Spooky season is my favorite time of the year. October is the time for everything pumpkin, thrillers, haunted happenings and all things fall. It also happens to be the best time of the year, in my opinion, to squeeze into pajamas, grab a bucket of popcorn and watch the best movie. What movie am I referring to? No other than Hocus Pocus, of course.
If you’re as big of a Hocus Pocus fanatic as me, then Salem is on your list of places to visit. Here are 7 scene locations you can visit.
1. Allison’s House
Location: Ropes Mansion, 31 Essex St, Salem, MA
This haunted colonial style mansion is probably the most popular location to visit as it is conveniently located in downtown Salem. In the movie, during their trick-or-treating outing, Max & Dani find their way here and stumble upon Allison’s family’s extravagant Halloween party. Ropes Mansion is operated by the Peabody Essex Museum and free to visit. There is a garden in the back open all year round and you can even tour the inside of the home.
2. Thackery’s Village
Location: Pioneer Village – 310 West Avenue, Salem, MA
Hocus Pocus starts out in Thackery’s village before he is turned into an eternal black cat. Pioneer Village is a recreation of Salem in the 17th century. There are limited tickets to visit, so plan ahead.
3. Town Halloween Party
Location: Old Town Hall – 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA
“I put a spell on you and now you’re mine.” The Old Town Hall is where Winifred belts out the classic and, dare I say, iconic song that ends up hypnotizing the adults into endless dance during the annual town Halloween party. The inside was transformed into a Haunted Speakeasy during October while I was visiting, so be sure to be on the lookout for events, or haunted happenings if visiting during that time of year.
4. Cemetery Scenes
Location: Old Burial Hill – Orne St, Marblehead, MA
The Old Burial Hill Cemetery is one of the oldest graveyards in New England. It is the burial site of over 600 soldiers that fought during the Revolutionary War. This graveyard is where Max has an unfortunate encounter with bullies, Ernie (a.k.a. Ice) and Jay while walking home.
5. Max & Allison’s School
Location: Phillips Elementary School – 86 Essex St, Salem, MA
“Hello. I want my book. Bonjour. Je veux mon livre.” If you remember, the Sanderson sisters are lured into the school kiln to be burned by a learn to speak French tape. The location of this scene is the Phillips Elementary School located near the Salem Common. Phillips Elementary School ended its run in 1992 and appears to be vacant, but the building still stands.
6. Max & Dani’s House
Location: Private Residence – 40 Ocean Drive, Salem, MA
The filming location for Max & Dani’s home is a private residence. I did not get to visit this particular location, but rumor has it, the home owners are fine with people snapping pictures. Please be mindful and respectful if you plan on visiting.
7. Salem Common
Location: Salem Common – N Washington Square, Salem, MA
Several outdoor scenes are captured in the Salem Common. During October, there were several local vendor pop-ups, food trucks and orange lights strewn up around picnic tables. Visit during the peak season of fall and you’ll find beautiful fall foliage.