Tourists flock here by the thousands to get their thrills and chills in October, but, here’s a secret: December is actually a perfect time for taking a spooky tour of Witch City.
Strolling down Essex Street by night, it’s easy to understand why 19th century residents of the town had a tradition of telling ghost stories around their fireplaces and why merry hauntings were at the heart of Charles Dickens’ 1843 masterpiece A Christmas Carol. On a cold, winter night, with the rollicking Halloween crowds long gone, you can feel yourself being transported back in time by the lonely sound of your footfalls on the cobblestone, the nostalgic glow of street lamps fighting against the shadows, and the imposing facades of all the 19th century architecture looming everywhere you look downtown. And for horror fans, ghost hunters, and “dark academic” history buffs, there is an untapped wealth of hidden tales of spine-tingling Yuletide mischief, mayhem, and magic in Salem’s past. A cohort of committed storytellers are excited to illuminate it for you this holiday season.
Local ghost tour company, The Salem Night Tour, commits to their passion for educating people about the city’s lesser-known stories by running every night, all year long. And on Friday and Saturday evenings in December, you can catch their very special, seasonal offering, The Twisted Christmas Tour!
On this hour-long exploration of downtown, your guide will spin tales of Christmas chaos and Yuletide magic in Witch City’s shadowy past as you visit must-see sites in the heart of the historic district. Back by popular demand for its second year running, this unique exploration of wintertime traditions throughout the ages, meticulously researched by resident expert Theresa, is set to become a quintessential, seasonal staple here in Salem. And whether you are a longtime local or an adventurous visitor, if you’re looking to spice up your holiday celebrations, this perfectly blended cocktail of spookiness, silliness, and dynamic storytelling is sure to delight. So, bundle up, bring along a hot chocolate from one of the local cafes, and enjoy good, old-fashioned, Victorian ghost stories that will chill you to the bone.
Space is limited, so be sure to snag your tickets for The Twisted Christmas Tour at www.salemghosttours.com . And for more information (and silly memes), give @salmnighttour a follow on Instagram!
