24 Things to Do for Halloween in Boston (2026)
Are you spending Halloween in Boston and looking for the best Halloween events, parties and activities?
Some of the spookiest ways to spend Halloween in Boston include going on bone-chilling ghost tours, attending a haunted Halloween party on a yacht, or exploring the Halloween decorations on Beacon Hill.
There are so many Halloween activities in Boston for adults, children, and families. If you are looking for where to go for Halloween in Boston, check out the list of the creepiest and eeriest ways to spend this spooky season below.
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24 Things to Do on Halloween in Boston
1. Take a Haunted Trolley Tour – Boston Ghosts & Gravestones
Spend Halloween in Boston riding a haunted trolley through the spookiest parts of the city.
The terrifying trolley of the doomed takes you to some of Boston’s most haunted locations, such as the Old Granary and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
The ghost tour features a spooky yet theatrical guide who shares stories about Boston’s darkest and creepiest secrets. You will also hear tales of ghosts still lingering in Boston’s historic streets and buildings.
If you are looking for a fun, scary Halloween ghost tour, you must take the haunted trolley tour with Boston Ghosts & Gravestones. If you love dark history and ghosts, be sure to check out the best ghost tours in Boston and spend Halloween listening to terrifying tales and spooky stories about the city.
Book here: Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Night-Time Trolley Tour
2. Go on a Haunted Pub Crawl
What is the best way to spend Halloween in Boston? Drinking with some ghosts, of course!
The Haunted Boston Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour takes you to Boston’s best pubs, with stops at haunted places in between each bar. You will visit pubs like the Beantown Pub while learning about Boston’s dark history.
Other haunted pub crawls I recommend are Boston: Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns, Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl and Boston Haunted Pub Crawl.
A haunted pub crawl is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in Boston for adults. You will get to spend an evening drinking with friends, dressed up in a Halloween costume, walking around pubs to pubs where other ghosts and ghouls are spending the evening having a spooky Halloween.
Book here: Haunted Boston Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
3. Take a Ghost Tour – Boston Ghost Tour
If you love spending Halloween with ghosts, you must take a ghost tour in Boston. After dark, the tour takes you and your friends around Boston’s most haunted sites.
The barrier between our world and the spirit world is at its thinnest on Halloween night, so it is the perfect time to go on a ghost tour.
Halloween in Boston isn’t complete without a ghost tour! The Ghosts of Boston Night-Time Walking Tour takes you to haunted locations like the Granary Burying Ground and the Boston Opera House.
You will hear the terrifying tales behind the ghosts that haunt these locations. Will you run into the spirits that wander around Boston?
Book here: Ghosts of Boston Night-Time Walking Tour
4. Take a Self-Guided Ghost Tour with Friends
While taking a ghost tour with a bunch of other people is fun, sometimes the tours can be extra busy on Halloween.
If you can’t find a private ghost tour or want to take one with your friends rather than strangers, I highly recommend a self-guided smartphone ghost walking tour with WalknTours.
With this tour, you can take your time and spend as long as you want at each location. Since this tour runs on your phones, make sure you all have headphones so you can hear everything the spooky guide says.
It is the perfect way to spend Halloween in Boston if you like to avoid crowds.
Book here: Self-Guided Ghost Tour
5. Enjoy a Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Spend the night taking in a live performance by candlelight with the Beacon Street Quartet. The evening will be filled with your favourite Halloween classics, including the Ghostbusters Theme, Psycho Theme song and Beetlejuice.
This event will take place on October 24th for one night only, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Book here: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
6. Walk with the Dead with a Zombie Scavenger’s Game
If you are looking for things to do in Boston for Halloween, you should go on an adventurous Zombie Scavenger Hunt. This hunt, done entirely via the Zombie Scavengers app, helps you survive a zombie apocalypse.
You will have to find a list of items and do zombie-themed challenges for points. Why not go all out and do the Zombie Scavenger hunt dressed as zombies?
Book here: Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Boston by Zombie Scavengers
7. Stay the Night at a Haunted Hotel – Omni Parker House
What is a better way to spend Halloween in Boston than sleeping with ghosts? The Omni Parker House is known for being one of the most haunted hotels in Boston. With over 150 years of history, I am not surprised a few spirits stuck around the hotel in the afterlife.
Some of the resident ghosts include the spirit of Harvey Parker, who keeps an eye on the hotel. Other apparitions can be heard through disembodied whispers, the smell of cigars and whiskey or seen controlling the elevator. Spooky!
Be sure to book way in advance because prices go up around Halloween.
Book here: Omni Parker House (Through TripAdvisor)
8. Sail the High Seas on a Spooky Cruise this Halloween in Boston
If you love ghost tours and listening to spooky tales, I recommend spending this Halloween taking a haunted ghost tour cruise on the Boston Harbor.
You will step aboard the Northern Lights, a 1920s-style yacht, and enjoy a 90-minute cruise that passes several of Boston’s haunted islands. A live narrator will be on board telling you the history and spooky lore behind islands like George’s Island and Castle Island.
