Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
Let’s turn a non-Disney trip to a Disney-inspired one! Salem is a great option… especially when you visit in October. Here’s how to give your trip a touch of Disney magic by exploring the real-life Hocus Pocus filming locations!
Welcome back, Disney-loving besties! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lisa, and I’m here to inspire your next magical trip: whether it’s your first or hundredth time!
If you’re anything like me, you find a way to add a little Disney magic to every trip: even when you’re not in the parks. During my recent October visit to Salem, Massachusetts, I managed to make our getaway feel straight out of a Disney Halloween special.
You make ask, “How?” Well, all I had to do was explore the real-life filming locations of Hocus Pocus: one of the most iconic Disney Halloween movies of all time.
Visiting Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
If you grew up watching Hocus Pocus, walking through Salem in October feels like stepping right onto the movie set. The historic architecture, autumn colors, and Halloween festivities make it easy to see why Disney chose this town for its cult-classic film.
Here are the Hocus Pocus spots we explored: and a few we saved for next time.
Phillips Elementary School (Max & Allison’s School)
One of our first stops was Phillips Elementary School, located right next to Salem Common. It served as the exterior for Max and Allison’s high school in the movie.
Even though it’s not open to the public, just standing outside those brick walls gives you that nostalgic “first day of school in Salem” feeling. You can easily spot it from the Common, so it’s a great first photo stop.
📍 86 Essex Street
The Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House)
Next up was the Ropes Mansion, also known as Allison’s house: and honestly, it’s even prettier in person. The white Georgian-style home is surrounded by beautiful gardens and makes such a perfect backdrop for photos.
Pro tip: this spot gets very busy during the month of October. I enjoyed taking photos and videos a bit further away, across the street to avoid the crowds.
📍 318 Essex Street
Town Hall (Almost!)
We actually made a little mix-up here: we thought we were visiting the Old Town Hall, where the famous adult Halloween party takes place (when the Sanderson sisters since “I Put a Spell On You”).
We ended up at a different town hall building by mistake: but honestly, that’s part of the fun! If you want to see the real Old Town Hall, it’s located on Derby Square (📍 161 Essex Street).
Salem Common
You’ll recognize Salem Common from several outdoor scenes in the movie, including moments when Max and Dani are walking home. The park looks almost identical today: lined with trees, surrounded by historic homes, and buzzing with energy during October.
Other Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
If you’re planning your own Hocus Pocus-themed day in Salem, here are a few more filming spots to add to your list:
- Pioneer Village – Used as “Salem Village” in the opening scenes of the movie
- Old Burial Hill – The spooky cemetery from several iconic moments
- Max’s House (4 Ocean Avenue) – A fan-favorite photo spot (though keep in mind it’s private property, so admire from a distance!)
Tips for Visiting Salem in October
If you’re planning a trip to Salem during spooky season, here are a few things I wish I’d known before we went:
- Book your hotel early. October is Salem’s busiest month: accommodations fill up months in advance and prices rise quickly.
- Take the train from Boston. If you’re staying in Boston, the commuter rail to Salem is only about 30 minutes, super convenient, and budget-friendly.
- Prepare for crowds. Salem in October is packed. Bring your patience, wear comfy shoes, and plan your day around the busiest times.
Exploring Salem’s Hocus Pocus filming locations felt like living inside a piece of Disney history: surrounded by fall leaves, Halloween decorations, and fellow fans who love the same bit of movie magic.
Join the magic, Disney-loving bestie! If you’re looking to plan a magical vacation, I can help! Click here to get your FREE quote!
Also, don’t miss my Etsy shop that’s full of cute printables to make your Disney days extra special! 💖 Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for dreamy trip tips and park planning inspo straight to your inbox.
