Old Town Hall.

History & film lore

The Hocus Pocus party comes to town.

Old Town Hall is the Salem location associated with the Halloween party in Hocus Pocus (1993), where the Sanderson sisters put the adults under their spell. Its brick façade makes Derby Square an instantly recognizable stop for fans.

A couple in black formalwear stand arm in arm before green doors and arched windows in a red-brick facade.

A couple in black formalwear stand beneath the arched windows and Town Hall sign on a tall red-brick facade.

Three people in elaborate witch costumes stand before a brick building with arched windows and a central fanlight above the door.

Five witches posing outside Old Town Hall

A portrait framed by the full Old Town Hall facade

A couple sharing a playful dip outside Old Town Hall

A couple and their dog outside Old Town Hall

Visitor details & sources

32 Derby Square

In Derby Square, south of the Essex Street pedestrian mall and north of Front Street.

Built in 1816, Old Town Hall anchors Derby Square with Federal-style architecture. This historic municipal building remains part of Salem’s cultural life as an event venue.

The hall is a city-managed events space. Exterior public access and permission to use the interior are separate; check restoration work, programming and venue arrangements before building a session around it.

Brick, pale trim and the long shape of Derby Square make a strong architectural setting. This page is a location idea, with no portfolio photographs assigned to it.

Visitor information checked October 8, 2026. Stories checked October 13, 2026. Access and policies can change.

Plan a session ↗ · Prices · FAQ