Guide for all the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem, MA
Travel With Kinsley contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means I may receive a cute little commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Did you know that you can visit all of the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem, Massachusetts? Yes! They’re right in the heart of New England!
No trip to New England would be complete without visiting all the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem.
Hocus Pocus has been one of my favorite Halloween movies since I was a kid. And, no, I didn’t jump on the bandwagon since it’s rise to becoming a cult classic. I have always wanted to visit since seeing the movie, and I finally had the chance to visit Salem on our trip to Boston!
Witches. Spells. Halloween. Need I say more?
Hocus Pocus is a beloved 1993 Halloween film that follows three 17th-century witches — Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson — who are accidentally resurrected in modern-day Salem by a group of teenagers.
The mischievous sisters, played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, wreak havoc as they attempt to regain their youth by stealing the life force of children.
The teens, along with an immortal cat named Thackery Binx, must work together to stop the witches before sunrise or risk them becoming immortal.
Visiting the iconic filming locations of Hocus Pocus in Salem is a fun way to explore the city’s picturesque sites. Here’s a guide to help you find these spots.
Map of all the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
If you’re a fan of magical filming locations, don’t miss my guide to Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in London. It’s a real-life spellbook of wizarding world spots!
Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
Salem Common – Washington Square
Situated just across from Phillips Elementary—used as Max and Allison’s high school in Hocus Pocus—and the Salem Witch Museum, Salem Common is one of the town’s most iconic spots.
Established in 1667, the area was originally a partial swamp where livestock wandered freely across the 8-acre park. By around 1685, it became a training ground where Salem’s residents practiced shooting and military drills. In 1714, the town officially designated the Common to be “forever kept as a training field for the use of Salem.”
Today, it’s a picturesque park and the memorable spot in the film where Allison hands Max what he thinks is her phone number—only to realize, after she leaves, that it’s actually his own. Ouch.
Phillips Elementary School – 86 Essex Street
“Tis a prison, for children!” Winifred Sanderson exclaims as she stands before Phillips Elementary School, which doubled as Jacob Bailey High School in Hocus Pocus. In the film, Max, Dani, and Allison lure the Sanderson Sisters to the school, where they trap them in the ceramics kiln, seemingly leading to their demise.
The school also features in the opening scenes, with the legend of the Sanderson Sisters being told in Max and Allison’s classroom. Interestingly, the school had been closed just a year before filming, making it the ideal stand-in for a Salem high school.
Today, the building has been transformed into a condominium complex, overlooking the scenic Salem Common.
Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square
The Halloween party scene where the Sanderson Sisters performed their unforgettable rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” was set at the Old Town Hall in downtown Salem. While the interior shots were filmed elsewhere, the building’s exterior is instantly recognizable from the movie.
Nestled in Salem’s historic district, the Old Town Hall now serves as the Salem Museum, offering visitors a chance to dive into the town’s rich history. The building also hosts the interactive play Cry Innocent, which reenacts the trial of Bridget Bishop, allowing the audience to step into the shoes of a Puritan jury and decide her fate.
Allison’s House – Ropes Mansion and Garden – 318 Essex Street
The Ropes Mansion, located near the Witch House, is famously featured in Hocus Pocus as the elegant home of Max’s love interest, Allison. It’s the backdrop for the memorable line from Dani about “yabbos.”
Constructed in 1727, the Ropes Mansion was home to four generations of the Ropes family before it became part of the Peabody Essex Museum. Among its early residents was Nathaniel Ropes, who met a tragic end in 1774 when a patriot mob stormed the house, resulting in his death.
Another family member, Abigail Ropes, suffered a fatal accident in 1839 when her dress caught fire. Legend has it that both Nathaniel and Abigail still linger within the mansion’s walls, their spirits said to haunt the historic property to this day.
Can you go into the Ropes Mansion?
While there are no costume balls or Halloween parties inside, the mansion has been restored and is now open to the public for self-guided tours, offering a peek into Salem’s rich history. The beautifully maintained gardens behind the house are also a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Max and Dani’s House – 4 Ocean Ave
A little farther from the central Hocus Pocus filming spots, you’ll find the house that served as the Dennison family home, looking nearly identical to how it appeared in the movie. This distinctive house has become a tourist attraction in its own right! Built in the 1870s, this quaint, oceanfront home sits in a quiet residential area of Salem, offering a breathtaking view of the sea—something you don’t get to see in the film.
