Can You Visit the ‘Hocus Pocus’ House this Halloween?
As the ‘90s classic nears its 30th anniversary, “Hocus Pocus” continues to delight.
It’s a Halloween tradition for many — watching the story of a new kid in town skeptical of the supernatural, who goes on a Halloween adventure.
And dedicated fans may want to get a little more up close and personal. So, we took a closer look at the “Hocus Pocus” house to see how you can visit it.
Let’s go!
Where Was ‘Hocus Pocus’ Filmed?
Fans will be glad to know that they filmed much of “Hocus Pocus” on location in Salem, Massachusetts. The filmmakers lent an authentic feel to the movie’s spooky vibe by filming in the real-life Salem.
They used several well-known locations around Salem, both public and private.
Where Is the ‘Hocus Pocus’ House?
If you’re looking for the Sanderson sisters’ actual house, you’ll, unfortunately, be looking for quite a while. The film’s crew built the Sanderson cottage and the famous night graveyard sets on a soundstage in Los Angeles.
Can You Go Inside the House?
Like most film sets, the exact fate of the “Hocus Pocus” house is unclear. However, since it’s been nearly 30 years, the set probably got dismantled. Either way, it’s not accessible to the public.
Those looking for a similar, old-time Salem vibe should check out the town’s Pioneer Village.
This living history museum showcases early American life in the Salem area. It served as a filming location for the beginning scenes of “Hocus Pocus,” before Binx gets cursed.
What Other Filming Locations Can You See in the Area?
Keen-eyed “Hocus Pocus” fans visiting Salem will also recognize several other buildings from the film. However, the public can only access some of them.
Max’s distinctive home (with the tower in the attic bedroom) is a real Salem home located at 4 Ocean Avenue. However, it’s currently a private residence, and visitors should respect the privacy of the homeowners.
Allison’s house (where the adults hold a Halloween party) is also an actual house in Salem, the Ropes Mansion. The Peabody Essex Museum owns the building, which offers free public gardens at the rear of the home.
Max and Allison’s school (where Max, Dani, and Allison burn the witches in an unsuccessful attempt to kill them) was a real-life school in Salem. Until a year before the film’s release, it was Phillips Elementary School. You can’t go inside, but you can view the outside from Salem Common, another actual Salem location used in the film.
Salem’s Old Town Hall is the location of the “Hocus Pocus” Halloween party scene. Fans can check out the Salem Museum, which currently occupies the space.
Finally, the daytime graveyard scenes took place at a real-life Salem location. Old Burial Hill lies close to downtown Salem, next to the town’s Witch Trials memorial.
Can You Go on a Guided Movie Tour of the Area?
Those who want to take a tour of the filming locations around Salem have several options. The Salem “Hocus Pocus” Movie Locations Walking Tour offers a guided, 2+ hour tour on Oct. 2, 2021. For $35, fans will visit five filming locations and learn about Salem’s dark history.
They’ll also receive a “Hocus Pocus” souvenir. The price also includes a donation to Pioneer Village.
Those interested in a more detailed and historically accurate look at Salem’s past can also enjoy “Hocus Pocus” Tours.
While more focused on the real-life witch hysteria and Salem history, the tour does stop at two locations used in the film.
Should You Visit the ‘Hocus Pocus’ House This Halloween?
Those looking for a spooky experience at the “Hocus Pocus” house this Halloween may, unfortunately, meet with disappointment. However, if you want to see a fun and mysterious town, you’ll enjoy Salem.
While the city may not be quite as ghost-crazy as the movie implies, Salem residents are proud of their heritage. The town hosts a variety of Halloween-themed events, from family-friendly to terrifying. Overall, Salem is a great place to spend Halloween for those who love “Hocus Pocus” and the spooky season.
“Hocus Pocus” is a true Halloween film classic, made even more authentic by its filming in the actual Salem, Mass. But just because the movie’s iconic “Hocus Pocus” house may not be a real place, fans of the Sandersons will still find plenty to see in this spooky small town.
Whether you’re taking a tour or seeing the sights yourself, Salem is an excellent choice for a visit. Would you pay a visit this Halloween?
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