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October in Salem
Halloween Ball: A Vintage Hallowe'en
Join us on Saturday, October 25 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 100th 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 a 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 20th 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.
October 2025
Do you want to check "experience Halloween in Salem" off your bucket list? Don’t let the high demand for rooms in October deter you from visiting Salem during Haunted Happenings. Although our Halloween Ball weekend package is sold out, we do have a handful of economy rooms available for the Halloween package and there is availability during the week in October - when you will find shorter wait times at popular local attractions. Please call 978-825-4322 to speak with our Director of Rooms if interested in Halloween night or a mid-week stay.
Please be aware that all stays for September or October require a one-night non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.
A note about dining at the Hawthorne: we limit seatings to walk-ins only during the month of October.