Most of the Halloween classic «Hocus Pocus» was filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, and nearby towns including Marblehead. There were also scenes shot in Burbank and several locations in Los Angeles. Since the film begins around the time of the infamous Salem witch trials, the production used historical sites and houses that you can visit today. These include Pioneer Village, built in the 1930s, which is the oldest living history museum in America.

Filming Locations:

The Village

In the Movie

Scene where Young man Thackery Binx realizes his little sister Emily is missing and has been lured into the woods. He asks his friend to warn the village elders while he races after Emily, who has been captured by the aging witches to regain their youth and vitality.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Pioneer Village in Salem, designed to show the town as it was in 1630. It is America's oldest outdoor living history museum, located in Forest River Park. It features twelve buildings, including the Governor's mansion, dugouts, a blacksmith shop, thatched cottages, and wigwams. Entering the village is like stepping into early 17th-century colonial life.

House Porch

In the Movie

Scene where Little heroine Dani cries in front of a huge house after Max tells her to "just take her candy and get out of his life" while they are trick-or-treating on Halloween. They immediately make up after Max apologizes to Dani and asks for another chance. It's a touching scene between an older brother trying to fit into a new town and a younger sister convincing her brother that this is now their home.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a white, majestic colonial house located on Essex Street in Salem. It is known as the Ropes Mansion, built around 1727. This two-story building has two dining rooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, three pantries, a kitchen, and fifteen bedrooms. In addition to its impressive architectural structure, one of its biggest attractions is the colorful garden designed in 1912.

The Party

In the Movie

Scene where The Sanderson sisters burst into a Halloween party and enchant the entire hall with their singing - one of the iconic and fan-favorite scenes in 'Hocus Pocus'. Here you see the killer performance of the song 'I Put A Spell On You' by the Sanderson sisters.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the heart of the city at the Old Town Hall. It is open to the public and houses the Salem Museum, which hosts various events including parties, an annual fashion show, weddings, fundraisers, and more. Built in 1816, the Old Town Hall is a historic building that served as a market square and town hall. It is located on Derby Square and is now a stop on the famous Salem Heritage Trail.