My Spellbinding Trip to Hocus Pocus Filming Locations in Salem
Discover the enchanting Salem Hocus Pocus spots, from Thackery Binx's cabin to the Ropes Mansion, bringing movie magic to life for fans and explorers alike.
Let me spill the beans, folks—visiting the real-life Hocus Pocus spots in Salem, Massachusetts, was an absolute blast from the past. As a die-hard fan of the 1993 classic (seriously, who isn't?), walking those same cobblestone streets where Winifred, Sarah, and Mary wreaked havoc felt like stepping right into the movie. And guess what? Most of those iconic places are still standing! With Hocus Pocus 3 rumors swirling in 2025, the magic feels more alive than ever. Grab your broomsticks, and let me take you on a tour of where the Sanderson sisters' shenanigans went down. 🧹✨
Thackery Binx's Cabin: Where It All Began
That spine-tingling opening scene? Yeah, I stood right where Thackery Binx strode out of his wooden cabin in 1693. The real spot is the Governor's Faire House in Pioneer Village—America's first living history museum. For just $5, you can wander through this time capsule. The thatched roof, autumn leaves, and colonial vibe? Totally unchanged. It's like the film crew just packed up yesterday!

Max's School: Jacob Bailey High (AKA Philips Elementary)
Remember where Max got roasted for being a virgin? 😂 The exterior is Philips Elementary in Washington Square. Closed since 1992, it’s got that imposing, "boarding school from your nightmares" look. You can’t go inside (bummer!), but the exterior’s free to gawk at. Pro tip: The spiked black fence from the "Allison giving Max her number" scene? Still there at Salem Common across the street! This park hosts epic Halloween events now, like witch circles and movie nights.

Allison’s Mansion: The Glamorous Ropes Mansion
Allison’s pumpkin-packed, column-lined palace? Chef’s kiss. That’s the Ropes Mansion at 318 Essex Street. Built in the 1720s, it’s now run by the Peabody Essex Museum. You can tour it or even rent it for weddings (how meta is that?). The haystacks and pumpkins might be seasonal, but that wealthy Puritan aura? Permanent.

Where Winifred Sang "I Put a Spell on You": Old Town Hall
This Derby Square landmark hosted the film’s iconic dance-till-you-die party. The exterior is real (interiors were shot in California), and it’s now home to the Salem Museum. No spells cast here today—just history nerds and occasional plays. Still, I half-expected Bette Midler to pop out!

Creepy Cemetery & Sarah’s Flight Path
Billy Butcherson’s grave? That’s Old Burial Hill in Marblehead (a quick drive from Salem). Established in 1638, it’s properly eerie, with Revolutionary War soldiers buried under unmarked stones. And Sarah’s broomstick flight over the lighthouse? That’s Lighthouse Point in Marblehead’s Chandler Hovey Park. Gorgeous harbor views—zero witches, though.

Max & Dani’s House & The Aerial Village
Ocean Avenue is where you’ll find the Dennison’s iconic home (widow’s walk and all!). Heads up: It’s privately owned, so admire from the sidewalk—no peeking! 🫣 The opening aerial shot? Not Salem! That’s Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, a living history museum 50 miles south. Reenactors there will chat your ear off about 17th-century life.

Why Salem Still Casts a Spell
| Location | Real Name | Can You Visit? | Movie Magic Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binx’s Cabin | Governor’s Faire House | ✅ ($5 entry) | "Thou ugly bag of itching powder!" |
| High School | Philips Elementary | Exterior only | Max’s virgin shame 👀 |
| Allison’s House | Ropes Mansion | ✅ (tours/events) | Pumpkin paradise 🎃 |
| Town Hall | Old Town Hall | ✅ (museum) | Winnie’s showstopper song |
| Cemetery | Old Burial Hill | ✅ (Marblehead) | "Billy! You’re dead!" |
Salem’s Pioneer Village (where woodsy scenes were filmed) is a must-see. Three acres of colonial digs, blacksmith shops, and gardens—open noon-4 PM. It’s wicked immersive. After 32 years, Hocus Pocus isn’t just a movie; it’s a pilgrimage. And with Hocus Pocus 3 on the horizon? Well, amok, amok, amok! 🕯️