In 1993, Salem’s historic 1727 Ropes Mansion became Allison’s home in ‘Hocus Pocus’; 33 years later, the iconic site is offering fans a free, spooky exterior makeover through November 1

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Harriet Scrumptious

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  October 28, 2026

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If watching Hocus Pocus is part of your Halloween tradition, there are many real-life locations in Salem, Massachusetts, that deserve a spot on your seasonal bucket list. But this one is definitely a stand out. The Ropes Mansion, better known to fans as Allison’s house in the beloved 1993 Disney film, is a historic home that you can visit for yourself, and it’s getting a spooky makeover just in time for Halloween.

Located at 318 Essex Street, the stately Georgian mansion served as the exterior of Allison’s family home, where Max and Dani arrive while trick-or-treating and discover that their new friend lives in rather different circumstances. The scene is a memorable moment in the film, and the house remains one of Salem’s most recognizable Hocus Pocus filming locations.

A real-life piece of Hocus Pocus history

The Ropes Mansion dates back to 1727, long before it became a must-visit spot for fans of the Sanderson sisters. Three generations of the Ropes family once called the Georgian-style home their own, and today it’s cared for by the Peabody Essex Museum.

But this Halloween, the mansion has another claim to fame. From October 21 through November 1 the house’s exterior is being decorated in a Hocus Pocus-inspired display, giving fans the chance to see Allison’s iconic home dressed up for the spooky season and snap pictures outside.

For another Halloween plan with plenty of atmosphere, Candlelight concerts pair live music with the glow of thousands of candles, bringing melodies and familiar screen soundtracks to life. The flickering glow of candlelight transforms Boston venues like Resurrection MCC and Old South Church into hauntingly spectacular concert spaces.

Explore the garden behind the mansion

Behind the mansion is a beautiful Colonial Revival garden, laid out in 1912 and filled with seasonal flowers, historic greenery and a greenhouse. It’s free to enter and open daily from dawn until dusk, offering a quieter place to pause between Salem’s Halloween attractions.

The mansion is also well placed for exploring more of the city’s Hocus Pocus history. From here, you can continue to Salem Common, where scenes from the film were shot, or head to Old Town Hall, which featured in the famous Halloween party sequence. Both make easy additions to a walking tour of Salem’s most recognizable filming locations.

How to visit the Ropes Mansion

You’ll find the Ropes Mansion at 318 Essex Street in Salem, MA. The Halloween exterior display is scheduled to run through November 1, 2026, while the garden is free to visit throughout the year.

Do note that interior tours have ended for the season and are due to return in May 2027. If you’re visiting this Halloween, the decorated exterior and garden are the main attractions, and you won’t need a ticket to enjoy them.

So, if you’re planning a Halloween day trip to Salem, add Allison’s house to your itinerary. Just try not to light any black flame candles along the way.