Where Was Hocus Pocus Filmed? Your Guide To Salem's Spooky Spots

Do you ever wonder where the magic of your favorite Halloween movie, Hocus Pocus, truly came to life? It’s almost like, you know, a yearly tradition for so many of us to watch it. That feeling of wonder about the actual places where Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy cast their spells is pretty common, too. Well, get ready for some exciting news because a big chunk of that beloved film was brought to life in some very real, very visitable places.

It’s true, this classic Halloween movie, which first came out in 1993, has a lot of its charm rooted in actual spots. You see, while many big movies often choose to film in places like New York City or Los Angeles, Hocus Pocus took a different path. It has, in fact, many filming locations that you can go see for yourself, which is rather special. This guide is here to show you just where those spooky and fun scenes were captured.

So, if you’ve been wondering where Hocus Pocus was filmed, especially in Salem, Massachusetts, you’re in the right place. We’re going to give you the full story behind where Disney’s Hocus Pocus was filmed. We’ll also share information about all the filming locations in Salem, Massachusetts, and some other spots as well. You can, you know, truly tour the Hocus Pocus filming locations and read about each scene that was filmed. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt for movie fans.

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Table of Contents

• The Heart of the Magic: Salem, Massachusetts
  • A Town Steeped in History
  • The Ropes Mansion: Allison's House
  • Washington Square and Salem Common
  • Pioneer Village: The 17th-Century Setting
• Beyond Salem: Other Massachusetts Spots
  • Marblehead's Old Burial Hill
• California Connections: Studio and Other Filming Spots
  • Los Angeles and Burbank
  • Whittier and Other LA Areas
• Visiting the Locations Today
• The Sequel: Hocus Pocus 2 and Beyond
• Frequently Asked Questions About Hocus Pocus Filming

The Heart of the Magic: Salem, Massachusetts

So, a good portion of the original 1993 Hocus Pocus movie was truly filmed on location in Salem, Massachusetts. This is, you know, the town that’s famous for the witch trials of the late 1600s. It’s a very fitting place for a movie about witches, don't you think? Many scenes were shot right there, and it’s pretty amazing that you can actually go and visit these Hocus Pocus filming locations today. It’s like, you know, a real-life movie set waiting for you.

The movie, which features Omri Katz as the teenage boy Max and his little sister, truly immersed itself in the town. Max, you know, struggles to fit in after moving to Salem, before he accidentally wakes up those three wicked witches who were executed in the 17th century. This whole story unfolds against the backdrop of real Salem places. In fact, the movie was shot in Salem and the surrounding towns for about two weeks with the entire cast, which is quite a commitment to authenticity.

A Town Steeped in History

Salem, Massachusetts, itself plays a big part in the movie’s spooky atmosphere. It’s a town with a deep, somewhat eerie past, and that history just adds to the film’s charm. While some famous movies are often filmed in big cities, Hocus Pocus really made Salem its own. You can, you know, truly feel the connection between the movie and the town when you walk its streets. It’s pretty special, that.

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Most of the Hocus Pocus production was filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, and also in nearby towns, including Marblehead. This means that when you watch the movie, you’re seeing genuine New England scenery. It’s a great way to experience the film in a very tangible way. And, you know, it’s not just a set; it’s a place with its own stories, which is kind of cool.

The Ropes Mansion: Allison's House

One of the most recognized Hocus Pocus filming locations is the Ropes Mansion in Salem. This beautiful old house served as Allison's home in the movie. It’s a really lovely building, and you can definitely picture Max and Dani going up to its front door. We’ve rounded up this particular spot as a must-see for fans. It’s almost like, you know, stepping into Allison’s world when you see it in person.

The mansion, with its classic architecture, really helps set the scene for the movie’s Salem backdrop. It’s a very picturesque spot, and it’s still there for people to enjoy. So, if you’re wondering where to start your Hocus Pocus tour, the Ropes Mansion is a pretty good place to begin. It’s a very identifiable piece of the film’s visual story, and it’s accessible to the public, which is great.

Washington Square and Salem Common

Many scenes from Hocus Pocus were filmed at Salem Common, which is just outside what was Jacob Bailey High School in the movie. In real life, that school building is Philips Elementary School. This area is located on Washington Square. It’s a pretty central spot in Salem, and you can imagine the characters moving through it.

The common, you know, takes on a really special feel at night, especially around Halloween. It lights up, creating a truly spooky and sparkly setting. This makes it, you know, the perfect place for a photo shoot, capturing some of that Hocus Pocus magic for yourself. It’s a very atmospheric spot, and you can almost hear the witches cackling in the distance.

So, when you think about Max and his friends, a lot of their adventures probably took them through this very common. It’s a pretty open space, and you can see how it would be used for various outdoor scenes. It’s a very important part of the Salem filming experience, too. This area really helps bring the movie’s world to life in a very tangible way.

Pioneer Village: The 17th-Century Setting

Another key Hocus Pocus filming location is Pioneer Village. This spot was used to represent the 17th-century Salem where the Sanderson sisters were first, you know, executed. It’s a place that truly transports you back in time. We’ve rounded up Pioneer Village as a spot to check out, and it’s easy to see why it was chosen for those historical scenes.

The village provides a really authentic look at what life might have been like in that era. It’s a very different kind of location compared to the modern-day Salem spots. It helps tell the story of the witches’ origins in a very visual way. So, if you want to experience the older parts of the Hocus Pocus story, this is a pretty good place to go. It’s a very unique and interesting filming location, to be honest.

Beyond Salem: Other Massachusetts Spots

While Salem definitely holds the title for most of the on-location filming, the movie also used some nearby towns in Massachusetts. This means that the magic wasn’t just confined to one city. It spread out a bit, giving the film a broader sense of place. These other spots are just as important in telling the full story of where the movie was made, you know.

