Salem’s only Jack – O’ – Lantern Festival

If you’re planning to visit Salem during Halloween season and are curious about the local Jack-O’-Lantern Festival, this review aims to give you an honest, detailed look at what you can expect. Based on reviews and tour descriptions, we’ll explore whether it’s worth your time and money.

Three things we like about this experience:
First, the pumpkin tunnel sounds visually impressive—a must-see for Halloween lovers. Second, the reanimated pumpkins telling spooky stories add a fun, quirky touch that can entertain both kids and adults. Third, the bigger and more elaborate setup this year suggests they’ve put effort into creating a memorable event.

One potential drawback: The overall size and duration may leave some feeling it’s a bit underwhelming, especially if you’re expecting a large-scale attraction. The reviews indicate that the experience is quite short, with some visitors finding the pumpkins to be fake and the event compact.

This experience is best suited for families with young children or visitors looking for a quick, festive activity rather than a lengthy or highly detailed Halloween outing. Now, let’s walk through what you can expect at Salem’s Jack-O’-Lantern Festival.

Good To Know

Size: The event is described as small, meaning it may not satisfy those seeking a large-scale spectacle.
Price: At $22, it’s relatively affordable, but some find it not quite worth the cost compared to the experience’s length.
Duration: Expect between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, so it’s a quick visit.
Highlights: The pumpkin tunnel and the spooky storytelling pumpkins are the main attractions.
Reviews: Mixed—some find it charming for young kids, others see it as brief and somewhat superficial.
Accessibility: Near public transportation, service animals allowed, suitable for most travelers.

What is Salem’s Jack – O’ – Lantern Festival?

This tour is a seasonal event meant to celebrate Halloween with a display of carved pumpkins, spooky storytelling, and themed installations. It takes place at Salem’s Hollowed Harvest location from September 19 to October 31, with opening hours on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM. The ticket costs $22, including all fees and taxes, making it an accessible option for most visitors.

The core of the experience is a walk-through setting called the Wicked Labyrinth, which showcases carved pumpkins that are lit up and arranged in eerie, artistic displays. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the pumpkin tunnel—a photo-worthy, immersive feature that guides guests through a corridor of glowing gourds. The event also boasts re-animated pumpkins that tell spooky stories and even rock out in a new graveyard setup, adding some unexpectedly fun elements.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The Wicked Labyrinth

The main attraction is a walk-through that features carved pumpkins with internal lights. According to reviews, these are mostly fake pumpkins that have been artistically carved and lit, creating a charming glow. Visitors can expect to stroll through the labyrinth, which is decorated with themed displays, lighting effects, and some quirky animated pumpkins.

Reviewers mention that the setup is short and sweet—a quick experience that takes less than half an hour to complete. One guest, Melinda_I, commented that it felt more like a small event than a full-blown festival, with pumpkins that seemed more decorative than interactive. The short duration might disappoint those hoping for a lengthy immersive experience but fits well for families with young children or visitors looking for a quick Halloween fix.

Pumpkin Tunnel

This feature seems to be a highlight, offering a large, epic tunnel of pumpkins that visitors walk through, providing a fun photo opportunity and a sense of walking into a Halloween fantasy. It’s described as impressive and visually engaging—a simple but effective way to get into the holiday spirit.

Reanimated Pumpkins & Graveyard

Adding a touch of whimsy and spooky storytelling, the re-animated pumpkins are said to “tell spooky stories” and even rock out in the all-new graveyard scene. This playful, interactive element is likely targeted at younger kids or those who enjoy a bit of spooky humor, according to the reviews. Mio_G mentioned that the event is great for younger children but perhaps not so much for those wanting a more substantial experience.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Accessibility & Location

The ticket redemption point is convenient, at 45 Congress St in Salem—near public transportation, making it accessible for visitors without a car. The event runs exclusively on Thursday evenings during October, so planning around the schedule is key.

Duration & Group Size

Given the reviews, most visitors spend between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours at the event. The size of the event is on the smaller side, which can mean more intimate encounters but less variety in the displays.

Cost & Value

At $22, the price is moderate, but reviews suggest that the experience might not be worth the full cost if you’re expecting a large or elaborate event. One reviewer pointed out that the pumpkins are mostly fake and the walk-through was quite brief, which might make it feel more like a quick attraction rather than a full festival.

What’s Not Included

Alcoholic beverages are not part of the event, so if you’re looking for any adult-oriented Halloween fun, you’ll need to find that elsewhere. Service animals are allowed, making it more accessible for visitors with disabilities or assistance needs.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Jack-O’-Lantern Festival will appeal most to families with young children, thanks to the playful pumpkin displays and storytelling pumpkins. It’s also suitable for those seeking a quick, inexpensive Halloween activity in Salem. If you’re after a large-scale, immersive experience or a lengthy event, you might find this tour too brief and somewhat superficial.

Those who appreciate Halloween-themed photo ops will enjoy the pumpkin tunnel and the festive scenery. Conversely, travelers expecting elaborate displays or complex storytelling might leave feeling the event was just okay.

Final Thoughts

Salem’s Jack – O’ – Lantern Festival offers a charming, family-friendly way to get into the Halloween spirit. It’s a quick, budget-friendly experience with some visually appealing features like the pumpkin tunnel and spooky pumpkin storytellers. However, it’s quite small and short, with some visitors feeling it doesn’t quite justify the price.

If you’re visiting Salem during October and want a light, festive activity that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, this might be a good choice. For those wanting a more elaborate or lengthy Halloween event, consider exploring other local attractions or enjoying Salem’s broader holiday festivities.

In summary: this event is best for families, casual visitors, or Halloween enthusiasts looking for a quick, fun photo opportunity rather than a deep-dive into spooky delights.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as great for younger children, especially with the storytelling pumpkins and simple walk-through setup.

How long does the experience last?
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours exploring the event.

Is it worth the $22 ticket price?
It depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for a large or elaborate experience, reviews suggest it might feel a bit brief and superficial.

Are the pumpkins real?
No, most of the pumpkins are fake carvings with internal lights, as mentioned by some reviewers.

Can I visit on any day?
No, the event runs on Thursday evenings from September 19 to October 31, 2025, from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Is transportation easy?
Yes, the ticket redemption point is near public transportation in Salem, making it accessible for most visitors.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted at the event.

With a balance of charming Halloween visuals and a simple setup, Salem’s Jack – O’ – Lantern Festival offers a quick seasonal fix. It’s mainly suited for those craving a family-friendly, lighthearted October outing—just keep your expectations in check regarding size and duration.