The yacht has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can either stay warm inside or let the cool autumn air flow through your hair as you enjoy hearing some of the spookiest stories about Boston.
This is not a Halloween party cruise, but there are several party cruises ready to welcome you aboard this Halloween if that is your thing! Look at number 16 for more information on Halloween-themed party cruises.
Book here: Boston: Haunted Ghost Tour Cruise with Narrator
9. Stroll Through a Haunted Cemetery
Boston has many cemeteries and graveyards scattered around the city. Some of the cemeteries have more than historic tombstones, though.
If you want to walk with the ghosts, stroll through the Granary Park Burying Grounds or the Central Burying Ground. Both cemeteries are known for spooky stories of ghosts lingering among the trees and gravestones.
There are no particular ghost tours that only take you to Boston’s haunted cemeteries, but most of the ghost tours do take you to and through several of the most haunted graveyards in Boston. So if you want to learn about the history and spooky stories behind the graves, I recommend going on a ghost tour in Boston this Halloween.
Find out more about the ghosts that haunt the Central Burying Ground here.
10. Take a True Crime Tour
Boston has a dark history, including organized crime, serial killers, and horrifying urban legends. Learn about them all this Halloween by taking a true crime tour.
There are three true crime tours in Boston that I recommend taking this Halloween. The first one is the Boston: Mobsters, Mayhem and Murder Walking Tour, which takes you through the history of the secret underworld of true crime. The tour takes you through the Boston Waterfront, the North End, the West End and ends at the site of the Boston Massacre.
I also recommend the Boston: Beacon Hill True Crime Walking Tour and the Boston: True Crime, Urban Legends, and Ghostly Tales Tour.
11. Take a Halloween Crypt Tour at King’s Chapel
Do you want to spend Halloween deep inside a church’s crypt where candlelight is the only light you have? Same.
Take a Halloween Crypt Tour at King’s Chapel and learn the dark history surrounding the historic crypt and church. The tour is one of the best Boston Halloween events, but if you miss out on taking the Halloween tour, you can still take guided tours of the crypt all year.
Not only can you tour the crypt, but they now offer a history of the King’s Chapel Burying Ground. Book the Bells & Bones tour to gain access to the 18th-century crypt and the church tower.
Find out more here: Crypt Tours at King’s Chapel
12. Spend Halloween in Boston on Beacon Hill
Walk down the cobblestones of Beacon Hill with ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. The historic street is lined with houses decorated for the spooky season, getting anyone in the Halloween spirit.
You can take a tour of the area or attend a special Halloween tour called Boo! This tour takes you to the house of Dr. George Parkman, who has a deplorable dark history.
The neighborhood is decked out with the creepiest Halloween decorations, including giant skeletons, classic Halloween music, smoke machines, and so much more. If you need to get into the Halloween spirit, you need to head down to Beacon Hill.
It’s super spooky and is one of the best ways to spend Halloween in Boston.
13. Visit Witch’s Woods Haunted Hayride and Halloween Screampark
If you are looking for Halloween events in Boston, I recommend spending it in the terrifying Witch’s Woods, where you can take a haunted hayride through the ominous woods full of witches and ghouls.
Other attractions exist if the haunted hayride isn’t your thing. Try out the Vampire Passage, Castle Morbid, 3d Keeper’s Crypt, Horrorwood Chamber of Chills and the Jack-o-lantern Jamboree.
This event is scary, but a great way to spend Halloween with the family!
You can head down to the Witch’s Woods every Friday through Sunday from September 27th to November 2nd, 2026. They are also running on Thursday, October 31st!
14. Catch a Halloween or Horror Flick
Halloween is the best time to head to the movie theatre and watch a classic horror film or your favourite Halloween film from your childhood.
Spend Halloween in Boston eating popcorn while getting scared before heading home and travelling through Boston’s dark streets.
Head to The Brattle, as they usually host pretty scary horror movies and Halloween movies!
15. Take a Witchcraft Tour
Salem may be known for its witchcraft history, but Boston was also infected by the tragic witch history. Boston was the site of the second execution of a witch in 1648 and was the place where the last woman was executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts.
Why not spend the evening learning about the women who died and the ones who were accused of being witches in Boston this Halloween?
Book here: Boston Witchcraft Tour
16. Go on a Halloween-themed Party Cruise
This Halloween should be spent partying on one of Boston’s biggest haunted cruises. Have you ever wanted to spend Halloween in Boston, sailing the high seas on a haunted yacht? Okay, the yacht isn’t haunted, but the party is insanely fun.
Boston’s Haunted Halloween Cruise Party will happen on two spooky nights, and the ship features chilling cocktails, spooky-themed food and live music. The Halloween event runs from deck to deck aboard a cruise ship large enough to accommodate over 500 spooky guests.
