Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

If you’ve seen my Instagram lately, you’ve probably figured out that I love Halloween, Salem, and Hocus Pocus. I actually grew up in what was once called Salem Village, so the 1692 Witch Trials are imbedded in my personal history. Obviously Winifred, Mary and Sarah Sanderson are fictional characters, building off of the storied history of Salem. But that doesn’t stop me from reciting some famous lines during my daily life. I’ll often visit some of the filming locations from the movie as well. But for those of you who aren’t familiar with Salem, here are a few of the popular sites you can visit to get your Hocus Pocus on …

Salem Village

“Come little children I’ll take thee away, into a land of enchantment.”

~ Sarah Sanderson

The movie employed Pioneer Village, a living history museum in Salem’s Forest River Park, as Salem Village. This is where the opening scenes of the film took place – where Thackery Binx lived and where the Sanderson sisters were hanged. They offer tours between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. I suggest going during the week when the only people you’ll have to contend with are sixth graders on field trips (I know, I was one of them). 

Salem Common

“Amuck! Amuck! Amuck! Amuck!”

~ Sarah Sanderson

Our wedding pictures were taken on Salem Common, not only because it’s a beautiful setting, but also because it was where many of the outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed. A few years ago I actually got to watch Hocus Pocus out on the Common which was so much fun!

Max Dennison’s House

“It’s a full moon tonight. That’s when all the weirdos are out.”

~ Dani Dennison

Who didn’t want Max’s room as a child? Actually, I’d still kill for that crow’s nest. And though I have no idea if that’s how it looks inside, you can at least check out where the exterior scenes of Max’s house were shot on Ocean Avenue in Salem. It is a private home so I wouldn’t hang out too long, but it’s right next to a beach so you can at least take a walk in the neighborhood without looking like a total weirdo.

Allison’s House

“Rich people, they’ll probably make us drink cider and bob for apples.”

~ Dani Dennison

If Max’s room was the dream abode of every child, Allison’s house is every woman’s dream home. The gorgeous gables, the stately fence, the huge rooms! I want to live there. Unfortunately, The Ropes Mansion, which served as the exterior for Allison’s home, looks nothing like the grand mansion on the inside. It is definitely luxurious, but like any old home in New England, the rooms are small and the hallways are even smaller. 

Old Town Hall

“I put a spell on you and now you’re mine.”

~ Winifred Sanderson

As you can probably tell from it’s name, this was Salem’s Town Hall before the offices outgrew the building. Now, the setting for the huge Halloween Bash where Bette Midler famously sang, “I Put a Spell on You,” is available for wedding rentals. It also houses the production, “Cry Innocent” which is currently on hiatus due to Covid. The building holds expositions, recitals and festivals on select weekends so you can go inside, though the interior party shots were not filmed there. 

Jacob Bailey High School

“It is a prison for children.”

~ Winifred Sanderson

Last year I discovered that the outside of Jacob Bailey High School, where Max, Allison and Dani launched their attack and burned the Sanderson sisters, is located right off of Salem Common. Phillips Elementary School shut down a year before Hocus Pocus was filmed, and It’s now a condominium complex.

While you’re in Salem, why not check out some of my other favorite haunts like Gulu Gulu Cafe, Flying Saucer Pizza Company, or Front Street Coffee House. Pick up a new thriller at the adorable Wicked Good Books, or wander through the exhibits at the world-class Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). 

And if you find any other filming locations, please share!