Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Haunt Blackcraft: Salem’s Year-Round Haunted Holiday Experience

Step into the supernatural this holiday season at Haunt Blackcraft, Salem’s largest and only year-round haunted house experience located at 259 Essex Street in downtown Salem. This immersive attraction offers spine-tingling entertainment perfect for holiday visitors seeking uniquely Salem experiences beyond traditional shopping and dining. As part of the BlackCraft Salem family—a proud Holiday Helper sponsor of Holiday Happenings—Haunt Blackcraft welcomes guests throughout the holiday season with walkthrough experiences featuring elaborate sets, photo opportunities, and otherworldly thrills in the heart of witch city. Whether you’re looking for indoor entertainment during cold December days, memorable experiences to gift, or simply want to add some Salem spookiness to your holiday traditions, Haunt Blackcraft delivers unforgettable thrills next door to BlackCraft Salem at 253 Essex Street.

The haunt operates as a self-guided walkthrough experience during non-peak season (November-September), allowing guests to explore the stunning sets at their own pace and capture photos throughout the attraction—making it perfect for holiday visitors and gift experiences.

Why Choose Haunt Blackcraft for Holiday Entertainment

Year-Round Salem Haunted Experience
While most haunted attractions close after Halloween, Haunt Blackcraft remains open throughout the holidays and beyond, offering visitors indoor entertainment regardless of weather. This makes it an ideal activity for cold winter days when outdoor holiday events aren’t as comfortable.

Salem’s Largest Haunted Attraction
Haunt Blackcraft holds the distinction of being Salem’s largest haunted experience, featuring professionally designed sets that rival seasonal Halloween attractions in both scale and quality. The investment in theatrical design means guests get premium production value year-round.

Perfect Gift Experience
Rather than giving another physical present, gift an unforgettable Salem experience. Haunt Blackcraft tickets make unique stocking stuffers or experience gifts for teens, adults, and thrill-seekers who have everything. Gift certificates available for future visits.

Photo-Friendly Walkthrough Format
During walkthrough hours (when live scare actors aren’t performing), guests are encouraged to take photos and videos throughout the haunt—a rare opportunity in haunted attractions. This Instagram-ready format appeals to visitors documenting their Salem holiday adventures.

Holiday Experiences at Haunt Blackcraft

Walkthrough Experience (Available During Holidays)
Outside of peak seasonal performances (which run late October through early November with live actors), Haunt Blackcraft operates as a self-guided walkthrough:

• Explore at your own pace without time pressure
• Take photos and videos throughout all sets
• Appreciate the detailed set design and theatrical production
• Perfect for those who want the atmosphere without intense scares
• Ideal for couples, friend groups, or solo visitors

Elaborate Set Design & Production Value
Experience professionally designed environments:

• Multiple themed rooms and corridors
• Theatrical lighting and sound design
• Movie-quality set pieces and props
• Atmospheric special effects
• Constantly maintained and updated installations

Group-Friendly Experience
Haunt Blackcraft accommodates various group sizes:

• Couples seeking unique date experiences
• Friend groups (recommended 6 or fewer per time slot)
• Family visits (age-appropriate for thrill-seekers)
• Tourist groups exploring Salem attractions
• Bachelor/bachelorette parties wanting Salem entertainment

Gift Certificates & Advance Tickets

• Purchase tickets inside BlackCraft Salem (253 Essex St)
• Online pre-sale tickets available at hauntblackcraft.com
• Gift certificates make perfect experience presents
• No printed tickets necessary—mobile tickets accepted

Visit Haunt Blackcraft This Holiday Season

Location & Entrances
📍 Main Address: 259 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
(Right next door to BlackCraft Salem)

Important Note: The front door on Essex Street is actually the EXIT. During walkthrough hours, enter through BlackCraft Salem (253 Essex St) to purchase tickets, then proceed to the haunt entrance.

For Seasonal Live Actor Performances (when operating):
Entrance at back of building: 8 Barton Square
Turn onto Barton Square from Essex Street and follow signs

🕐 Walkthrough Hours (During Holiday Season):
Check current schedule at hauntblackcraft.com or inquire at BlackCraft Salem

General Operating Pattern:

• Walkthrough experiences available most days
• Live scare actor performances during peak seasons (typically Friday-Sunday)
• Hours vary by season—confirm before visiting

Tickets & Pricing
💰 Purchase Options:

• In-store: BlackCraft Salem counter (253 Essex Street)
• Online: hauntblackcraft.com for advance purchase
• Seasonal on-site booth: Behind building at 8 Barton Square (during actor performances)

Pre-Sale vs. Walk-Up:

• Pre-sale tickets offer reserved time slots (during actor season)
• Same-day walkthrough tickets available at BlackCraft Salem
• Walk-up tickets available even if online shows sold out

Contact Information
📧 Email: haunt@blackcraftcult.com
🌐 Website: hauntblackcraft.com
📷 Instagram: @hauntblackcraft (14K followers)
📱 Phone: 978-943-6066 (BlackCraft Salem main number)

Important Details:

• ⚠️ No public parking at haunt location
• ⚠️ No public restrooms at haunt location
• ✅ Use downtown Salem parking garages
• ✅ Restrooms available at nearby businesses

What Makes Haunt Blackcraft Special

The Only Year-Round Haunted House in Salem
While Salem’s witch trial history creates natural demand for haunted experiences, most attractions operate only seasonally. Haunt Blackcraft fills the gap with professional-quality scares and sets available throughout the year, making it possible for winter holiday visitors to experience Salem’s spooky side.

