Join us for an immersive journey into the bizarre and beautiful Halloween traditions of the 1920s.

Welcome to the most talked-about event of the Halloween season - the Hawthorne Hotel's Halloween Ball. The event, introduced in 1990 and hosted by the Hawthorne team, features a live band (American Midnight), two DJs, interactive experiences, a costume contest, stationed hors d'oeuvres, and cash bars across three floors. Dance, people-watch, take selfies in front of our photo backdrops and enjoy being part of the premier bucket-list Halloween event in New England. Celebrate A Vintage Hallowe'en and pay homage to the hotel’s 100^th anniversary with an unforgettable evening of eerie elegance and vintage oddity.

The Theme:

Our theme this year, A Vintage Hallowe'en, will transport you into the bizarre – yet beautiful – traditions of the 1920s to see just how much Halloween has changed in 100 years. In the past, Halloween enthusiasts made do with what they had on-hand, including pumpkins, gourds and paper cutouts. But - spoiler alert: most costumes used to be terrifying. The 1920s Channel on Youtube provides great overview of Halloween in the 1920s.

Costume Details:

This is a costume party. You may wish to follow our theme, A Vintage Hallowe'en, and don your most hauntingly glamorous flapper gown or twisted take on antique costumes from the early 20^th century. Think paper mâché masks, spirits from the séance salon, or hand made crepe paper and muslin party frocks in the popular colors of orange, black and purple. Feel free, however, to choose any costume from Halloween’s past that carries nostalgia – or stray entirely from the theme. Hotel staff will award both cash prizes and complimentary gift certificates for a number of exemplary, homemade costumes.

Accommodations:

Our guest rooms are sold out the weekend of the ball; however, we MAY receive cancellations so please call the hotel directly (978-744-4080) to inquire about last-minute room availability. There are also many hotel options on the North Shore and Boston (near North Station.) The commuter rail in Salem is less than a 10-minute walk from the Hawthorne, making it a convenient mode of transportation if staying outside of Salem. For suggestions on alternatives to staying in Salem, please call 978-825-4337 or email kpetty@hawthornehotel.com.