Salem, Massachusetts – home of the infamous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s cult Halloween film: Hocus Pocus. Witches are synonymous with Salem, and it made the perfect setting for this 90’s classic. I’ve been a fan of Hocus Pocus since 1993 when I was 7 years old and fawning over Max Dennison (and I was the same age as his little sister Dani in the movie, haha). This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Sanderson Sisters attempting to suck the lives out of the children of Salem to remain young and beautiful forever. I know, how is the movie 30 years old? Keep reading for your Self-Guided Hocus Pocus Tour of Salem!
The Sanderson Sisters Story –
In case you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen this classic Halloween film, basically, a teenage boy, Max, moves to Salem from California. He struggles to fit in and, after learning about a town legend involving three witches and a teenage boy turned cat decides that Salem is not for him.
In order to impress his crush, Alison, he lights the black flame candle and famously exclaims, “Let’s light this sucker and meet the old broads.” By lighting the candle, he awakens the Sanderson Sisters; three diabolical sisters that were executed during the 17th century for practicing witchcraft. Hilarity and plotting ensue as the sisters attempt to suck the lives out of the “modern-day” children of Salem, and the rest is history!
Hocus Pocus Magic:
Living so close to Salem, Massachusetts I make it a point to go every October/ Halloween. Being obsessed with Hocus Pocus since I was 7 made me NEED to see these filming locations for myself. While no story involving witches would be complete without a connection to Salem, very little of Hocus Pocus was actually shot in the Witch City. But have no fear, there are several prominent filming locations that can be easily visited on an October trip to Salem.
Salem offers a guided Hocus Pocus Tour with Historic Salem Tours and while the tour is not based on the movie it does feature several of the
If you are interested in the history of Salem, and history nerds take on this iconic New England town check out The Best History Spots In Salem, Massachusetts.
A Bunch Of Hocus Pocus – Self-Guided Tour
In The Town Of Salem –
Max & Alison’s School – Jacob Baily High School
“What is this place? It reeks of children.”
“It is a prison for children.”
– Sanderson SIsters
- Where: 86 Essex Street
What was once the Phillips School, which closed in 1992, is located right on Salem Common. I’ve actually been to the common several times and never realized that I was walking right past Max and Alison’s school! Hang out in this beautiful park and take in the iconic prison for children.
Check Out: The Best Shops In Salem, Massachusetts
Alison’s House –
“Whoa! Check out this house!” – Max
“Rich people, I bet they make us drink cider and bob for apples.” – Dani
- Where: 318 Essex Street
- Sad News: All Ropes Mansions House Tours are canceled until further notice.
- Good News: The Ropes Mansion invites you to “enjoy the tranquil garden space which is open to the public 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk, at no charge.” And dogs are most welcome. How awesome?
- Check for 2021 information
“Max likes your yabbos. In fact, he loves them!”- Dani
Alison’s house in the movie is actually the historical Ropes Mansion. I honestly, didn’t tour the house during my last visit because it wasn’t open. But, in my opinion, you have to stop to check out the place where Dani famously talks about Alison’s yabbos, while you are in town. Hahaha!
Town Hall Halloween Party –
“Thank you, Max, for that marvelous introduction. I put a spell on you, and now your mine!”
– Winifred Sanderson
- Where: 32 Derby Street
The town hall Halloween party where the witches famously sing I Put A Spell On You is actually at Salem’s Old Town Hall. It’s a historic building that features a small museum inside. It’s worth a visit if you are stopping at take a photo of the town hall anyway. Also, right across the street is the Lobster Shanty, which has fantastic lobster rolls, and the spicy crab cake sandwich is amazing. They also have both Guinness and Far From the Tree Cider on tap.
Check Out: One Fall Day In Salem, Massachusetts
Not In Town –
These Hocus Pocus filming locations are not far but require a car or public transportation…
Max & Dani’s House –
“Oh, look. Another glorious morning. Makes me sick!” – Winnie
- Where: 8 Ocean Ave
- Private residence – please respect the owners!
Technically this is walkable at 1.1 miles from Old Town Hall. It will take you about 22 minutes to walk or 5 minutes to drive, your choice! This is a private residence and you are asked to stay across the street to take photos and not to bother the residents. Be aware that in October there will be crowds of people across from the house. There is parking if you get there early enough.
Thackery Binx House/ Village –
“I’m sorry Emily, I had to wait 300 years for a virgin to light a Candle.”
– Thackery Binx
- Where: 98 West Ave
- Hours: Historic Tours Saturday and Sunday – 12-4, June Through September
- Check for 2021 information
Thackery Binx’s house is located at Salem Pioneer Village. This village was built in the 1930s and was one of America’s first living history museums. Technically you could also walk to this filming location it is 1.4 miles and takes about 30 minutes to walk or 6 minutes to drive from Old Town Hall.
Cemetery Where Max Rides His Bike –
Jay – “So
where’re you from?Max – “Los Angeles”
[Jay and Ice look confused]
Max – “L.A.”
Jay – “Oh,
duuuuude .”Ernie “Ice” – “Tubular!”
- Where: Old Burial Hill Cemetery – 50 Orne Street, Marblehead, MA
The cemetery Max rides his bike through at the beginning of the movie. And where he has his first encounter with Jay and Ernie “Ice” is the longest trek from downtown Salem. It’s called Old Burial Hill Cemetery and is located in Marblehead, MA. It’s only a 16-minute drive from downtown Salem. And honestly, it’s a gorgeous drive.
FREE Self-Guided Hocus Pocus CHECKLIST
Let me know what you think of the filming locations! It was so much fun to run around town and find these places and trust me, I wasn’t the only 90’s kid looking for them. Have you been to Salem? Have you visited any of the Hocus Pocus filming locations?
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