As the chill of October fades into the briskness of November, the witchy town of Salem, Massachusetts, begins to shed its Halloween charm. Here are five subtle signs that Salem's notorious Halloween decorations are coming down:
1. The Broomsticks Retire for the Season
One of the first indicators that Halloween’s over in Salem is when the town’s ubiquitous broomsticks start to disappear. Throughout October, you’ll see these witchy wonders hanging on doors or propped in windows, but as November approaches, they are among the first decor items to be packed away:
- Shop fronts remove broomstick displays to make way for seasonal holiday merchandise.
- Residents take down broomstick decor to store in their basements or attics.
- Even the Haunted Happenings festival’s iconic broomstick races come to a halt.
🧹 Note: The broomsticks might disappear quickly, but their memory lingers until next October.
2. Witch Hats and Skeleton Figurines Vanish
After weeks of bewitching decor, the witch hats and skeleton figures that once adorned every corner of Salem begin to vanish. These eerie elements are swapped for fall decor:
- Cobwebs and ghost hangings are taken down in favor of pine cones and pumpkins.
- Skeleton figures that were part of the town’s spooky ambience are stored away.
- Even the colorful witch hats that were once a proud display find their way into storage containers.
🎩 Note: Witch hats are quite versatile; some people might leave them up as part of their year-round quirky decor.
3. Disappearance of Themed Merchandise in Shops
Salem’s shops, which thrive on the sale of all things Halloween, signal the end of the season by pulling their themed merchandise:
- Shelves that once overflowed with ghost keychains and witch magnets are restocked with Thanksgiving and winter items.
- Scary masks, pumpkin candles, and haunted house models are replaced by Thanksgiving decorations.
- Crowds of tourists looking for souvenirs have their attention shifted to the next big holiday event.
🎄 Note: As soon as Halloween items are gone, shopkeepers are quick to jump to the next festive theme.
4. The Haunted Houses Go Dark
The haunting attractions that filled the streets with screams during October start to quiet down. Here’s how:
- Famous haunts like the Haunted Nightmare or the Witch Dungeon Museum shut down their operations.
- Lighting, sound, and animatronics are packed away, and the eerie decorations are removed.
- The anticipation of spine-chilling tours gives way to calm and the coming of winter.
👻 Note: Some haunted houses may start preparing for their spring or summer reopening.
5. Witch Trials Memorial and Cemeteries Return to Peace
The town’s historic sites, like the Witch Trials Memorial and the Old Burying Point Cemetery, return to a more serene state:
- The solemn grounds, once bustling with historical reenactments, become tranquil.
- Visitors’ interests shift from ghost stories to learning about Salem’s rich history.
- The spirit of the town shifts from playful fear to a respectful remembrance of the past.
In wrapping up, as Salem transitions from Halloween's celebrations to the more subdued winter months, you can see the town shedding its witchy exterior. The broomsticks, witch hats, themed merchandise, haunted houses, and historic sites slowly lose their festive facade, ushering in a time of calm and anticipation for the next spooky season. Each of these signs signifies not just the end of the Halloween season but also the beginning of a quieter, introspective time in Salem, until the cycle begins anew next October.
Do shops in Salem sell Halloween decorations all year?
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While Salem’s charm is closely tied to Halloween, many shops focus on selling Halloween-specific items only during the season. However, you can still find year-round witch and occult-themed merchandise that represents the town’s history.
When does Salem start decorating for the next Halloween?
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Decorations for the next Halloween often begin to appear in late August or early September, as the town gears up for its biggest event of the year.
Are the Halloween events in Salem safe?
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Salem takes great care to ensure safety during its Halloween events. Local law enforcement and event organizers work together to manage the crowds and ensure that the celebrations remain safe for both locals and visitors.