Although this house is now a private residence, it remains a popular spot for Hocus Pocus fans who love to snap photos outside. Remarkably, it still looks much like it did in the movie, despite being built in 1870! While the house isn’t off-limits, it’s important to be respectful of the current residents when visiting.
Set in a charming, picturesque neighborhood, this iconic home is perfect for those looking to enjoy a scenic stroll while soaking in the area’s quaint atmosphere. Just remember to be mindful of the privacy of those who now call it home.
The film’s opening scene takes us to Salem’s Pioneer Village, which served as the home of Thackery Binx (pre-cat transformation).
Although this location appears only briefly before Thackery rushes off to the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage—filmed on a soundstage—the village itself offers a glimpse of life in 1630s Salem.
Built in 1930, Pioneer Village holds the title of America’s first ‘living’ history museum. Be sure to check their website for hours and tour availability, as they can be a bit unpredictable.
Old Burial Hill – Marblehead, MA
Many fans are curious about the filming location of the daytime cemetery scenes in Hocus Pocus. The answer? Marblehead, MA! These scenes were among the few not filmed in Salem. Instead, they took place at Old Burial Hill Cemetery, one of New England’s oldest graveyards. Nestled on a peninsula near Salem in the historic town of Marblehead, this cemetery dates back to colonial times.
You can spot Old Burial Hill Cemetery in several key moments, including the scene where Max encounters the bullies on his way home. Even though it’s a bit of a distance from other filming locations (unless you have a car), the cemetery fits seamlessly into the movie’s setting, blending perfectly with the town’s spooky charm.
Old Burial Hill has three public entrances, including a stairway at Orne & Pond Streets, as well as entrances on Pond Street and by Redd’s Pond. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Marblehead and its charming historic homes.
This cemetery is not only a Hocus Pocus filming location but also home to over 600 Revolutionary War soldiers. Famous for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding waters, Old Burial Hill is always open to the public and well worth a visit!
BONUS: Count Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery
Though Count Orlock’s Nightmare Gallery isn’t a filming location from Hocus Pocus, it’s a must-visit for fans of the movie and horror enthusiasts alike! Situated at 217 Essex Street, just a stone’s throw from several Hocus Pocus sites, this museum transforms into a haunted house during the summer and throughout October.
In addition to the popular haunted house experience, the museum features exhibits dedicated to horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films, making it a great stop for anyone interested in cinematic thrills and chills!
Did the Sanderson Sisters really exist?
No, the Sanderson Sisters did not actually exist. They are fictional characters created for the 1993 film Hocus Pocus. The three witches—Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson—were written as part of a fun and spooky narrative set against the backdrop of the Salem witch trials.
While Hocus Pocus draws on the atmosphere of the real Salem witch trials of 1692, the Sanderson Sisters themselves, along with the magical elements in the film, are purely a product of storytelling.
The Salem witch trials were a dark chapter in American history, where over 200 people were accused of witchcraft, leading to 20 executions. However, the details of the trials bear no resemblance to the fantastical events of Hocus Pocus. The film took inspiration from Salem’s historical significance, blending fact and fiction to create its lighthearted Halloween tale.
Final Thoughts Visiting all the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
Have you visited all of the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem? From Salem Common to the Ropes Mansion, fans can relive memorable scenes from the movie as they explore this historic town.
While the movie mixes fantasy with Salem’s historical backdrop, the real-life locations add a special touch to the experience. Not all scenes were filmed in Salem itself, as the famous cemetery scenes were shot in nearby Marblehead. However, the charm and eerie vibe of these locations make it feel like stepping right into the movie.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or newly discovering the film’s magic, visiting the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem is a fun and immersive way to experience Salem’s unique blend of history and pop culture. Just remember to be respectful of private residences and the town’s historical sites.
Visiting the Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem is the perfect way to add a bit of magic to your trip to Salem!
Like this Hocus Pocus filming locations in Salem? Share it on Pinterest!
 |
 |
More New England Resources
I made a day trip to Salem from Boston on our more recent visit to New England. We were there during October, so we got to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather!
Whether you’re into food or history, these top-rated Boston tours deliver. If you’re planning to stay in Boston, then be sure to check out these top-rated boutique hotels in the city.
If you’re spending time in Salem, then be sure to also visit Boston – it’s only a 30 minute train ride away! I’ve put together my tips to help you get around the city.
I loved walking along the Freedom Trail and strolling through the campus of Harvard University!
And if you love finding places in movies in real life, then be sure to check out other posts on literary travel!