The Halloween party takes place on The Spirit of Boston Yacht, which spans over four decks, with 3 DJs and two floors of music. So get into your hottest Halloween costume and party the night away in the Boston Harbor.
So, get into your spookiest Halloween costume and head down to Boston’s Haunted Halloween Cruise party on Friday, October 30th, and Saturday, October 31st, called the 2026 Halloween Cruises – Sinners, Saints, Witches, Zombies. The Haunted Party Ship cruises around Boston Harbor. The night is complete with costumes, food, cocktails and the best DJs to help you dance the night away.
These are among the best Halloween events in Boston for adults. Each night has a different theme: October 30th is the Sinners & Saints Haunted Halloween Cruise Saturday, and Halloween is the Witches & Zombies cruise. This event sells out fast, so book your tickets early and avoid missing out on one of Boston’s best Halloween parties.
Book here: Boston’s Haunted Halloween Cruise Party
Book here: 2026 Halloween Cruises – Sinners, Saints, Witches, Zombies
17. Watch a Halloween Themed Murder Mystery
Spend Halloween in Boston at an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre with The Dinner Detective. The best thing about the dinner is that the actors look just like you, so you will have no idea who the killer is!
The 2026 murder mystery, Dirty Money, will take place on October 3rd.
Book here: Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
18. Spend Halloween in Boston on Fort Warren
Fort Warren is one of the most haunted places in Boston. The Fort is the perfect place to spend Halloween in Boston if you want to linger among the spirits.
The ghosts that haunt the historic Fort Warren include The Lady in Black. If you spot her spirit, she is said to be buried in the Corridor of Dungeons, so be on the lookout.
Fort Warren is located on Georges Island and is only accessible by ferry. Before visiting, be sure to book in advance and check tour times.
Book here: Halloween on Fort Warren
19. Spend Halloween in Boston at PruBoo
If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly event this Halloween in Boston, you must head to PruBoo. This incredibly popular event will take place at the Prudential Center on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The event features trick-or-treating at over 30 stores and restaurants, face painting, pumpkin decorating, magic shows and a musical performance.
Find out more here: PruBoo 2026
20. Spend Halloween at the Boston Children’s Museum
Every Halloween, the Boston Children’s Museum hosts a load of family-friendly fall festivals, including trick-or-treating throughout the museum and ghoulishly themed Halloween games.
They also have an event called the “Pumpkin Patch of Play,” which runs for around two weeks and includes Halloween-themed pinball machines, dancing at Monster Mash sessions, and watching singing Jack-o’-lanterns.
Find out more here: Halloween at Boston Children’s Museum
21. Boston Fenway Official Halloween Bar Crawl 2026
If you want to spend Halloween in Boston on an incredible bar crawl, you should get tickets for the Boston Fenway Official Halloween Bar Crawl.
This event is happening on October 26th and allows you to visit over 40 of Boston’s most popular and historic bars without a cover charge. Boston’s largest pub crawl features live DJs and bands at various venues across the city.
There are a few different pub crawls this Halloween, including the Boston Official Halloween Pub Crawl 2026 by Bar Crawl LIVE! Happening on October 30th and 31st, Boston Faneuil Hall Halloween Bar Crawl 2026 on October 31st, and Trick or Drink: Boston Halloween Bar Crawl, which takes place over 3 days and starts on October 24th.
Find out more here: Boston Fenway Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Book all of the Halloween Pub Crawls here: Halloween Pub Crawls in Boston
22. Spend Halloween at the Frog Pond Pumpkin Float
Bring your carved pumpkins to the annual Frog Pond Pumpkin Float this Halloween. Each pumpkin will be lit and sent into the water, creating a beautiful, spooky scene. The event will also feature luminaries and family activities for everyone to enjoy.
This Halloween event is best for people who have children. The pumpkin float will feature refreshments, music and child-friendly activities. The pumpkin float is one of the best ways for kids to spend Halloween in Boston.
Find out more information here: Frog Pond Pumpkin Float
23. Find a Halloween Costume at Boston Costume
If you are heading to a Halloween party in Boston and need the perfect costume, you must visit Boston Costume in the Garment District. You can buy or rent a spooky costume for Halloween parties or hang out while watching horror movies on the couch.
24. Head to Salem
Would it be a Halloween in Boston post if no one says, “get out of Boston to spend Halloween in Salem”?
While Boston is a great place to spend the spooky season, its nearby neighbor is the king of Halloween. Or should I say Salem is the Queen of Halloween, as it is the Witch City!
Check out how to spend Halloween in Salem, book one of the best ghost tours in Salem, or explore the most haunted places in Salem to prepare yourself for this Halloween.
More Spooky and Haunted Things to Do in Massachusetts
- Spooky Destination Guide – Boston
- The Best Ghost Tours in Boston
- Edgar Allan Poe & The Central Burying Grounds
- Haunted Places to Visit in Salem
- The History of the Salem Witch Trials
More Ghost Tours around the USA