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.
Where Hocus Pocus was filmed
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.