Where Was ‘Hocus Pocus’ Filmed? All About the Real Locations

The Sanderson sisters ran amuck, amuck, amuck around Salem, Mass., and decades later, fans can still follow in their witchy footsteps around the historic town.

The creepy classic, Hocus Pocus, was first released in July 1993 and starred Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as a familial witch trio. For years, fans of the beloved Halloween flick were itching for Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson to return to the screen again.

Those wishes came true in September 2022, when the sorceress siblings reunited to enchant a new generation of Halloweeners in Disney+’s Hocus Pocus 2. Even more excitement has been brewing since the sequel’s arrival, as Disney confirmed in June 2023 that a third installment is in the works.

Hocus Pocus lovers’ obsession with the films has inspired many to take spooky trips to Massachusetts, where the first movie was shot, or Rhode Island, where the sequel called home.

So, where were the Hocus Pocus filming locations? In honor of Halloween, here’s everything to know about the real-life places seen in Hocus Pocus and Hocus Pocus 2.

Locations in the original Hocus Pocus

Salem in the 1600s

Location: Pioneer Village in Salem, Mass.

Known as America’s “first living history museum,” according to its website, Pioneer Village is home to Thackery Binx — a.k.a. everyone’s favorite black cat — and all exterior shots of the Sanderson sisters’ ominous cottage.

Perfect for history buffs, the village recreates what life was like for settlers in Salem during the 1600s. Though it was built in 1930, the museum accurately represents the thatched-roof cottages people lived in at the time.

Max and Dani Dennison’s House

Location: 4 Ocean Ave. in Salem, Mass.

Although it is a private residence, fans can still reminisce while passing by the real Salem house that portrays the home of Max and Dani (Omri Katz and Thora Birch) in the movie. The iconic residence where Max and Allison (Vinessa Shaw) summoned the Sanderson sisters with their spell book is a must-see on any Hocus Pocus-themed tour.

Speaking with Boston.com in October 2018, Destination Salem Executive Director Kate Fox advised that although the current owners of the property are “really good sports” about people stopping to take pictures of their home, visitors should still make sure to be respectful of the private space.

Max and Allison’s School (Phillips Elementary School)

Location: 56 South Washington Sq. in Salem, Mass.

Now an apartment complex, the former elementary school is known for the dramatic scene in which Max, Dani and Allison tried (and failed) to burn the Sanderson sisters alive in the school’s furnace. While no longer a school after its closure in 1992, lovers of the film can still admire the property’s exterior.

Allison’s House (Ropes Mansion)

Location: 318 Essex St. in Salem, Mass.

If you thought Allison’s house was impressive in the movie, wait until you see it in real life. The historic Ropes Mansion dates back to the 1720s and is currently owned by the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. Fans will remember the home’s exterior from scenes where Max takes Dani trick-or-treating before realizing the mansion belongs to his crush, Allison.

In October 2024, Ropes Mansion launched a Hocus Pocus-themed event to celebrate the ‘90s cult classic movie. Fans can book a tour of the mansion and enjoy the surrounding gardens on the property.

Town Halloween Party (Old Town Hall)

Location: 32 Derby Sq. in Salem, Mass.

Visitors beware! This location might just put a spell on you. Hocus Pocus fanatics will recognize Salem’s Old Town Hall from the infamous party scene where Winifred performed “I Put a Spell on You” to distract the townspeople from Max’s witchy allegations.

Enjoy a guided walking tour to hear more about the history of this Salem treasure.

Locations in Hocus Pocus 2

Salem in the 1670s

Location: Chase Farm, 667 Great Rd. in Lincoln, R.I.

To some fans’ dismay, the cast and crew of Hocus Pocus 2 did not return to Salem to continue the Sanderson sisters’ story. Instead, Salem in the 1670s was built as a set in Lincoln, R.I., on Chase Farm, The Providence Journal reported.

While the temporary set no longer stands, fans can still visit the farm to enjoy a leisurely hike or take in the lush green landscape.

La Salle Academy

Location: 612 Academy Ave. in Providence, R.I.

Some interior and exterior shots of the high school in Hocus Pocus 2 were filmed at La Salle Academy, a private Catholic school founded in the early 1870s. For this reason, any Hocus Pocus enthusiasts looking to walk the same halls as the sequel’s characters should be mindful not to enter without permission.

Cranston Street Armory

Location: 310 Cranston St. in Providence, R.I.

Built in 1907, the Cranston Street Armory is a historic Rhode Island landmark that Disney reportedly paid $70,000 to film in, according to The Providence Journal. Due to its tall ceilings and vast space, the armory is the perfect place for special effects involving flying witches.

While the armory is still standing for visitors to pass by, it’s closed to the public, and its condition has seen better days since Hocus Pocus 2. As of June 2024, plans to redevelop the building have seemingly been halted by the state’s governor and remain to be determined, NBC affiliate WJAR reported.

Since Hocus Pocus 2, the armory has been used in another film shoot. According to WJAR, in summer 2025, M. Night Shyamalan filmed scenes for his upcoming movie, Remain, in and around the building.

Benefit Street

Location: Benefit Street in Providence, R.I.

Benefit Street boasts a “mile of history” paved with beautiful Colonial homes, churches and museums, making it the perfect setting for the film. This gorgeous, tree-lined area of Rhode Island is where Salem was recreated in the sequel and where Cassie (Lilia Buckingham) calls home.

It’s not just a must-see pit stop for any Hocus Pocus 2 tour but an autumnal escape for those who appreciate the town’s historic charm.

The Witch House

Location: 310 1/2 Essex St. in Salem, Mass.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the setting of the Salem Witch Trials, you’ll want to add the Jonathan Corwin House (a.k.a. the Witch House in Hocus Pocus 2) to your list of places to visit.

Not only is the monument the only living structure with ties to the actual witchcraft trials, but it also serves as the Reverend’s home in a flashback scene in the 2022 sequel.

Lakeside–Carpenter Cemetery

Location: 150 Newman Ave. in Rumford, R.I.

Residing in the Rumford region of East Providence, R.I., the Lakeside–Carpenter Cemetery was used to film various nighttime cemetery scenes in Hocus Pocus 2. If you visit the cemetery, check out the historic Newman Congregational Church, which can also be seen in the background.