It’s worth noting that even though a lot of the movie was filmed on a set, about seven or so main scenes were filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, and these surrounding areas. This shows a commitment to capturing the true New England feel. So, when you’re thinking about planning a trip, consider these other locations too. They’re a pretty big part of the Hocus Pocus experience, too.

Marblehead's Old Burial Hill

Among the nearby towns, Marblehead played a part, specifically its Old Burial Hill. This is another one of those Hocus Pocus filming locations we’ve rounded up for you. Burial hills, you know, have a naturally spooky feel to them, which makes this spot pretty perfect for a Halloween movie. It’s a very atmospheric place, to be honest.

Old Burial Hill is a historic cemetery, and you can imagine some of the film’s eerie moments taking place there. It adds to the overall sense of history and mystery that the movie captures so well. So, if you’re touring the Hocus Pocus spots, make sure to add this Marblehead location to your list. It’s a very interesting place to visit, and it connects directly to the film’s vibe.

California Connections: Studio and Other Filming Spots

Now, while a good portion of the original film was shot right in Salem, Massachusetts, and the surrounding areas, it’s also true that not every single scene was filmed there. You know, movie making often involves a mix of on-location shoots and studio work. So, Hocus Pocus also had some scenes shot in California, which is pretty typical for a big production like this.

The actors, you know, did shoot in Los Angeles and in other parts of Massachusetts, as well. This means that while you won’t find all of the Hocus Pocus spots in Salem itself, there are still plenty of locations from the film you can visit in New England. It’s a bit of a split, but the Salem parts are definitely the most iconic for fans, I think.

Los Angeles and Burbank

There were also scenes shot in Burbank, California, and several locations in Los Angeles. These would typically be for interior shots or scenes that needed a controlled studio environment. While the magic of Salem is very real, some of the movie’s inner workings, so to speak, happened on sound stages out west. It’s pretty common for films to use these kinds of setups, you know.

So, when you see certain parts of the movie, it might be a set in Burbank rather than a real house in Salem. This mix of real locations and studio sets helps the filmmakers create the world they envision. It’s a very practical aspect of movie making, and it allows for more control over the environment. That’s just how it goes, you know, in the film world.

Whittier and Other LA Areas

Additionally, portions of the original film were shot in Whittier, California. And, you know, as mentioned, on sound stages in Los Angeles. The text also mentions locations like the MacArthur in LA and even the Wandavision house in a list of Hocus Pocus filming spots, which is kind of interesting. These might be less obvious to the casual viewer but were part of the production process. It’s a bit of a mix, to be honest.

So, while the heart of the Hocus Pocus story truly feels like Salem, it’s good to remember that the movie was a big production. It used various places to bring its story to life. These California spots played their own part in creating the beloved film. It’s a very collaborative effort, you know, making a movie, and different places lend their own unique elements.

Visiting the Locations Today

If you’re a big fan of Hocus Pocus, visiting these filming locations would make a great family trip. It’s a very unique way to experience the movie in a new light. Most locations, you know, are still accessible to the public, which is fantastic news for anyone wanting to see them firsthand. It’s a pretty cool way to connect with the film, I think.

You can use a guide and map to easily find the Hocus Pocus Salem filming locations. There’s so much more to learn, see, and discover in our Hocus Pocus filming location guide. It’s designed to help you make the most of your visit. So, whether you’re planning a trip around Halloween or any other time of year, these spots are waiting for you. It’s a very fun adventure, you know.

Imagine walking the same streets where Max, Dani, and Allison ran from the Sanderson sisters. It’s a very immersive experience. You can almost feel the movie’s spirit in the air. For fans, it’s a chance to step into a piece of movie history. It’s a very memorable way to celebrate the film, that’s for sure. For more travel information on the state, you might find this helpful: Visiting Massachusetts.

The Sequel: Hocus Pocus 2 and Beyond

The original Hocus Pocus premiered in 1993, and its sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, arrived nearly three decades later in 2022. This new movie brought back the beloved Sanderson sisters for a whole new adventure. It was a very anticipated return for fans, too. While this guide focuses on the original film's locations, the sequel brought its own set of filming spots.

You know, the world of Hocus Pocus is still growing. Sarah Jessica Parker, for example, recently gave an update on Hocus Pocus 3. This was over two years after Disney first announced the sequel. The actress, you know, revealed where the sequel stands, after some news reports in 2023. So, the story of the Sanderson sisters, it seems, is still being told. Learn more about Hocus Pocus on our site, and link to this page Salem Travel Guide for more local information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hocus Pocus Filming

Is Hocus Pocus really filmed in Salem?

Yes, a big portion of the original 1993 Hocus Pocus movie was indeed filmed on location in Salem, Massachusetts. Many scenes, in fact, were shot right there in the town and its surrounding areas. This includes iconic spots like the Ropes Mansion and Salem Common. So, you know, a lot of the magic you see on screen truly happened in Salem.

Can you visit the Hocus Pocus house?

You can absolutely visit the Ropes Mansion in Salem, Massachusetts, which served as Allison's house in the movie. It’s a very recognizable and beloved Hocus Pocus filming location. Most of the filming locations in Salem are still accessible to the public, which is pretty great for fans wanting to see them firsthand. It’s a very popular spot, too.

What about Hocus Pocus 2 locations?

Hocus Pocus 2 arrived in 2022, nearly three decades after the first film. While the original movie had many scenes filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, and nearby towns, this particular guide focuses on the filming locations for the 1993 film. Information about the specific filming spots for Hocus Pocus 2 is, you know, still emerging and not detailed in the provided text for this guide.