The REAL Salem: 15+ Hocus Pocus Filming Locations You Can Visit Today (From 1993 To Hocus Pocus 2)

Step into the enchanting world of the Sanderson Sisters! The enduring legacy of the 1993 classic, Hocus Pocus, and its 2022 sequel continues to draw fans to the real-life locations that brought the fictional town of Salem to life. As of December 15, 2025, the locations used for the original film remain some of the most popular tourist destinations in Massachusetts, offering a tangible connection to the beloved Halloween movie. This deep dive will guide you through all the iconic spots, from the historic streets of Salem to the surprising New England state that hosted the production of Hocus Pocus 2.

The magic of the original film lies in its authentic use of historic New England architecture, primarily centered in the city of Salem, Massachusetts. While the interior scenes were shot on sound stages in Hollywood, the exterior shots capture the quintessential charm and spooky atmosphere of the Witch City, creating a cinematic landmark for generations of fans.

The Iconic Salem, Massachusetts Filming Locations from Hocus Pocus (1993)

The original Hocus Pocus is a love letter to Salem, Massachusetts, utilizing several of its most famous and historic landmarks. Visiting these sites offers an unparalleled experience to walk in the footsteps of Max, Dani, and Allison.

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Max and Dani Dennison’s House (4 Ocean Avenue)

Perhaps the most recognizable residential location, the exterior of the Dennison family home is a real private residence located at 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem, Massachusetts. The distinct turret and coastal setting perfectly captured the New England vibe for Max and Dani’s coastal California-transplant aesthetic. The house, which is a private property, is situated right on the water, offering a picturesque backdrop for the witches’ pursuit of the children. It is important for fans to respect the residents' privacy when visiting this famous spot.

Allison’s House: The Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street)

The beautiful, grand home of Allison Watts, the object of Max’s affection, is actually the Ropes Mansion, a stunning 18th-century Federal-style house owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. The exterior of this historic property was used for the scene where Max and Dani visit Allison on Halloween night. The mansion, complete with its elegant, manicured gardens, is a prime example of Salem's rich architectural history and is a must-see stop on any Hocus Pocus tour.

The Halloween Party: Old Town Hall (32 Derby Square)

The legendary scene where the Sanderson Sisters—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah—perform their iconic rendition of "I Put A Spell On You" was filmed inside Old Town Hall in Salem. This historic building, built in 1816, served as the location for the town's adult Halloween party. The exterior is also featured prominently. This location is a central piece of Salem's history and remains an active venue for events today, allowing fans to truly stand where the magic happened.

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Thackery Binx’s 17th-Century Village: Pioneer Village

The opening scenes of the film, which take place in 1693 and show Thackery Binx as a human before he is turned into a cat, were filmed at Pioneer Village. This living history museum, established in 1930, is America's first living history museum and authentically recreates the look and feel of a 17th-century Puritan settlement. It is located near Salem Harbor and provides the perfect, eerie historical setting for the witches’ initial curse.

Max and Allison’s High School (Old Salem High School)

The school that Max, Allison, and their classmates attend is the former Phillips Elementary School, located at 61 South Washington Square. While it has been converted into condominiums, the exterior retains its recognizable look from the film. The school is where Max, in a moment of teenage angst, dismisses the legend of the Sanderson Sisters, inadvertently setting the film's events in motion.

The Surprising Location of the Cemetery and Other Key Sites

While most of the film’s atmosphere is pure Salem, not every exterior shot was taken within the city limits. One of the most important locations is actually in a neighboring town.

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The Cemetery Scene: Old Burial Hill, Marblehead

The cemetery where Max has his sneakers stolen by the bullies, Ice and Jay, is not in Salem but in the adjacent town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. The location is Old Burial Hill, one of the oldest graveyards in New England, established in 1638. This historic site is celebrated for its stunning views of Marblehead Harbor and its authentic, aged gravestones, lending a genuinely spooky air to the scene. This is a crucial detail for fans planning a comprehensive New England filming location tour.

The Street Scenes

Many of the trick-or-treating and chase scenes were filmed on the historic streets of Salem, including Washington Square and Essex Street, showcasing the city’s colonial architecture and adding depth to the Halloween night setting. The realism of these quaint New England streets is what makes the film feel so grounded in place.

Where Was Hocus Pocus 2 Filmed? The Rhode Island Connection

Nearly three decades later, the Sanderson Sisters returned in the 2022 sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. Despite being set in Salem, the production team opted to film almost exclusively in the state of Rhode Island, a decision that provided the necessary space for large-scale set construction and filming logistics.

The Modern Salem: Providence, Rhode Island

The capital city of Providence and its surrounding areas were transformed into the modern-day Salem. Key locations included:

• La Salle Academy and Moses Brown School: These schools were used for the high school scenes, particularly for the exterior and interior shots involving the new generation of teenagers who accidentally summon the witches.
• Cranston Street Armory: This massive drill hall was used for sound stage work and likely housed some of the larger interior sets, including the modern-day version of the Sanderson Sisters' cottage.
• Chase Farm, Lincoln, RI: A significant portion of the film's exterior, including the reconstruction of the 17th-century village from the opening scene, was built on the vast grounds of Chase Farm in Lincoln.
• Newman Congregational Church: Located in Rumford, this church was used for a key scene in the sequel.
• Atwells Avenue and Pitman Street: Various street scenes and exterior shots were filmed in the neighborhoods of Providence, capturing the look of a bustling New England town.

The use of Rhode Island locations for Hocus Pocus 2 allowed the film to maintain the New England aesthetic while accommodating a large-scale modern production. However, the original film’s reliance on real, historic Salem landmarks is what cemented its status as a cinematic Halloween pilgrimage destination. Fans visiting New England can now create a comprehensive tour that spans both Massachusetts and Rhode Island to see the full scope of the Sanderson Sisters' on-screen haunts.