Come, little children. I’ll take thee away – into a land of enchantment! After all, Salem is the most enchanting town at Halloween time! If you love Disney and all things spooky, you have probably watched the seasonal favorite – Hocus Pocus. This magical film is based in the supernatural town of Salem Massachusetts.
Salem is most famous for the 1692 witch trials. Several locals, who were allegedly practicing witchcraft, were executed. After that, in 1982, the City planned the first Salem Haunted Happenings Festival during the Halloween weekend. The festival was a perfect event for the “Witch City”. It provided family-friendly events for guests who were interested in visiting.
Because of the first festival’s success with about 50,000 guests in attendance, the annual event has continued to grow each season, drawing everyone from families, couples, history buffs, and Halloween enthusiasts from all over the world.
Because the Sanderson sisters are loosely based on the victims of the real Salem Witch Trails – Hocus Pocus claims they were hanged on October 31, 1693. Plan your visit to Salem and experience the film locations for yourself!
1693 Salem Village
Let’s start at the very first scene in the film where Thackery Binx is awoken by the sound of signing. Emily, Thackery’s sister, is being enticed away by Sarah Sanderson. Catch glimpses of the Pioneer Village as he races off to rescue her. However, the Sanderson Sisters instead, turn Thackery into a black cat. Itch-it-a-cop-it-a, Mel-a-ka-mys-ti-ca.
The Pioneer Village is located right outside Salem and is America’s first living history museum. It sits on three acres of land and is $5 to enter. Access to the dugouts, wigwams, and thatched roof cottages is open Saturday through Sunday 12-4 pm.
Jacob Bailey High School
The movie then jumps 300 years later and we are now in Salem Massachusetts 1993. In this scene, we see Max Dennison (recently moved from LA and the newest resident of Salem) first give Allison his number. Fat Chance! And above all, we get the feeling he is not into Halloween despite the entire town’s excitement for the holiday.
The Phillips Elementary School building is no longer a functioning school (currently an apartment complex), making it the perfect location for a movie filming in Salem. The high school footage shows only the exterior of the building. You can still view the building today, from the Salem Common. However, it is not open to the public.
Salem Commons
Trick or Treat! You can spot the outdoor shots of Salem at the Salem Commons. Frequently used throughout the film. Including the scene where Allison gives Max his number back after finding out about his unbelief in all things spooky. And where Max, Dani, and Allison celebrate after throwing the Sanderson Sisters into the school furnace.
Visit New England during the peak Fall Foliage time. The crunching leaves will light up into colors of golden yellows and fiery oranges. During the Haunted Happenings, you can even watch Hocus Pocus out on the Commons. View the events calendar at HauntedHappenings.org to check the dates for the current year’s events.
Old Burial Hill
As Max makes his way home from school, he cuts through an old cemetery. Unfortunately, Hollywood is met with some school bullies Jay and ICE who take his shoes. Making Max resent Salem even more.
The Old Burial Hill is not located in Salem at all. Rather it was shot in the nearby Marblehead, one of the oldest graveyards in New England. This is also the most picturesque graveyard – boasting views of the town, the sea, and the harbor. It has three public entrances as well as a virtual tour option.
Max Dennison’s House
An iconic film location, this house is where you meet Max’s parents and sister for the first time. Dani, dressed as a witch leaves with Max, dressed as a “rapper” to go trick or treating. You can also spot the house again when Max, Allison, and Dani return home after getting rid of the witches. Allison and Max open the Sanderson Sister’s spellbook, thus giving away their location to the Sanderson Sisters.
You can find this film location at 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem, MA. Please be respectful, as this is not open to the public and is an actual private residence. According to some reports, the current owners are very nice about tourists stopping by to take photos.
Allison’s House
We first get a glimpse of Allison’s house as Max and Dani makeup after a fight. In the film, it is decorated head to toe in the festivities of All Hallows Eve. Max and Dani are in awe of the stunning home and go into the experience at the Salem Halloween party. Do you guys want some cider?
The Ropes Mansion is located in the heart of Salem, MA. The mason is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and has some gorgeous gardens in the back of the property. It is open to the public from Thursday through Sunday and free to enter! It is the perfect Insta spot!
Old Town Hall
I cast a spell on you! Another classic Hocus Pocus Halloween party scene in the movie was filmed in the Old Town Hall in Derby Square. This site is where Max, Dani, and Allison try to tell their parents what happened and help save the town from the witches. Unfortunately, this does not end well and the witches curse the entire party.
Old Town Hall is open to the public seasonally and hosts the Salem Museum and performances of Cry Innocent. Cry Innocent – It’s 1692. Bridget Bishop is accused of witchcraft, and YOU are on the jury. Hear the evidence, cross-examine the witnesses, and determine the outcome. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft?… You decide!
Old Sanderson House
In addition to all these wonderful sets, the most iconic house of the film is, of course, the Sanderson Sister’s House. Unfortunately, the entire house was a built set. And from what I have researched, it was disassembled after filming.
There has been some talk of Hocus Pocus 2 filming locations. However, most of the filming has been down in Rhode Island. Perhaps it is time to take a road trip over there!
Thanks for lighting the candle!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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