Grab Your Broomstick: You Can Visit These Real-Life Locations From 'Hocus Pocus'
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After a long day (read: month) of Halloween activities, there is no better way to close out spooky season than by curling up on the couch and putting on your favorite Halloween movie. Just ask Ree Drummond, who always spends October 31 "parked in front of a scary movie (Halloween is a classic) with snacks like popcorn and brownies." You really can't go wrong with your film choice, but classics always do the trick. (Or should we say treat?!)
That's why so many people queue up Hocus Pocus every Halloween. The 1993 film follows a group of teenagers on a dangerous quest to stop a coven evil witches from achieving immortality. Unlike the Sanderson Sisters, this film is undying—which is to say it will always live on in our hearts.
After watching the adventures of Max, Dani, Allison, and Binx for the zillionth time, you might start to wonder: Where was Hocus Pocus filmed? Many of the movie's most famous scenes were shot on location in Salem, Massachusetts—and you can actually see them with your own eyes. Read on to learn about all the real-life Hocus Pocus filming locations that anyone can visit. If ever find yourself in the historic New England town or want to plan a wicked fun tour, we've got you covered!
Salem, Massachusetts: 1600s
You might recognize the exterior of this village from the opening scene set in the 17th century. This rustic, colonial backdrop was where Thackery Binx searched for his sister Emily before the Sanderson sisters infamously turned him into a black cat. This clip was shot in Pioneer Village, which is known as America's first living history museum. The village is open to the public on weekends from 12 to 4 p.m. through the month of October. If you're taking a Hocus Pocus tour, this is the place to start!
Max and Dani's House
Yes, you can see the real-life location where the Sanderson Sisters were resurrected—if you dare! This private residence located at 4 Ocean Ave in Salem dates all the way back to 1870. Visitors probably shouldn't go knocking, but you can take a stroll by the house and admire its iconic exterior.
Allison's House
PLAN YOUR VISIT
You'll definitely want to make Allison's house a stop on your Hocus Pocus tour. Owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and known as Ropes Mansion, this opulent residence resumes house tours on July 24 and continues weekends through October 30. For an added bonus, check out the gorgeous Colonial Revival garden located in the back to get some gardening inspiration.
Max and Allison's High School
Formerly known Phillips Elementary School, this abandoned school building was converted into Jacob Bailey High School in 1993 for the filming of Hocus Pocus. While the building now houses apartments and is not open to the public, it's still visible from Salem Common public park across the street. Visitors are welcome to snap pictures!
The Salem Halloween Party
Legend has it you can still hear Winifred's voice singing "I Put A Spell On You" echoing from the building where the town's Halloween party took place. Find out for yourself, because you can visit the Old Town Hall that is now home to The Salem Museum. The space is open from 12 to 5 p.m. daily through October 31.
The Cemetery
You might recall Max's encounter with a pair of bullies in the cemetery on his way home from school. Those shots were filmed at Old Burial Hill in Marblehead, Massachusetts, only a short drive from Salem. The historic cemetery—a burial site of an estimated 600 Revolutionary soldiers—is extremely picturesque and features panoramic views of Old Marblehead, the harbor, and the sea. Are you brave enough to check it out? It's open to the public!
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