based on date and time)
- VIP Admission: Available for an additional fee (skip the regular line)
- Day Haunt: A tamer, family-friendly version of the haunt available during the day.
- Group Discounts: Available for groups of 15 or more
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
Other Halloween Happenings near Boston
With all these options, do you believe we still have another five Boston Halloween events to share. Well we do.
- Ghost Ship Harbor – For those seeking a truly terrifying experience, Ghost Ship Harbor transforms the USS Salem into a floating nightmare. This immersive haunted attraction takes place on a real Naval destroyer, offering a chilling blend of history and horror. Visitors navigate through dark corridors and eerie chambers, encountering terrifying specters and spine-chilling scenarios. The ship’s authentic setting adds an extra layer of dread to this intense, not-for-the-faint-of-heart experience.
- Boston Haunted Chocolate Tour – For a deliciously spooky twist on Halloween festivities, the Boston Haunted Chocolate Tour combines ghostly tales with sweet treats. This family-friendly walking tour takes you through historic neighborhoods, sharing chilling stories of Boston’s past while stopping at some of the city’s finest chocolatiers. It’s a perfect blend of Halloween fun and culinary exploration, suitable for chocolate lovers of all ages.
- Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Franklin Park Zoo – This breathtaking autumn event transforms Franklin Park Zoo into a magical wonderland of carved pumpkins. Thousands of intricately designed jack-o-lanterns light up a scenic trail, creating a mesmerizing display of art and imagination. While it has a Halloween theme, the event focuses more on the beauty of fall and artistic expression, making it a perfect outing for those who prefer autumn charm over spooky scares.
- Ghosts & Gravestones Tour – For a blend of history and haunts, the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour offers a trolley ride through Boston’s darker past. This 90-minute excursion visits some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites, including the Granary Burying Ground and the site of the Boston Strangler’s final victim. Costumed guides share tales of supernatural encounters and grisly historical events, providing a spine-tingling yet educational experience for those interested in Boston’s macabre history.
- Edaville Family Theme Park – For a family-friendly Halloween experience with a touch of nostalgia, Edaville Family Theme Park offers a delightful autumn celebration. On October 5, 2024, the park hosts its Pumpkin Patch Express, where families can board a scenic train ride to a charming pumpkin patch on the shores of Atwood Reservoir. Each child gets to pick their own pumpkin to take home, creating lasting memories. Later in the month, on October 19, the park transforms for a Trunk N Treat Car Show, combining classic cars with Halloween fun. Kids can trick-or-treat from decorated vehicles while enjoying amusement rides and train excursions, making it a perfect blend of fall festivities and family entertainment.
As you can see, there is so much to do. Between Salem and Boston Halloween events, you can spend all of October and probably still have more to do.
Tips to Enjoy our Favorite Boston Halloween Events
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Many of these events are popular attractions, and tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and closer to Halloween. Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry and save time.
- Consider a VIP or Elite Ticket: When events have a fastpass like option, it’s a great way to avoid long wait times. These options allow you to bypass the regular lines and get into the haunted house faster, giving you more time to enjoy the experience.
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, arrive early. This helps with parking and gives you more time to explore the attractions and additional experiences.
- Dress Comfortably: Many of these events are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Likewise, for indoor events, be prepared for the crowds in dark cramped spaces. Layers you can remove to stay cool will help.
- Check the Weather: While some attractions are indoors, others are outdoors. Be sure to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. October nights in New England get cold. It’s a real frost on the pumpkin kind of feeling. Afternoons can be fairly mild, but after mid-month they feel brisk. Plan ahead and bundle up for any outdoor activities on those chilly nights.
- Follow Safety Guidelines: For your safety and the safety of others, follow all posted rules and guidelines. This includes not touching the actors or props and staying within designated areas.
- Take Advantage of Live Entertainment and On-site food options: Many of these events offer live entertainment outside of the main venue. Some have food trucks or dining options. On long evenings, those can help you pace yourself, or find a second wind to keep the night going.
- Have fun: Halloween is about having fun and enjoying a good scare. If you think an event is going to push your limits too far, skip and find another.
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