Salem, MA: Witch City Broom Making Workshop

Salem’s witchy souvenir of choice is a broom you make yourself. In this 90-minute workshop, you choose the colors and decorations, then learn how to wrap broomcorn around a handle and finish it with ribbons and charms. It’s a hands-on keepsake, not a lecture dressed up as an activity.

I like two things in particular: you can make the design your own, and local instructors help with each step, even if you don’t think of yourself as crafty. One consideration is the $135 price per person, plus the finished broom can be awkward to carry if you’re flying or traveling light.

• You make one broom: The workshop includes a handle, broomcorn, ribbon, color, and one or two decorations.
• Choose personal details: Colors, charms, trinkets, and other decorative elements let you give the broom your own look.
• Hear about symbolic details: Instructors explain associations connected with colors and charms, including luck and protection.
• Find the right meeting point: Meet at Old Town Hall near the three staircases, not at the retail store on Essex Street.
• Arrive early and wear closed-toe shoes: Latecomers cannot join, and open-toed footwear is not allowed.
• Plan for stairs and transport: The workshop is not wheelchair accessible, and you’ll need a way to get your broom home.

A Salem keepsake with your own hand in it

This class turns a familiar witchcraft image into a practical craft project. Rather than buying a ready-made broom, you put one together yourself, choosing its colors and ornaments as you go. That difference matters: the finished piece can reflect your taste, your family, or the meaning you want it to carry.

The workshop is led by local Salem instructors. Past instructors have included Ashley, Amy, Makayla, Mykaela, and Samantha, among others. Names and staffing can change, but the teaching approach is clear: the instructors demonstrate the process, offer suggestions, and help you when the wrapping or decorating gets tricky.

The activity is designed for beginners. You don’t need to arrive with a plan or a set of crafting skills. One participant who did not consider herself especially creative still left with a broom she was pleased with, and several people describe the instructors as patient and helpful. That reassurance is useful if you’re picturing yourself at a craft table with no idea where to start.

Finding the workshop at Old Town Hall

The meeting point is the Old Town Hall building, near the three staircases. Pay close attention to that detail: the workshop is not at the retail store on Essex Street. The distinction is easy to miss if you search for a shop address and assume the class meets there.

Arrive at least 10 minutes before your start time. The workshop does not accept latecomers, so this is not an activity to squeeze in after a last-minute stop across town. Getting there early gives you a little breathing room to find the correct building and settle in.

Once inside, expect a craft-focused setting rather than a shop-floor demonstration. The space is arranged for making, with materials and decorative choices available for your broom. Seating in the waiting area is limited to one or two people, and children cannot be left there unattended. If your party includes someone who is not taking part, make a plan rather than assuming they can wait nearby.

Choosing colors, charms, and broomcorn

The making begins with materials. Your booking includes one broom handle, broomcorn, ribbon, color, and one or two decorations. You can choose among different colors and design accessories, with options such as trinkets, charms, colorful ribbons, and colorful broomcorn.

That choice is a big part of the appeal. Some people may want a bold, playful broom; others may prefer a simpler design with a personal charm. Instructors can explain the meaning associated with colors and suggest ways to arrange the materials, but the final look is yours. You don’t need to copy a sample or follow one fixed style.

The selection can vary. Supplies have occasionally run short, so if you have your heart set on a particular decoration, keep an open mind and choose early when you can. The included package specifies one or two decorations; don’t assume every accessory on the table is part of that allowance. Ask the instructor what is included before adding anything beyond it.

You may also want to bring a meaningful charm of your own. A participant had a family keepsake in mind and was invited to bring it on a future visit. If you hope to use a personal object, contact the provider ahead of time to check what is suitable rather than assuming it can be attached.

Wrapping the broom and adding its meaning

After choosing materials, you learn how to wrap the broomcorn around the handle. The instructors demonstrate the process and guide you through it, then help with attaching the decorations and finishing touches. The class description emphasizes the wrapping technique, and the hands-on support is especially valuable here: a small adjustment can make the finished broom look more deliberate.

The decorative elements can carry traditional associations. Charms and earthly materials may be chosen for protection, good fortune, or warding off unwanted influences. You can treat those meanings as spiritual practice, playful symbolism, or simply part of Salem’s witchcraft culture. The class makes room for personal interpretation rather than asking everyone to approach the symbols in the same way.

Color also adds another layer. Instructors have explained the significance of broomcorn colors and offered advice on style and display. If those details interest you, ask questions while you work. The class is not just a matter of tying on a ribbon; it gives you a chance to understand why certain materials and colors appeal to you.

