It’s officially Hocus Pocus season! Every October, millions of fans dust off their copies of the Disney Halloween classic, and every year I find myself dreaming about the same bucket list trip: a visit to Salem, Massachusetts, to see the real places where Hocus Pocus was filmed. So grab your broom (or your vacuum, if you’re Mary), and let’s take a tour together.
Hocus Pocus first cast its spell on audiences in 1993. The story follows the Sanderson Sisters, Winifred, Mary, and Sarah, who come back to life in Salem on Halloween night, 300 years after they were hanged for witchcraft. With a story set in Salem, it makes perfect sense that director Kenny Ortega filmed part of the movie in the historic New England town.
Not every scene was shot in Salem. Some filming took place in Los Angeles and in other parts of Massachusetts. But there are still plenty of real Hocus Pocus locations you can visit. Here’s where to find them.
Salem in the 1600s: Pioneer Village
Real location: Salem 1630: Pioneer Village, 310 West Avenue, Salem, MA
Hocus Pocus opens in 1693, during the era of the Salem witch trials, when young Thackery Binx tries to save his little sister from the Sanderson Sisters. To bring 17th century Salem to life, the filmmakers turned to Pioneer Village, a living history museum built in 1930 to recreate the colonial settlement, complete with thatched roof cottages and wigwams.
Max and Dani’s House
Real location: 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA
The Dennison family home, where Max and Dani live after moving to Salem from Los Angeles, is a real house built in 1870. It’s a private residence, so you can’t go inside, but the owners have been known to be gracious about fans stopping to snap photos from the sidewalk. Just please be respectful. Someone really does live here!
Max and Allison’s School: Phillips Elementary
Real location: Phillips Elementary School, 56 Washington Square South, Salem, MA
In the movie, this red brick building is Jacob Bachelder High School, where Max, Dani, Allison, and Binx lure the Sanderson Sisters inside and trap them in the school’s kiln. In real life, Phillips Elementary had recently closed when filming began, which made it the perfect stand in. Today, the building has been converted into apartments. It isn’t open to the public, but it’s still a fun photo stop along Washington Square.
Allison’s House: Ropes Mansion
Real location: Ropes Mansion, 318 Essex Street, Salem, MA
Allison’s elegant home is the Ropes Mansion, one of the most recognizable buildings in Salem’s McIntire Historic District. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and once belonged to Nathaniel Ropes, a merchant and judge in the 1700s. Be sure to stop by the beautiful garden out back, which is open to visitors.
The Town Halloween Party: Old Town Hall
Real location: Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
This is where Winifred takes the stage and casts her spell on the whole town with her unforgettable performance of “I Put a Spell on You.” Old Town Hall is the oldest surviving municipal building in Salem and hosts museum exhibits and local performances. Hours change throughout the year, especially in October, so check before you go.
Bonus Location: Old Burial Hill in Marblehead
Real location: Old Burial Hill, Orne Street, Marblehead, MA
Not every spooky scene was filmed in Salem. The cemetery scenes were shot at Old Burial Hill in nearby Marblehead, one of the oldest cemeteries in New England. It’s about a 15 minute drive from Salem, and it’s a peaceful, beautiful place to visit. Just remember it’s a real historic cemetery, so be respectful.
Tips for Visiting Salem in October
Salem is magical in the fall, but October is its busiest month by far. If you’re planning a Hocus Pocus pilgrimage, keep these tips in mind:
- Plan ahead. Hotels in and around Salem book up months in advance for October, especially on weekends.
- Skip the drive if you can. Parking is limited and traffic can be heavy. Many visitors take the commuter rail from Boston’s North Station right into downtown Salem.
- Go on a weekday. October weekends, especially the last one before Halloween, bring huge crowds.
- Respect private homes. Several Hocus Pocus locations are private residences. Take your photos from the sidewalk and keep moving.
- Visit in September or early November. You’ll still get the spooky atmosphere, with far smaller crowds.
The Latest Hocus Pocus News
Hocus Pocus fans have had plenty to celebrate this year. Bette Midler had everyone talking with what might be hints about Hocus Pocus 3. Costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr. revealed the hidden details in the Sanderson Sisters’ costumes from Hocus Pocus 2. And at Disney Springs, Basin rolled out a new Hocus Pocus bath and body collection, complete with a Binx Berry Blast lip balm.
Can’t make it to Salem this year? You can watch both Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+.
Have you visited any of the Hocus Pocus filming locations? Which one is at the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
You May Also Enjoy: It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus in Salem!
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