If you grew up in the 90s or love Halloween, chances are you’ve seen Hocus Pocus more than once. The Disney movie, first released in 1993, has grown into a cult classic. One of the most memorable elements of the film is the spooky yet charming house where the Sanderson sisters lived. For fans, the “Hocus Pocus house” is more than a set—it represents the magic, nostalgia, and Halloween spirit that the movie has carried for decades.
But here’s the question fans often ask: is the Hocus Pocus house real, and can you actually visit it? The short answer is yes, though with some interesting details to keep in mind. Having researched, visited, and experienced Salem, Massachusetts firsthand, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Hocus Pocus house and the filming locations that still draw thousands of fans every fall.
The History of the Hocus Pocus House in the Movie
When Disney created Hocus Pocus, they needed a backdrop that captured the essence of spooky New England folklore. Salem, Massachusetts, already famous for its 17th-century witch trials, was the perfect choice. The Sanderson sisters’ house, with its crooked roof, bubbling cauldron, and eerie candlelight, became the heart of the film’s magical world.
In the story, the house is where Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson live. It is filled with spell books, potions, and of course, the Black Flame Candle that sets the whole adventure in motion. The house looks old and rustic, giving viewers the sense that it has been sitting in the woods for hundreds of years, waiting for an unlucky teenager to light that candle.
But as with most movies, there’s a twist. Much of the “Sanderson cottage” was built as a set for filming, not a permanent structure. Still, some exterior shots were taken in real locations around Salem, making it possible to connect the movie magic to real places you can visit today.
The Real Hocus Pocus House in Salem
One of the most photographed filming sites from Hocus Pocus is not actually the Sanderson house but Max and Dani’s family home. This real house stands on Ocean Avenue in Salem and is still a private residence. Fans often take pictures outside (respectfully, of course, since people live there).
As for the Sanderson sisters’ cottage, it was built as a set and later dismantled, so you won’t find it standing in Salem today. However, Salem has leaned into the movie’s popularity. Walking tours and maps highlight key filming spots, and many businesses celebrate Hocus Pocus every October with decorations and themed events.
When I visited Salem in October, I remember the buzz in the air. Tourists were lined up outside Max’s house, and the local guides pointed out details that most casual viewers would miss. It really drives home how much this movie has become part of the city’s identity.
Read Also: Cozy Cottage: The Complete Guide to Charm, Comfort, and Warmth
Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage: Fact vs. Fiction
The cottage where the Sanderson sisters brew their potions looks like something out of a fairy tale. The slanted wooden beams, low ceilings, and cluttered shelves full of magical ingredients create an unforgettable atmosphere. While the actual set no longer exists, fans have recreated the look for Halloween displays and even private home décor.
In 2022, to celebrate Hocus Pocus 2, Disney went a step further by listing a replica of the Sanderson cottage on Airbnb for a limited stay. This created an incredible experience for fans who wanted to feel like they had stepped directly into the movie. It’s a great example of how fiction and reality have merged in the case of the Hocus Pocus house.
Other Filming Locations Around Salem
The Hocus Pocus house might be the star, but there are other filming sites in Salem and nearby towns worth visiting:
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Max and Dani’s House – Located at 4 Ocean Avenue, this home is instantly recognizable with its white frame and lighthouse-style look.
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Salem Common – The park where the kids play basketball and later attend the Halloween fair.
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Old Town Hall – The site of the famous “I Put a Spell on You” scene.
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Phillips Elementary School – The building used as the Sanderson sisters’ lair after they are tricked by Max and Allison.
Walking through Salem, you can see how the filmmakers blended real history with movie fantasy.
Visiting Salem Today
Salem is already one of the most visited Halloween destinations in the United States. In October, the city transforms into a Halloween festival, with parades, ghost tours, haunted houses, and, of course, Hocus Pocus screenings. If you’re planning a trip, be ready for crowds, especially on weekends.
During my own trip, I found that booking tours early was essential. Many walking tours focus specifically on Hocus Pocus, combining filming trivia with Salem’s rich history. It’s a unique mix: you’re hearing about the real 1692 witch trials one moment, and then standing in the spot where Bette Midler cast a spell in the next.
Why the Hocus Pocus House Still Matters
Part of what makes the Hocus Pocus house so beloved is nostalgia. For many, the movie was a childhood tradition every October. Seeing the real locations connects people back to that magical feeling.
On top of that, the house represents creativity in filmmaking. Disney didn’t just pick random sets—they tied the story to Salem, a place already filled with stories of witches and folklore. This layering of real and fictional history is why the movie’s settings continue to resonate.
Travel Tips for Fans
If you’re thinking of visiting Salem to see the Hocus Pocus house and other filming locations, here are a few tips:
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Best Time to Visit – October is peak season, but September can be a little calmer while still offering fall colors.
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Tours – Look for specialized Hocus Pocus tours. They give context you won’t get just walking around.
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Respect Private Property – Max’s house is a private residence. Photos are fine, but don’t trespass.
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Stay Overnight – Salem gets busy. Booking early helps, especially if you want to stay near the historic district.
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Bring Comfortable Shoes – You’ll do a lot of walking between sites.
Conclusion
The Hocus Pocus house may not exist exactly as it appears on screen, but Salem offers enough real filming sites and Halloween charm to make it worth the trip. Visiting the city, you’ll find yourself slipping into the magical world of the Sanderson sisters, blending history, folklore, and Disney nostalgia.
For fans, the house is more than wood and nails—it’s a symbol of childhood, of Halloween nights, and of a movie that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious from afar, the Hocus Pocus house will always hold a special place in pop culture and in the hearts of fans.
FAQs
Q: Can you visit the actual Sanderson sisters’ house?
No, the house was a set built for the film and later dismantled. However, you can visit other filming locations in Salem.
Q: Where is Max’s house from Hocus Pocus?
It’s located at 4 Ocean Avenue in Salem, Massachusetts.
Q: Is Salem worth visiting outside of October?
Yes. While October is busiest, Salem offers museums, historic sites, and a charming New England vibe year-round.
Q: Did Hocus Pocus 2 film in Salem too?
Some scenes were inspired by Salem, but much of Hocus Pocus 2 was filmed in Rhode Island.