What 90 minutes feels like

The workshop lasts 90 minutes, enough time for choosing materials, learning the wrapping process, decorating, and getting help along the way. It is a focused activity, not an all-day class. The pace is meant to leave room for creativity, though anyone who likes to deliberate over every color and charm may wish for a little more time.

The class has been described as relaxed and welcoming, with instructors who explain steps clearly and offer one-on-one help when needed. Small class sizes have also been noted, though the exact group size is not specified. That matters if you want to ask questions or need extra support: the activity is built around hands-on instruction, not simply handing you a kit and leaving you to figure it out.

Families, friends, and couples can make this a shared project without needing matching designs. Children have taken part with adults, and staff have been described as accommodating when a participant needed extra assistance. Still, the rules are firm about unaccompanied minors and children waiting unattended. Check age and supervision arrangements with the provider if you are planning a family visit.

Is $135 worth it?

At $135 per person, this is a relatively costly souvenir activity. The price covers the 90-minute workshop and the basic materials for one broom, including the handle, broomcorn, ribbon, color, and one or two decorations. You are also paying for instruction and access to a selection of materials, not just for a finished object.

I see the strongest value in the combination of making something and learning how to assemble it. A shop-bought broom may be quicker and less expensive, but it won’t carry the same personal touch. If you enjoy creative activities or want a distinctive reminder of Salem, the price may feel fair. If you mainly want a low-cost souvenir, this probably isn’t the best fit.

Consider the cost alongside your plans for the finished broom. It can be a sizable item to pack, and the company does not ship it for you. One practical option used by a participant was to send the broom from a nearby UPS store, but confirm current shipping options and costs yourself. If you’re flying, check your luggage plans before class; a smaller broom may be easier to fit than a larger one.

Getting your broom home

The souvenir is the payoff, but it also takes up space. If you’re driving, you may have more flexibility. If you’re traveling by air or carrying only a small bag, decide in advance how you’ll manage it. Some participants chose smaller broom styles so they could fit them into luggage, while another arranged shipping from a nearby UPS store.

Do not count on the workshop provider to ship your creation. The company does not offer that service, so you’ll need to carry it or arrange your own shipping. Ask about the broom’s likely size while selecting your handle and design, and leave room for it before you start adding more items to your travel plans.

Practical details before you book

Wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed, and participation requires going up stairs to reach the workshop. The building is not wheelchair accessible; mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. This is an important limitation, so contact the provider if you have questions about whether the stairs or room will work for you.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed, and intoxicated participants cannot take part. Video recording is also prohibited. The class is taught in English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which can help if you want to keep plans flexible. Check the available start times when booking, and still arrive early once you have a confirmed place.

Who will enjoy this Salem craft class?

This workshop suits you if you like making things, want a souvenir with a personal story, or are looking for a Salem activity beyond browsing shops. It works well for friends and family members who enjoy choosing colors and comparing finished designs. It can also be a good pick for a solo visitor who wants a guided activity with a clear end product.

You don’t need to be an experienced crafter. The instructors’ step-by-step help is a central part of the class, and the range of choices lets you keep your design simple or add more personality. If you prefer a strict lesson in traditional broom-making, or expect a deep historical account, keep in mind that this is primarily a creative workshop with witchcraft-inspired meanings woven into the activity.

Should you book the broom-making workshop?

Book it if you want to spend an hour and a half making a Salem keepsake rather than choosing one from a shelf. The best reasons to go are the personal design choices, the instructor support, and the chance to make a souvenir tied to the place you’re visiting. At $135, it is a treat, not a bargain, but the materials and guided craft can make the cost worthwhile for the right person.

Skip it if you’re watching every dollar, can’t manage stairs, or have no practical way to carry or ship a broom. If you do book, arrive early, wear closed-toe shoes, and think about luggage before you choose a size. Those small preparations let you focus on the fun part: making a broom that looks like yours.

FAQ

How long does the workshop last?

The workshop lasts 90 minutes. Check availability when booking for current start times.

How much does it cost?

The price is $135 per person.

What materials are included?

The workshop includes one broom handle, broomcorn, ribbon, color, and one or two decorations.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at the Old Town Hall building near the three staircases. The workshop is not at the retail store on Essex Street.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not allowed.

Can I arrive late?

No. Latecomers cannot be accepted into the class. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?

No. The building is not wheelchair accessible, and you must use stairs to enter the workshop. Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Is the class taught in English?

Yes. English is the listed language of instruction.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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