40 Hocus Pocus Party Ideas That Will Put a Spell on Guests
Lauren Miolene
Editor
30 years and one sequal later, the story of the Sanderson Sisters running amuck the streets of Salem, Massachusetts is still a fan favorite for spooky season. This cult classic has become a Halloween tradition in homes across the country, inspiring everything from costumes, to cookbooks, and of course, plenty of Hocus Pocus party ideas.
As we prepare for the third movie in the Disney trilogy, we’ll be taking major inspiration for our Hocus Pocus themed party. But why stop there? If you’re a lover of all things witchy and magical, Hocus Pocus makes the perfect mystical theme for a Halloween party, fall birthday, bachelorette or even baby shower. It’s time to turn your generic monster mash into an event the Sanderson Sisters will want to crash this fall.
It’s all just a bunch of hocus pocus, but any successful party needs planning beforehand. For Hocus Pocus party ideas, start by finding a movie inspired venue, booking spooktacular entertainment, and serving a delicious menu filled with festive treats. Prepare to be amazed by planning an event just like thissss…
1. Spooky Costumed Characters
Witches, wizards, goblins, whatever special guests you wish at your Hocus Pocus themed party is our command! Browse our site to find different witch characters, mythical creatures, and other spell-binding guests near you to level up the Hocus Pocus Halloween party ideas.
2. Billy Butcherson Graveyard Dip
This is a festive twist on a classic party dip. Make a seven layer dip, guacamole, or any type of dip will do. Turn it into a fun Hocus Pocus party food idea by adding crackers, breadsticks, or even small plastic tombstones to make it look like the graveyard Billy Butcherson was buried in.
3. Virgin Black Flame Cocktail
Is there a better Hocus Pocus themed food than a virgin black flame cocktail? All you need to create this beverage is your favorite drink recipe and activated charcoal. Not only will the charcoal turn the beverage black, but it’s also known to improve kidney function and lower cholesterol levels. Add this black powder to lemonade, fruit punch, water—anything works!
4. Witch Hat Ring Toss
If your guests need a break from the monster mash on the dance floor, you’ll want games and activities to keep everyone occupied. Set up an area for witch hat ring toss that will double as Hocus Pocus party decorations and entertainment. You can use hats you might have from previous Halloween costumes, or you can construct them using art supplies. Once they’re done, lay them out with an assortment of rings so guests can shoot their shot.
5. Festive Music
The Sanderson Sisters’ rendition of “I Put a Spell On You” is one of the best Halloween songs to date. Along with other tunes from the soundtrack, take a listen to our Halloween playlist for inspiration and book a local DJ to get the party started.
6. Book of Spells
What’s a witch without her spellbook? This leather journal on Etsy looks exactly like Winnie’s book from the movie. Filled with blank pages, guests can write thank you notes, their favorite Halloween memory, or scary ghost stories inside.
7. Dead Man's Toes
Using just hot dogs and crescent dough, you can easily recreate this special ingredient to use in a mystical potion or just to snack on. Decorate with ketchup and mustard for the final touches that will bring this food to life and add to the themed Hocus Pocus snack ideas.
8. DIY Black Flame Candles
Fall is the perfect opportunity to try that DIY candle making project you’ve had saved on your Pinterest board for the last few years. Easily turn this craft into a party activity and favor by adding an extra touch of magic to fit the theme. This Hocus Pocus party idea is simple, just add black dye to the wax mixture and let it set to create your very own black flame candle! To make these candles even more special, add fall scents including pumpkin spice, apple, or cinnamon.
9. Life Potion Shots
The witches needed to drink the Life Potion to stay young forever, so book a bartender to mix up a custom Life Potion shot for your party. Work with this mixologist to create a festive shot that will be a fun Hocus Pocus themed party idea.
10. Fortune Teller
No one could have predicted the return of the three witches after almost 300 years, but a fortune teller will definitely give you a better idea. Book a fortune teller to leave guests in awe and tell guests what is yet to come for a unique Hocus Pocus party idea.
11. Hocus Pocus Watch Party
You obviously need to have the actual Hocus Pocus movie showing in some capacity during this Halloween party. Either sit down together for a magical watch party or play either of the films in the background to complete the ambiance and allow an immersive movie experience.
Pro Tip: If hosting an outdoor Halloween party, rent an outdoor movie screen and set up cozy seating for a perfect fall movie night.
12. Hocus Pocus Cake
One of the most important Hocus Pocus birthday party ideas is a special cake. The guest of honor needs to blow out a candle and make a wish! Order a Hocus Pocus inspired cake or cupcakes from your local bakery, or make your own using a spooky green, purple, and orange color scheme.
