Witch City Broom Making Workshop in Salem

Making a witch’s broom is one of Salem’s more hands-on souvenirs. At this workshop, you do not simply pick a finished broom from a shelf. You choose the handle, broomcorn, colors, ribbons, charms, and other decorations, then build a piece that reflects your own style. The result can look spooky, rustic, autumnal, or quietly decorative.

I like the small-group format, with no more than 12 people, and the patient help from instructors such as Shelly, Ashley, Stacy, Beth, and Justin. I also like that the materials are included, so you can experiment without watching an extra charge appear every time you reach for a ribbon or charm.

The main thing to plan around is time. The advertised session lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, but a busy class can take closer to two and a half hours once everyone finishes and the brooms are wrapped. The workshop is also at 32 Derby Square, not the retail shop on Essex Street, so check the address before setting off.

Key points to know before you book

• Choose every major part of the broom: Pick your own handle, broomcorn, color, ribbons, charms, and other adornments.

• Expect hands-on instruction: You learn how to gather, wrap, decorate, and finish the broom rather than simply assembling a kit alone.

• The group is capped at 12 people: That gives the instructors room to offer one-on-one help.

• The finished broom is wrapped for carrying: This is useful if you plan to keep sightseeing after class.

• Allow more than 90 minutes if your schedule is tight: Most people need time to make design choices and complete the final wrapping.

• Children cannot wait unattended: The workshop asks parents not to leave children alone in the limited waiting area.

What happens at 32 Derby Square

The workshop begins at 32 Derby Square in central Salem. This is important because the class is not held at the company’s retail location on Essex Street. The meeting point is near public transportation, and one participant found the address a little tricky to locate, so I would allow a few extra minutes rather than arriving at the last moment.

Once inside, you gather your materials. The first choice is your broom handle. Handles are not identical, so this is your chance to decide what feels right in your hand and what will look best displayed at home. You then select the broomcorn, the natural material that forms the sweeping end of the broom.

The class is not built around a single required design. You can choose colorful broomcorn, keep things more subdued, or create a fall-toned piece instead of a classic Halloween look. That freedom matters. Your broom can fit a witchy room, a seasonal display, an altar, or simply a shelf that needs something unusual.

The staff explains each stage and helps when you run into a snag. The teaching is practical, not overly formal. You work with your own materials while the instructors show you how to hold the broom, gather the broomcorn, and wrap it securely.

Selecting broomcorn, ribbons, and charms

The decorating table is where the workshop becomes personal. You can add ribbons, feathers, florals, charms, trinkets, and other earthly touches. Colorful broomcorn gives the broom its main visual character, while smaller decorations add the details that make one creation different from the next.

The available materials are included in the workshop price. That is a real advantage because you can try to make a design decision without worrying about a running bill. The selection is broad enough to support several styles, from strongly Halloween-themed to autumnal and more understated.

The tradeoff is that the accessories may not always be organized perfectly, and one session had a smaller supply of certain charms and ribbons than expected. If a particular color or decoration is central to your plan, keep an open mind and be ready to adapt. The basic ingredients are provided, but the exact mix of small adornments can vary.

I would begin with a general idea rather than a strict blueprint. Decide if you want your broom to feel dark, colorful, natural, festive, or symbolic. Then let the materials guide the final design. That approach suits the workshop better than trying to reproduce a picture exactly.

Learning the wrapping technique

The key skill is wrapping the broomcorn around the handle so it becomes a finished broom rather than a pile of loose materials. The instructors walk you through the process and help with the parts that require a little patience.

This is where the small class size pays off. With a maximum of 12 participants, instructors can stop by and correct your grip, explain the next step, or help attach an awkward charm. Staff members named in class feedback include Shelly, Ashley, Stacy, Beth, Justin, Amy, Emily, Diane, Hilary, and Mykaela. The instructor working your session may differ, but the pattern is clear: personal guidance is a central part of the experience.

You do not need advanced craft skills. The class is designed for beginners, and the instructors keep the mood friendly rather than technical. You can take your time, ask questions, and change your design as you go.

That said, this is still a craft project. Your broom will be handmade, not factory-perfect. Small variations in the wrapping, shape, and decoration are part of its character. If you want a flawless identical product, buy one from a shop. If you want something that carries your own choices, make it here.

A souvenir with more meaning than a T-shirt

Salem has no shortage of witch-themed merchandise. A handmade broom gives you a different kind of keepsake because you have a clear connection to the place and the activity. You can remember the materials you chose, the design decisions you made, and the time spent creating it.

The class also leaves room for personal symbolism. The workshop explains that charms and natural elements can be used with intentions such as protection, good luck, good fortune, or warding off unwanted spells. You can approach that symbolically, spiritually, or simply as part of the fun. The activity does not require you to adopt a belief system.

I especially like this flexibility for families, friends, and solo visitors. Several participants used the workshop as a creative break from sightseeing. Others treated it as the main Salem activity of their day. You can make a bold prop for October, a soft fall decoration, or a more personal object for your home.

