Salem’s Witch City Broom Making Workshop is a rare Salem activity you don’t just watch—you make. In about 90 minutes at the Old Town Hall area, you’ll craft a one-of-a-kind witches broom with your own style choices, while guides including people like Ashley and Amy (plus others named in recent classes such as Mykaela, Samantha, and Makayla) keep the steps clear and moving.

What I like most is the hands-on structure—gathering materials, wrapping, and decorating in a real process—and the fact you leave with a tangible Salem souvenir, not a photo souvenir that ends up on your camera roll. One thing to plan around: the workshop won’t take latecomers, and you’ll need to use stairs to get into the space.

Key things I’d block time for

• 90-minute, hands-on format that leads to a finished broom you can hang at home
• Customization from a real selection: broomcorn, ribbons, and multiple decoration options
• Guides who help step-by-step, with patient support called out repeatedly in reviews
• A calm workshop vibe (even noted for a clean bathroom, which matters more than you think)
• Supplies can run out if you’re aiming for very specific add-ons—plan to commit to your picks early

Why this Salem broom workshop feels different

Salem is full of theatrical stops, but this one is about craft. You walk in, you get materials, and you build a broom you can personalize—colors, ribbons, and charm-style pieces—then you learn how to wrap and attach them so it looks intentional rather than improvised.

That matters for value. If you’ve ever paid for an activity where you leave with a nice idea but not much in your hands, you’ll feel the difference here. The whole experience is built around producing something. And because you choose your decorations, the broom becomes a personal keepsake rather than a generic Salem prop.

There’s also a theme to the teaching. The instructors explain ways people use their brooms for symbolism—protection, warding off evil, good luck, and repelling spells from others. I take that as part of the cultural and creative storytelling of Salem witch lore, not as a promise of supernatural results. Either way, it gives your design meaning beyond colors.

Price and value: what $135 really covers

At $135 per person for a 90-minute workshop, you’re paying for three things:

First, the baseline materials. You’re provided with a broom handle, broom corn, a ribbon, and 1–2 decorations, plus color options for your build.

Second, the guidance. Your guide doesn’t just point to a finished example. They walk you through designing and decorating, then help you with the mechanics: wrapping the broom and attaching charms and elements.

Third, the experience time itself. A session that’s structured, step-by-step, and short enough to stay focused tends to feel worth it—especially when you’re not left wondering what you’re doing wrong.

Now the fair caution: because you’re paying for supplies and instruction, it’s not the cheapest activity in Salem. But based on the overall feedback, the cost aligns with the fact you leave with a finished broom and lots of customization choices.

Where to meet: Old Town Hall and the 10-minute rule

The meeting point is the Old Town Hall building near the 3 staircases. Reviews mention it can be easy to find, and some groups say staff actually helps you get pointed the right way.

Two practical notes that affect your day:

• Don’t arrive late. They explicitly can’t accept latecomers into the class, and they ask you to be 10 minutes early.
• Your workshop is not at the Retail Store location on Essex Street, so don’t assume the shop is where you’ll be crafting.

If you’re planning your Salem itinerary, treat this like a timed ticket event. Build in a small buffer so you’re not rushing through witch-themed streets like you’re being chased by a black cat.

The 90-minute workshop flow: from handle to finished broom

The class runs 90 minutes, and the format is designed so you can go from blank materials to a finished, display-worthy broom without needing prior craft skills.

Here’s what that typically looks like in the session:

• Gathering and planning your broom look. You’ll pick your colors and choose from the available decorations and ribbon options.
• Learning the wrapping process. You’ll be taught how to wrap the broomcorn and keep the look tidy rather than lumpy.
• Attaching charms and elements. You’ll add decorative pieces—think trinkets/charms and “earthly elements” that fit the protective or lucky theme.
• Personal touches. This is where your broom becomes yours: color choices, ribbon styling, and the particular mix of decorations.

The best part of this flow is that it supports different skill levels. Even if you think you’re not creative, you still get a path. Multiple reviews mention people leaving with brooms they didn’t think they could make, which is exactly what you want from a guided craft.

Also, the workshop environment is set up to feel relaxed. One review called out a calm setting, and the overall tone of feedback is that instruction feels encouraging rather than rushed.

Choosing your broom style: ribbons, broomcorn, and charm options

Personalization is the centerpiece. You get options for colors and design accessories, including colorful ribbons and broomcorn, plus decoration choices like trinkets/charms.

A few practical ways to get the best result:

• Pick a color direction early. If you wait until the final minutes, you may feel pressured—and supplies can run low.
• Think “balance,” not “more.” A broom reads best when the ribbon and charms feel like they belong together, not like separate piles.
• Decide your theme. Even if you’re not into the symbolism, choosing whether your broom leans toward protection, good luck, or general witchy style helps you make faster design decisions.

One review notes that some specific supplies ran out before they could add everything they wanted. That’s the main design-related downside to keep in mind: you’ll want to move through your choices as the class progresses.

