It just wouldn’t be Halloween without Hocus Pocus!
Did you grow up watching the 1993 Halloween classic Hocus Pocus? The famous film starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker has reached cult classic status and continues to captivate Halloween fans across the planet.
Grab your broomstick! The vast majority of the movie scenes were shot on location right in Salem and you can visit several of them today. Bonus- Even though the movie was shot decades ago, the Hocus Pocus locations look virtually the same as they did when they were filmed.
Ready to run amok? Take in the sights straight from the cult classic- here’s your list of where to catch the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem Massachusetts.
Movie: Allison’s House
Actual Location: The Ropes Mansion
318 Essex Street, Salem, MA
Where the adventure began! Max attends the Halloween party at Allison’s house when they decide to go see the Sanderson Sisters museum. The exterior of which was actually filmed using one of the most prominent 18th-century homes in Salem. The Ropes Mansion is open to public tours and often holds special events. Tip: don’t miss the garden in the back.
Movie: Thackery Binx House
Actual Location: Pioneer Village
310 West Ave, Salem, MA
Hocus Pocus opens with a scene in the 1600s with Thackery Binx as a human (before the curse). This scene was filmed at Pioneer Village, America’s first living history museum. Tours are offered – see the website for more. Pioneervillagesalem.org
Movie: Dani & Max’s House
Actual Location: Private Residence
4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA
The home with the iconic tower does actually exist (and while the witches destroyed the tower in the movie – rest assured that the iconic tower is still intact!).! It is a private residence though, and not accessible. Please be respectful if you do try to visit.
Movie: The Cemetery
Actual Location: Old Burial Hill Cemetery
Orne Street, Marblehead, MA
All of the cemetery scenes were filmed in the Old Burial Hill Cemetery, which is located outside of Salem. Founded in 1638, this historic cemetery is home to many historic gravestones, and also contains the remains of a victim from the Salem Witch Trials.
Movie: Max and Allison’s School
Actual Location: Phillips Elementary School South Washington Square
The school was prominently featured in the movie with the iconic scene where the children try to melt the witches in the industrial oven. In real life, this building WAS a school, however, it has since closed and is no longer functioning, you can still view the exterior of the building.
Movie: The Halloween Party
Actual Location: Town Hall
32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
I Put a Spell on You!! The most fabulous Halloween dance party ever (and one of the best Halloween songs ever) was filmed at Salem Old Town Hall. Today, the building is open to the public and home to many events and performances.
Want more Salem fun? Read our article on what to do and see in Salem HERE.