The finished broom is wrapped before you leave, making it easier to carry around town. It is still an awkward shape compared with a small souvenir, so think about your day’s plans. If you are flying or driving a long distance, plan how you will transport it.

How long the workshop really takes

The stated duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. That is a sensible target for the teaching and construction, but it is not a guarantee that you will be out the door at the 90-minute mark.

The process includes choosing materials, making design decisions, building the broom, getting help from the instructors, and wrapping the finished piece. If the class is full or several people want extra decoration, the whole visit can take considerably longer. One session lasted close to two and a half hours.

I would avoid scheduling a museum admission, meal reservation, or train departure immediately afterward. If you have a flexible afternoon, the longer timing is not a problem. In fact, the extra time lets you work without feeling rushed. If you are fitting this between other booked activities, leave a generous cushion.

The workshop has limited seating for one or two people in the waiting area. Parents should note that children cannot be left there unattended, and the space is intended to remain calm for people taking the class.

Is the $134.70 price fair?

At $134.70 per person, this is not a bargain souvenir stop. You are paying for instruction, a private creative activity, the materials, and the finished broom. The value depends on whether you see the class itself as part of the purchase.

For a quick retail broom, the price may feel high. For a 90-minute guided craft session with a custom piece to take home, it is easier to justify. You get to choose the main materials and use the ribbons, charms, florals, feathers, and colorful broomcorn without separate material fees.

The strongest value comes when you enjoy making things. You are not paying only for an object. You are paying for the time, help, and chance to create something no other participant will design in exactly the same way.

There are two costs to keep in mind beyond the ticket. Gratuity is not included, and the provider does not offer a shipping option for the finished broom. If you cannot carry it home, one participant reported that packing and shipping through UPS cost nearly $200. That is a serious consideration for anyone traveling by air or trying to pack light.

Who will enjoy this most

This workshop fits creative people who like to work with their hands. It is a strong choice for a solo visitor who wants a social activity without booking a large group tour. The instructors provide support, but you still have plenty of room to make your own decisions.

It also suits friends, couples, and family groups. The class works especially well for a girls’ trip or a parent and older child who enjoy crafts. Teens with a creative streak can take part with patient guidance. The activity is not limited to one particular witchy style, so it can suit someone who prefers rustic fall decoration as easily as someone who wants a dramatic Halloween broom.

You may want to skip it if you dislike crafts, need a tightly timed itinerary, or want a compact souvenir. You should also think twice if you cannot easily carry a long handmade object for the rest of your trip.

Practical details for a smoother visit

Book ahead if your Salem dates are fixed. This experience is often reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 59 days. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English.

The class is capped at 12 people, which helps preserve the personal feel. Most people can participate, and the meeting point is close to public transportation. Nearby parking was described as convenient, though parking conditions can vary by time and season.

Wear something that lets you work comfortably with both hands. The supplied information does not list special clothing requirements, but you will be handling broomcorn, decorations, and wrapping materials for much of the session.

Check the address carefully: 32 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts. Do not assume the Essex Street retail shop is the classroom. The activity ends where it starts, so you can continue exploring central Salem afterward.

Cancellation is flexible enough for normal trip planning. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

My verdict on this Salem broom-making class

I would book the Witch City Broom Making Workshop if you want an activity rather than another purchase. The best parts are the freedom to design your own broom, the friendly help from instructors such as Shelly, Ashley, and Beth, and the chance to take home something made during your Salem visit.

The 4.9 rating from 105 reviews and 99 percent recommendation rate fit the experience’s main strengths: people receive patient instruction, plenty of creative choice, and a finished souvenir with real personality. The drawbacks are practical rather than serious: the price is substantial, the class can run long, the waiting area is limited, and shipping the broom home may be costly.

Book it when you have an open block of time and enjoy hands-on projects. Skip it when your schedule is packed or you want a small, easy-to-pack souvenir. For the right visitor, this is one of Salem’s more memorable ways to bring the witch-city theme home.

FAQ

Where does the broom-making workshop meet?

The meeting point is 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970. The workshop is not held at the retail store on Essex Street.

How long does the workshop last?

The stated duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Some sessions may take closer to two and a half hours, including final wrapping.

What is included in the price?

The workshop includes your broom handle, broomcorn, adornments, optional color, gathering the materials, instruction, and the finished handmade broom.

Are ribbons and charms included?

Yes. You can choose from items such as colorful ribbons, charms, trinkets, feathers, florals, and other decorations included with the workshop.

How many people can join the class?

The activity has a maximum of 12 participants.

Is the workshop offered in English?

Yes, the workshop is offered in English.

Can children wait in the workshop area?

Parents may not leave children unattended in the waiting area. Seating there is limited to one or two people, and the space is kept calm for the class.

Is gratuity included?

No. Gratuity is not included in the price.

Can the finished broom be shipped home?

The supplied information does not include a shipping service. One participant reported using UPS and paying nearly $200 for packaging and shipping, so you should plan to carry the broom yourself if possible.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.