Halloween in Salem: Exploring Real Life Hocus Pocus Filming Locations

It’s hard to believe that the now beloved Halloween classic Hocus Pocus hit theaters more than 30 years ago (boy do I feel old!).  It is one of those rare movies that grows on you more with each viewing. The gorgeous setting in Salem, the crisp fall colors, trick or treating, all the Halloween magic…it brings up so many good memories of holiday’s past, and hence, why it is so popular with so many people today.

As a 90’s kid, I grew up watching this movie. I probably watched it at least 5 times throughout October. As soon as I moved to Massachusetts, I knew that I had to check out the iconic filming locations. I am a big 90’s movies buff and this was the most exciting filming location I’ve crossed off my bucket list. What a treat for fans who fell in love with this film back in the 90’s!

A timeless classic

Spooky season just isn’t complete for me without an annual viewing (or several!) of the best movie of them all. It’s crazy to think that this movie was once shunned by critics, not to mention a complete box office flop. It is now becoming more and more of a holiday favorite, thanks in part to social media and repeated TV airings throughout October.

Watching it today brings back so many great memories of trick or treating as a kid. I love the cheesy special effects, the campy humour, and the beautiful cinematography. And of course, I can never get that wonderful rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” out of my head.

And, if you haven’t seen this fun & festive story about a trio of 17th century witches who are brought back into the 20th century yet, you truly are missing out! So do yourself a favor and check it out this October. This classic was filmed in a way that makes it feel timeless. Each new generation can enjoy it for the first time, and old timers like me can keep on rewatching it every year.

Update: Don’t bother watching the sequel. It’s so bad (although I can say the same for pretty much all of them). Don’t mess with the original!

In my guide, I will share the most notable movie site locations you can visit in person. These include: Max and Dani’s house, Allison’s mansion, and Old Town Hall where the parent’s party took pace. An incredible feeling of nostalgia swept over me as soon as I saw each site. It’s been one of my favorite memories thus far since my time living in New England. All film sites look exactly the same today as they did in the movie! It’s a great daytrip for movie fans living in or visiting the Boston metro.

Max & Dani’s House

One of the most recognizable locations from the film for me is the Dennison’s house. When I think of the movie, this is the main image I see. It still looks exactly the same today as it did in the early 90’s! This beautiful little coastal house, built back in the 1870’s, is located right on the water.

You would never know this by simply watching the movie as the filming angle makes it look like it is in the middle of a neighborhood nowhere near the coast. However, if you look closely at the picture of their house hanging up you can see the water (look for the scene when they are on the stairs getting ready to trick or treat).

Whomever owns this house is pretty lucky with those fantastic views of the coast from the lookout tower. Didn’t everyone want Max’s cool room with the private staircase to the tower – I know I did!

Location: 8 Ocean Avenue

Note: This is a private residence. Please view and take photos from your car. Do not bother residents!

Allison’s house

Another one of my favorite scenes is when Max and Dani accidentally run into Allison’s house while trick or treating and then embark on their grand adventure of accidentally setting the witches free. The first thing I think of when I see this house is “Rich people. They’ll probably make us drink cider and bob for apples.” One of the best lines in the movie!

The beautiful Essex Street mansion, known as The Ropes Mansion, is a beautiful piece of colonial architecture. The home was originally built in the 1700’s and is now operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and open for public tours.

Location: 161 Essex St.

Old Town Hall

A shot of Old Town Hall is visible when the parents are arriving at their party. This has always been my favorite scene in the movie. I love the witch’s big musical number: it’s so whimsical and fun.

Built back in 1816, the hall still stands strong as the oldest municipal building in town. Today you can explore the Salem Museum. Also if you like shows, you can book tickets to a live productions of “Cry Innocent” or “History Alive.”

Location: 32 Derby Square

Here’s 3 more filming locations you can check out that I haven’t got around too yet. I will be updating this post with new pictures as soon as I get around to it.

The Sanderson sisters cottage/opening scenes

Pioneer Village was used for scenes involving the The Sanderson Sisters Cottage. I really love the opening scenes of the movie – I really love both the music and cinematography. This village in Forest River Park was the perfect choice for the film as the real life village was constructed to resemble what Salem looked like in 1630.

Weekend tours are available from June-September for just a few bucks. Pioneer Village is considered the first living history museum in the US. Throughout the village, you will find many gorgeous examples of colonial architecture.

Location: 310 West Avenue

Jacob Bailey High School 

The old Phillips Elementary School (high school scenes) closed many years ago. It shut down a year before filming began. The exterior will look familiar to those who have seen the film a time or 2. The scene where Allison returns Max’s phone number shot in Salem Common, a beautiful area adjacent to the school. I recommend checking the event lineup at the Common as they frequently air the movie here right around Halloween. I’ve never personally got to attend yet but it’s on my list!

Location: 283 Derby Street

Old Burial Hill

Cemetery scenes filmed at Old Burial Hill, located in Marblehead just 10 min from Salem. Built in 1638, it stands as one of the oldest graveyards in the US. Here you will find many old Puritan gravestones as well as beautiful views of the coast due to its’ prime location upon a hill.

There are more than 600 Revolutionary soldiers buried here, although most of the gravestones are no longer legible. I noticed this is a common theme in this area with the graves being unreadable at Burial Hill in Plymouth and several other cemeteries I’ve visited.

Location: Orne Street Marblehead

Festive fun all month long

As most of you probably know, this town goes all out for the holidays. There is no way I was living within such close proximity (in the Providence metro) and not checking it out. During the season, I also recommend checking out: Old Burying Point Cemetery, the Witch memorials, the 3D haunted house, the Mahi Mahi Haunted Boat Cruise, The House of Seven Gables, and shopping and dining on Essex Street. The Haunted Magic Show, ghost tours, special Halloween parties and dances, and entertaining shows will keep you more than busy all season long. Check out my Halloween article for additional details.

Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery features wax figurines of all your favorite horror movie characters including Winifred Sanderson, October is the best time to visit the museum as it turns into a terrifying haunted house experience by night. Imagine how creepy it would be to walk through a dark wax museum with realistic wax statues of Freddy Krueger, Pennywise, Jason, Michael Myers and more!

While I love a good horror movie, I am not a fan of haunted houses. I can’t imagine how scary it would be to walk through a haunted house with realistic looking villains! That being said, a daytime visit is just as awesome.

Old Burying Point is one of the oldest cemeteries in the US. The fall foliage creates a nice backdrop this time of year. There is a really spooky ghost tour you can take if you are brave enough!

At The Salem Witch Trials Memorial you will find the names & execution date of the 20 victims. There’s a lot of historical significance for any history buffs out there.

I’ve taken many beautiful cruises since moving here. Fall foliage boat rides are the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery if you are not up for a big hike. I loved the Mahi Mahi cruise; the boat was decorated so beautifully and they had a lot of fun extras on board like tarot card readings.

The Witch house, the former home of Judge John Corwin, is the only building still standing with ties to the Witch Trials. Weekends in October you can tour the house and listen to ghost stories. Is it just me or does this black house just look like it has something not so friendly lurking inside?