Professional Production Standards
This isn’t a makeshift pop-up attraction. Haunt Blackcraft features:

• Permanent installation allowing for detailed set design
• Professional theatrical lighting and sound systems
• Regular maintenance and updates
• High-quality props and effects
• Attention to immersive storytelling

Dual Experience Options
Haunt Blackcraft offers two distinct experiences depending on season:

1. Walkthrough Mode (Most of the year): Self-guided, photo-friendly, atmospheric exploration
2. Live Actor Mode (Peak seasons): Full haunted house experience with scare actors and time slots

This flexibility means different experiences for repeat visitors and options for various comfort levels with intense scares.

Integrated with BlackCraft Salem Ecosystem
Your haunt experience connects to the larger BlackCraft Salem destination:

• Ticket purchase at main store counter
• Shop alternative merchandise before or after
• Grab specialty coffee at BlackCraft Coffee
• Explore the historic bank building
• Multiple entertainment options in one downtown location

Holiday Entertainment Ideas with Haunt Blackcraft

Unique Date Night Experience
Move beyond dinner-and-a-movie with a Salem haunted experience followed by:

• Shopping at BlackCraft Salem
• Coffee at BlackCraft Coffee’s witch’s cottage
• Dinner at nearby downtown restaurants
• Evening stroll through holiday-lit downtown Salem

Group Holiday Outing
Perfect for friend groups visiting Salem during holidays:

• Experience the haunt together (groups of 6 or fewer recommended)
• Combine with other Holiday Happenings events
• Share photos from the walkthrough on social media
• Extend the visit with downtown shopping and dining

Gift Experience for Thrill-Seekers
Give memories instead of physical presents:

• Purchase advance tickets as gifts
• Include with a BlackCraft Salem gift certificate
• Combine with other Salem experience gifts
• Perfect for teens and adults who love haunted attractions

Indoor Activity for Cold Weather
When December weather makes outdoor activities less appealing:

• Year-round indoor entertainment
• Escape the cold between shopping stops
• Pre-planned activity requiring no weather contingency
• Complement outdoor holiday events with indoor thrills

Plan Your Haunt Blackcraft Visit

Before You Go

• Check current hours at hauntblackcraft.com
• Decide between advance tickets or same-day purchase
• Confirm whether visiting during walkthrough or live actor period
• Plan parking at downtown garages (Museum Place or South Harbor)
• Allow 20-45 minutes for the experience depending on pace

What to Expect During Walkthrough

• Self-guided tour through multiple themed environments
• No actors (unless during seasonal performance periods)
• Photo and video friendly—bring your camera/phone
• Move at your own pace
• Atmospheric lighting and sound effects
• Theatrical set design throughout

Combining with Other BlackCraft Locations
Maximize your visit to the BlackCraft Salem complex:

1. Start with coffee at BlackCraft Coffee (inside main store)
2. Shop alternative gifts at BlackCraft Salem retail
3. Purchase haunt tickets at the counter
4. Experience Haunt Blackcraft walkthrough
5. Return to shop after being inspired by the sets

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking
• Bring a fully charged phone for photos (during walkthrough)
• Visit during less crowded times (weekday afternoons)
• Ask BlackCraft Salem staff for current haunt details
• Check Instagram @hauntblackcraft for latest updates

Accessibility Considerations

• Navigate stairs and potentially narrow passages
• Atmospheric lighting (intentionally dim in sections)
• Sound effects and theatrical elements
• Contact via email for specific accessibility questions

Seasonal Notes

• Peak Halloween season (late September-early November): Live actor performances, reserved time slots, higher intensity
• Off-season (rest of year including holidays): Walkthrough format, more relaxed pacing, photo-friendly
• Holiday season falls during walkthrough operating mode

Holiday Happenings Integration

Include in Your Salem Holiday Itinerary
Haunt Blackcraft fits perfectly into Salem holiday plans:

• Indoor entertainment between outdoor holiday events
• Unique experience to pair with traditional holiday shopping
• Evening activity after Holiday Tree Lighting or Wassail Weekend
• Gift experience for out-of-town guests visiting for holidays
• Add Salem spookiness to your Christmas season traditions

Near Other Holiday Happenings Participants
259 Essex Street location places you in the heart of downtown:

• Dozens of shops featured in Holiday Happenings directory
• Walking distance to all major holiday events
• Surrounded by restaurants and cafés
• Steps from Essex Street Pedestrian Mall

Experience the supernatural side of Salem’s holidays—visit Haunt Blackcraft for year-round thrills. 

Holiday Happenings is a project of Salem Main Streets and Creative Collective