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The Ultimate Guide To Hocus Pocus Filming Locations: Where The Magic Of Salem (and Rhode Island!) Happened

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Every October, the classic 1993 film Hocus Pocus casts its spell anew, drawing millions of fans back to the spooky streets of Salem, Massachusetts. As of late 2025, the fascination with the Sanderson Sisters' haunted hometown remains stronger than ever, especially with the release of the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2. While the original movie is a love letter to Salem's historic charm, the sequel took a surprising turn, using an entirely different state to bring its story to life. This ultimate guide will take you through the exact, real-life locations—complete with addresses—where the magic of both films was captured, distinguishing between the iconic spots in Massachusetts and the newer, equally enchanting settings in Rhode Island.

The core intention of the filmmakers for the original Hocus Pocus was to ground the fantastical story in a real, historically rich setting. This decision to film on location in Salem, MA, is what gives the movie its unparalleled atmosphere and has turned the town into a year-round pilgrimage site for cinephiles and Halloween enthusiasts. However, for the 2022 sequel, production moved to a new state entirely, creating a fascinating divergence in the cinematic geography of the franchise. Understanding where each scene was filmed is key to appreciating the movie magic.

The Iconic Filming Locations of the Original Hocus Pocus (1993) in Salem, MA

The heart and soul of the original film lie in the historic architecture and coastal atmosphere of Salem, Massachusetts. While many interior shots were done on a sound stage in Van Nuys, California, the most memorable exterior scenes are all real, accessible locations that fans can visit today.

Max and Dani Dennison’s House (The Iconic Ocean View)

Perhaps the most sought-after location is the charming, shingled home of Max and Dani Dennison. This house, instantly recognizable by its widow’s walk and seaside perch, is a private residence, so visitors are urged to be respectful.

  • Location: 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, MA 01970
  • Significance: This is where Max first lights the Black Flame Candle, resurrecting the Sanderson Sisters, and where much of the final act's action takes place.
  • Tip for Fans: The house is located in the coastal neighborhood of Salem, offering beautiful views that perfectly capture the movie's New England setting.

The Ropes Mansion (Allison's Elegant Estate)

The beautiful, grand house belonging to Allison, Max's crush and co-conspirator, is a stunning piece of Salem history. While the search results mention a different address for Allison's house, the Ropes Mansion is the widely accepted, most famous filming location for the exterior.

  • Location: 318 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Significance: The exterior is featured prominently as the trio strategizes and plots their next move. The house is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum and is a prime example of Georgian Colonial architecture.
  • Note: Some sources also mention 318 Essex Street as Allison's house, which is the Ropes Mansion. This location is a must-see for its elegant gardens and historical significance.

Old Town Hall (The Halloween Party Dance)

The famous Halloween party, where the Sanderson Sisters perform their show-stopping rendition of "I Put a Spell on You," was filmed inside Salem's Old Town Hall.

  • Location: 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Significance: This is the interior location for the town's annual Halloween celebration, and it is a central landmark in the city. It's often used for events and is a great spot for photos.

Other Key Salem & Marblehead Locations

To achieve the film's authentic historical look, the production utilized several other key spots that are easily recognizable to fans:

  • Old Burial Hill: Located in nearby Marblehead, MA, this is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country and was used for the daytime cemetery scenes where Max encounters the bullies.
  • Pioneer Village: The opening sequence, which shows the 1693 village where Thackery Binx and his sister Emily lived before the curse, was filmed at Pioneer Village, a living history museum in Salem.
  • Salem Common: This historic park is where Max and Dani walk home from school, and it serves as a backdrop for several outdoor scenes.
  • Jacob Bailey High School: The exterior shots of Max's school were filmed at the Phillips Elementary School in Salem.

The Surprising New England Locations of Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

A major point of curiosity for fans is the filming of the sequel, *Hocus Pocus 2*. While the movie is still set in Salem, Massachusetts, the production was actually moved primarily to Rhode Island. This decision was largely due to production logistics and tax incentives, but the crew managed to recreate the look of Salem with remarkable accuracy.

Chase Farm Park (The 1600s Village Recreation)

The most ambitious filming location for the sequel was Chase Farm Park, a large public park in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

  • Location: Chase Farm Park, Lincoln, RI 02865
  • Significance: The production team constructed an entire, highly detailed replica of the 1600s Salem village right on the park grounds. This massive set served as the location for the flashback scenes detailing the Sanderson Sisters' origin story.
  • Fun Fact: The set was so convincing that many fans initially believed the scenes were filmed in a historical village.

The New High School Scenes

The sequel features a new generation of high school students, and their school scenes were shot across two separate Rhode Island educational institutions:

  • La Salle Academy (Providence, RI): Used for the interior high school scenes.
  • Moses Brown School (Providence, RI): Used for the exterior high school scenes, including the shots of the students arriving and departing.

Providence and Cranston Street Armory

Various street scenes and other key moments were filmed throughout Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, and surrounding areas.

  • Providence, RI: Locations like Atwells Avenue and Newman Avenue were used to create the modern-day Salem street atmosphere.
  • Cranston Street Armory (Providence, RI): This historic military facility was utilized for several large-scale interior sets, including the new version of the Old Town Hall Halloween festival.

Why the Filming Locations Are Still a Major Draw for Fans

The enduring popularity of the *Hocus Pocus* filming locations speaks to the film's status as a cultural phenomenon. The movie’s success is intrinsically tied to the real-life entities and atmosphere of Salem, MA. Visiting these spots allows fans to step directly into the world of the Sanderson Sisters, Max, Dani, and Allison. The contrast between the original's commitment to Salem's authenticity and the sequel's masterful recreation in Rhode Island offers a unique look into the evolution of moviemaking.

Whether you are visiting the seaside cottage on Ocean Avenue, strolling through the historic Salem Common, or appreciating the architectural grandeur of Allison's house on Essex Street, the physical locations provide a tangible link to the film’s magic. For those interested in the sequel, the Rhode Island locations, particularly Chase Farm Park, demonstrate the incredible effort involved in maintaining the visual continuity of the fictional Salem. These pilgrimage sites are not just tourist stops; they are cinematic landmarks that continue to enchant new generations of fans, ensuring that the spell of *Hocus Pocus* is never truly broken.

The Ultimate Guide to Hocus Pocus Filming Locations: Where the Magic of Salem (and Rhode Island!) Happened
where was hocus pocus filmed
where was hocus pocus filmed

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