You Can Stay at the Sanderson Sisters' IRL "Hocus Pocus" Cottage For Just $31 a Night

Photo credit: HELYNN OSPINA
Photo credit: HELYNN OSPINA


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

Almost 30 years after the original Hocus Pocus debuted in 1993, fans of the Halloween favorite will *finally* get to see the Sanderson sisters come to life once again when Hocus Pocus 2 hits Disney Plus on September 30. Just like in the OG flick, the sequel will focus on witches Winifred (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) as they are summoned into modern times by a set of teens in Salem, Massachusetts. And with the sequel set in the same charming (and spooky) town, you may be asking yourself, "Where was Hocus Pocus filmed?"

Well witches, it turns out that plenty of the scenes in the Hocus Pocus franchise were *actually* shot where the story takes place — Salem, MA. And even better — you can actually visit some of the eerie filming locations in the historic town. When it comes to the first movie, parts of the production took place in Salem while other scenes were shot in studios. As for the new Hocus Pocus 2, Rhode Island was the primary place of filming, where sets were built according to Movieweb. The Providence Journal adds that the streets of Federal Hill were made to mimic those in Salem. Only the finest witchcraft movie magic for the entertainment giant!

But if you and your ghoulfriends are down for a spooktacular road trip, fear not — you can visit where the first Hocus Pocus was filmed IRL. So grab your spellbooks and black flame candles — we're about to take a trip to Salem on our magic broomsticks.

Sanderson Sisters' Cottage

Photo credit: HELYNN OSPINA
Photo credit: HELYNN OSPINA

For the first time ever, one lucky fan of Hocus Pocus will be able to actually spend the night at a re-creation of the Sanderson sisters' spooky cottage. The Airbnb features plenty of fun details from the films, including a copy of the ancient spellbook that guided the sisters and a hanging cauldron. During the guest's stay, they'll also get to visit some of Salem's most haunted properties and enjoy a special screening of Hocus Pocus 2, which debuts on Disney+ on September 30.

The guest who books the exclusive, two-person stay on October 20 at this tw0-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage will only have to pay $31 for the night. You'll want to act as fast as a witch on a broomstick to score the limited offer, as the booking opens on Wednesday, October 12 at 1 p.m. EST, exclusively at this link: airbnb.com/hocuspocus2

Max & Dani's House

Photo credit: Disney
Photo credit: Disney

Location: 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem, MA

The home where Max and Dani live (and where they opened the Sanderson Sisters' spell book) is a private residence. Fans can take a look at the exterior of the building as long as they remain respectful of the homeowners and property.

Allison's House

Location: Ropes Mansion, 318 Essex Street in Salem, MA

Max's crush Allison (Vinessa Shaw) who joined the siblings on their mission lived in this stately home. Located in the McIntyre Historic District, the Ropes Mansion is an iconic building and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for having housed Nathaniel Ropes, a famous merchant and attorney in the 1700s. The garden and greenhouse of the mansion owned by the Peabody Essex Museum are open for visitors.

The town Halloween party

Photo credit: Dee
Photo credit: Dee

Location: Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square in Salem, MA

In Hocus Pocus, Winifred belts out "I Put a Spell on You" at Old Town Hall. IRL, the filming location is the home of the Salem Witch Museum. The museum is open to the public from 12 to 5 p.m. ET, with the space occasionally being used for performances of the interactive play Cry Innocent, which is based on the Salem witch trials.

Salem Common

Photo credit: Stacey Grant
Photo credit: Stacey Grant

According to Salem.org, a few of the outdoor scenes in Hocus Pocus were shot at Salem Common, a park in downtown Salem that was founded in the 17th century. The park hosts a Halloween event every year called Haunted Happenings, which showcases a selection of movies. Ofc, Hocus Pocus often makes an appearance on the event's big screen.

Salem in the 1600s

Location: Pioneer Village, 310 West Avenue in Salem, MA

The Pioneer Village built in 1930 is meant to mimic the colonial architecture of the 1600s, complete with thatched roof cottages, wigwams, and more. Viewers are transported back in time (and to this location) in the opening scenes of Hocus Pocus.

The High School

Location: Phillips Elementary School, 56. South Washington Square in Salem, MA

The former school building is now an apartment complex. Although it's not open for public visitation, you can nab a shot of Max and Allison's school while walking down South Washington Square.

The town cemetery

Location: Old Burial Hill in Marblehead, MA

Just five miles outside of Salem, you can see the site where they filmed the daytime cemetery scenes. Even in the sunlight, the spot looks spooky!

You Might Also Like