Where Was The Movie Hocus Pocus Filmed

Okay, grab your broomstick and a Pumpkin Spice Latte, because we’re about to fly straight into one of the most beloved Halloween movies of all time: Hocus Pocus. You know the drill—three wacky witches, a talking cat, and a zombie with a shovel for a hand. But have you ever wondered where the magic actually happened? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t in a haunted mansion built by ghosts.

The Real Star: Salem, Massachusetts

If you guessed the movie was filmed in Salem, Massachusetts, you’re absolutely right—well, mostly. The film uses Salem as its backdrop, but most of the actual filming took place a few hours away. Confused? Don’t worry, I’ll untangle that like a string of Halloween lights.

The exterior of the Sanderson sisters’ cottage? That’s totally a real house… but not in Salem. You’ll find it at 108 Ocean Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts. It’s a private home, so please don’t try to knock and ask for a potion.

Even better: the iconic scene where the witches fly over the town? That’s a combination of shots from Salem’s Washington Square and some clever movie magic. The actual streets you see were dressed up to look colonial—because Salem itself is already basically a historical theme park.

The School and the Cemetery

Remember the scene where Max and Dani trick-or-treat at the old school? That’s Phillips Elementary School in Beverly, Massachusetts. It’s a real school, but I doubt any students have been turned into cats recently. (Probably.)

The cemetery where the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead? That’s the Old Burial Hill in Marblehead. It’s a legit historic graveyard dating back to the 1600s. Spooky, right? Just be careful you don’t accidentally light a black flame candle.

And the bonfire scene where the kids chant to Billy? That was shot at Salem Common, a public park in Salem. Today you can visit it and pretend you’re summoning a zombie—just maybe check the local noise ordinance first.

The Most Magical Filming Location of All

Let’s talk about the Sanderson cottage interior. This is where Hocus Pocus got really creative. The inside of the witches’ house—with the bubbling cauldron, flying brooms, and that huge oven—was built on a soundstage in Burbank, California. Yep, Hollywood magic at its finest.

The studio used was The Walt Disney Studios on South Buena Vista Street. So while the witches were pretending to be in Massachusetts, Bette Midler was probably sipping a smoothie in California. Disney magic, baby.

Wait, there’s more! The scene where Binx the cat turns back into a human? That was filmed on a set designed to look like the Salem town square—but it was all built inside a warehouse. The movie crew basically built a mini Salem just for laughs. Amazing.

Fun Little Easter Eggs for Your Future Road Trip

If you want to walk in the Sanderson sisters’ footsteps, here’s your bucket list. First, visit Old Town Hall in Salem—it was used for the town hall dance scene where Sarah Jessica Parker slaps Max’s dad. (Payback for the bad wig, maybe?)

Then head over to Forest River Park in Salem, which doubles as the location for the school’s Halloween carnival. You can even find the exact same gazebo where Winifred tested her “I’ll put a spell on you” line. Don’t worry, it’s just wood now.

Pro tip: don’t try to fly a vacuum cleaner through the park. The locals get testy about that.

But Wait—There’s More!

You might think the movie’s iconic opening shot of the moon over Salem was real. Nope! That was a matte painting (a fancy painted backdrop) created by Disney artists. The moon in Hocus Pocus is basically a giant, beautiful lie. And we love it anyway.

Even the “Halloween Tree” seen in many scenes was placed there by the crew—it’s not a permanent fixture. But the town loved it so much, they kept a replica for the tourists. You can take a selfie with it in Salem’s Lafayette Street area, near the historic Old Burying Ground.

Bottom line: Hocus Pocus was filmed in a patchwork of real locations and Hollywood trickery. It’s a bit like the movie itself—a little silly, a little spooky, and completely unforgettable.

So, What’s the Lasting Magic?

Here’s the thing: whether you’re standing on a soundstage in Burbank or walking down Salem’s cobblestone streets, the spirit of Hocus Pocus is everywhere. It’s not about the exact bricks or the perfect angles—it’s about the feeling of Halloween.

It’s the scent of candy corn, the thrill of a silly spell, and the joy of watching three ridiculous witches argue over a childhood lollipop. The movie reminds us that home isn’t a place on a map—it’s where your people are, even if they’re cursed for 300 years.

So next time you watch the film, smile knowing that a little piece of Marblehead, a dash of Salem, and a whole lot of Disney magic came together. And remember: if you hear someone singing “I Put a Spell on You” in a parking lot… well, that’s probably just a very enthusiastic fan.

Happy haunting, my friend. And may your next Halloween be as delightfully weird as a talking cat’s best joke.