The meaning of the details: why colors and decorations get explained

You aren’t just handed supplies and told to go wild. Instructors explain the meaning behind design choices, especially the colors of the bristles (broomcorn) and the rationale for the charms and elements.

Again, I wouldn’t treat this like a spell casting instruction manual that guarantees outcomes. But as a storytelling tool, it’s great. It turns your broom into a themed object with intent, and it helps you feel like you understand what you made—not just that you finished a craft.

It also gives you better “display vocabulary” when you get home. You can talk about why you chose a certain ribbon style or decoration set, which makes the broom more fun for friends to see.

Taking your broom home: TSA reality, shipping, and suitcase tricks

A broom is a broom. That means it doesn’t shrink to a neat souvenir box for your carry-on.

You’ll likely need one of two strategies:

• Ship it. One review mentions getting the broom shipped from a nearby UPS store so it avoided the TSA struggle.
• Plan your luggage shape. Another review says they managed it by choosing smaller options and fitting it diagonally in a suitcase.

If you want the easiest journey, plan on shipping. If you want the broom with you in person, plan on careful packing and the reality that TSA is not going to treat a handmade witches broom like a harmless travel item.

Tip from how people handled it: choose your decoration density based on transport. A simpler charm arrangement can pack and ship more easily than a broom loaded with extra items.

Atmosphere and instruction: what the guides do well

The workshop vibe comes through repeatedly in feedback: relaxed, supportive, and fun. People highlight how helpful the instructors are during the build process, with step-by-step help when needed.

Names that show up often in reviews include instructors such as Mykaela, Samantha, Ashley, Amy, Makayla, Shelly, Haley, and Coco. I can’t promise the exact guide you’ll get, but the consistent pattern is that the staff is engaged and hands-on with students.

A few small details also add up:

• The space feels comfortable enough that people call it relaxing.
• There’s a positive note about a clean bathroom, which sounds trivial until you’re on a day full of walking and tour stops.
• The guides encourage personal choice, so you can make something that reflects your taste rather than matching a cookie-cutter template.

Also worth noting: the class doesn’t allow you to mess around with video recording. If you’re into documenting every step, plan to take photos without recording video, since video recording isn’t allowed.

Logistics that matter more than you think

Some of these rules are easy to overlook until the moment you arrive:

• Closed-toe shoes only. Sandals and flip flops aren’t allowed.
• No smoking.
• No intoxication, alcohol, or drugs.
• No mobility scooters and the building is not wheelchair accessible, plus you’ll need to use stairs to enter the workshop.
• No unaccompanied minors. Parents are also told not to leave children unattended in the waiting area, and the waiting space is limited for one or two guests.

If you’re traveling with kids, this workshop can still work as a group activity, but you’ll want to treat it like a supervised craft event, not drop-off entertainment.

And if you’re thinking of bringing your own personal charms, one review suggests you might be able to bring something specific to add later on another visit. Still, the safest approach is to plan on using what’s provided in the workshop selection.

Who should book this broom workshop

This is a great fit if you want:

• A hands-on Salem souvenir you can display at home
• A guided craft experience that supports different ability levels
• A “witchy” activity that’s fun, themed, and structured without feeling intense

It’s also a solid choice for:

• Couples and friends who want an activity that sparks conversation
• Small groups who like doing something together rather than just touring

You might reconsider if:

• You need wheelchair access (the workshop building requires stairs and isn’t wheelchair accessible)
• You rely on mobility scooters (not allowed)
• You need flexible late arrival times (they can’t accept latecomers)

Should you book Witch City Broom Making Workshop?

My take: if you’re going to Salem and you want at least one activity that produces a real keepsake, this workshop is an easy yes. The combination of supplies provided, 90-minute structure, and design choices keeps it feeling like a real value, not just a ticket into a themed room.

Book it if you can arrive on time, wear closed-toe shoes, and are okay with the reality of stairs and transport. If you’re planning to fly, also seriously consider shipping early so your broom doesn’t turn into an airport stress test.

If you want a witchy memory that’s not just photos, this is one of the more satisfying things you can do in Salem.

FAQ

How long is the Salem Witch City Broom Making Workshop?

It lasts about 90 minutes.

What does the workshop cost?

The price is $135 per person.

Where do we meet for the workshop?

You meet at the Old Town Hall building near the 3 staircases.

Is the workshop at the retail store on Essex Street?

No. The workshop location is not at the Retail Store location on Essex Street.

What’s included in the price?

Included materials are a broom making workshop, 1 broom handle, broom corn, 1–2 decorations, ribbon, and color.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes. That’s specifically required.

What is not allowed during the workshop?

Video recording is not allowed. Also, sandals/flip flops, smoking, mobility scooters, intoxication, handcarts, alcohol and drugs, open-toed shoes, electric wheelchairs, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Can I bring a wheelchair or mobility scooter?

No. The building is not wheelchair accessible, and mobility scooters are not allowed.

What if I’m running late?

They cannot accept latecomers into the class. They ask you to be 10 minutes early.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.