No Halloween season is complete without watching Hocus Pocus (the OG) at least once. Every Hocus Pocus fan knows that the movie is set in Salem MA, but did you know that many of the scenes were actually filmed in or near Salem? During my trip to Salem, we made it our mission to check out some of these spots. Here are six of the Hocus Pocus filming locations you can’t miss in Salem!
1. Ropes Mansion (aka Allison’s House)
Address: 318 Essex Street, Salem MA
The first stop on the tour of Hocus Pocus filming locations is Ropes Mansion. The exterior of Ropes Mansion was the filming location for Allison’s home. When Max takes Dani trick-or-treating, they ogle outside Ropes Mansion and say “rich people” must live there. Then they go inside to snag some Halloween candy and are surprised to find out that they are at Allison’s house!
There are beautiful gardens behind the home that are worth strolling through and the grounds are open to the public from dusk to dawn. If you take a ghost tour while in Salem, you will likely hear about why this house is rumored to be haunted!
2. Old Town Hall
Address: 32 Derby Square, Salem MA
The next Hocus Pocus filming location you can’t miss in Salem is Old Town Hall. Old Town Hall was the location of the Halloween party that Max and Dani’s parents attend while they are running around town and trying to stop the Sanderson sisters. The exterior of Old Town Hall can be seen in the iconic scene where Bette Midler sings “I Put A Spell On You.”
Old Town Hall was previously used for government operations, but is now used for various events and theatrical shows. If you are visiting during the Halloween season, check out the craft vendors set up around the Hall after taking pictures of the building.
3. Salem Common
Address: N Washington Square, Salem MA
Salem Common is a large public park in the heart of Salem. It served as the filming location for the scene where Max and Allison talk after school and bike/walk through a park together.
Salem Common is a great place to take a relaxing stroll or grab lunch from a food vendor. It is also right across the street from the Salem Witch Museum and you can see adorable string lights strung on the trees if you visit the park at night.
4. Max and Dani’s House
Address: 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem MA
The next stop on the tour of Hocus Pocus filming locations is Max and Dani’s house. The home was featured in multiple scenes including the scene where Max and Allison open the spellbook. After Max and Allison open the spellbook, the Sanderson sisters fly to Max’s house to retrieve the spellbook. Then they fly away from the home by exploding through the epic tower on the roof of the home.
The home is located outside of the main/downtown area of Salem so you will want to drive to this location. Be respectful when visiting and taking pictures of the home as it is a private residence and not a public site.
5. Thackery Binx’s House
Address: Salem Pioneer Village, 98 West Avenue, Salem MA
Just a short drive from Max and Dani’s House is Salem Pioneer Village. Salem Pioneer Village served as the filming location for Thackery Binx’s house/village. It can be seen in the opening scene of the movie where Thackery Binx wakes up to discover Emily was taken by the Sanderson Sisters.
Salem Pioneer Village was built in 1930 to celebrate the 300 year anniversary of Massachusetts. It is America’s first living history museum and features examples of several types of colonial architecture. Today, Thackery Binx’s house features a cat plaque to memorialize the movie. Tickets are only $5 and tickets can be purchased at the admission gate. While there, also check out Salem’s Forest River Park to get some great views of the water.
6. Old Burial Hill
Address: Orne Street, Marblehead MA
The last Hocus Pocus filming location you need to see Old Burial Hill. Old Burial Hill is located just outside Salem in Marblehead. After Max parts from Allison at Salem Common, he bikes to Old Burial Hill. He then encounters the bullies at Old Burial Hill and they take his sneakers.
Old Burial Hill is a historic cemetery that dates back to 1638. The cemetery features some very interesting and well-preserved gravestones. As you can probably guess from the name… it sits on a hill. If you walk to the top of the hill, there is a great view of Marblehead and the sea.
Let me know which Hocus Pocus filming locations you need to see in the comments!
If you are looking for spooky travel destinations, you may want to check out the 5 things you need to put on your Sleepy Hollow bucket list or my perfect itinerary for a spooky weekend in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
1 comment