13. Hocus Pocus Themed Party Venue
The comfort of your own home is a perfect venue option, especially on Halloween night. Guests can take turns answering the door for trick or treaters and hand out candy throughout the party. If searching for bigger Hocus Pocus birthday party ideas, other venue options can be at an event hall or local museum for a larger celebration.
14. Sanderson Sister Costumes
The witches are back! Take your pick of emulating the style of Winnie, Mary, or Sarah because the trio needs to make an appearance at this event. DIY your ensembles or shop for each of the sisters’ looks on Amazon. Themed costumes are one of the most important Hocus Pocus party ideas!
15. Movie Quote Banner
Hocus Pocus has quite a few memorable lines. As an ode to the original film, decorate your space with this “I put a spell on you” banner, or one that says, “I smell children.” This party decor idea also doubles as the perfect photo backdrop.
Pro Tip: Book a photographer to capture the fright fest.
16. Magician
Magic and mischief are the first things to come to mind for spooky season, and the Sanderson Sisters. Get into the spirit by booking a magician to perform unique tricks that will wow partygoers of all ages. Add even more magic to your Hocus Pocus party with illusionists and mentalists that offer a variety of entertainment options.
17. Sugar Cookie Decorating
If you would rather give treats than tricks at this event, sugar cookies are the perfect dessert, or you can decoratie them as a party activity. Using Hocus Pocus cookie cutters, easily bake cookies in the shape of the Sanderson sisters so guests can enjoy decorating with colored icing, sprinkles, and other magical goodies.
Pro tip: Don’t allow guests to go home empty-handed! Once the cookies are set, package them for individual party favors.
18. Max Dennison 90s Style
If dressing in a cloak and witch hat isn’t your style, take a page from Max’s style book this fall season and keep your party attire simple. His wardrobe consisted of jeans, bomber jackets, and Nike Cross Trainers (before Ice took them).
19. Sanderson Sangria
Not only is sangria a delicious crowd favorite, but it’s also very easy to make for a big group of people. For a Hocus Pocus themed food, whip up a big cauldron of Sanderson Sangria by combining your favorite red wine with apple brandy, apple cider, and garnish with an apple slice, an orange slice, and a cinnamon stick for the ultimate fall party beverage.
20. Tarot Card Reader
Bring Hocus Pocus to life and see what the future holds with tarot card readings performed by a professional clairvoyant. Receive answers to life long questions, dive into your past, and learn more about yourself while getting your cards read at this theme party.
21. Witch’s Cauldron Fondue
If on the hunt for Hocus Pocus dinner ideas, enjoy a sit down meal of fondue to complete the witchy theme. Melt gooey cheese in a fondue pot that resembles a cauldron and guests can dip pieces of bread, veggies, and crackers. If you want sweet Hocus Pocus party food ideas, you can never go wrong with chocolate fondue so guests can coat pieces of cake, cookies, and fruit.
22. Zombie Costumes
Billy Butcherson is everyone’s favorite zombie. Dress like a member of the undead with a thrifted suit, wig, and dirty-looking makeup to pull it all together. Bonus points if you mumble and walk like a zombie!
23. Balloon Decor
What’s a themed party without balloons to match? Add an extra touch of magic to your Hocus Pocus party decorations by booking a professional balloon decorator to make Halloween inspired balloon arches, spooky balloon garland, or even a recreation of the characters.
24. Binx Brownie Bites
Inspired by everyone’s favorite black cat, easily make this dessert with your favorite brownie recipe. Once cooled, cut the brownies using a cat shaped cookie cutter and decorate with icing.
25. Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martinis
Combine the booze with boos for a fun Hocus Pocus themed party drink! Combine this trendy cocktail with the taste of fall by mixing up pumpkin spice espresso martinis for an after dinner drink. If you’re not a pumpkin spice lover, don’t worry! Regular espresso martinis can easily be made and taste just as delicious.
26. Black Flame Candle
It all started when Max lit the black flame candle that brought the Sanderson Sisters back to modern day. Incorporate this iconic movie prop into your Hocus Pocus party decorations by purchasing a replica on Etsy. Don’t worry, it’s already lit!
27. Lucky Rat Tails
Sarah Sanderson came back after three centuries and immediately looked for her lucky rat tail. Instead of having actual rat tails at your monster mash, guests would much rather snack on Twizzlers or licorice, but they give off the same idea!
28. Black Cat Costumes
Thackery Binx is probably one of the easiest costumes to copycat for any type of costume party. Dress in all black and complete the look with black ears and drawn-on whiskers for a simple Hocus Pocus party idea.
29. Pumpkin Carving and Decorating
Add pumpkin carving to your list of Hocus Pocus Halloween party ideas! Either BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) or supply an assortment of supplies for guests. Everyone will get into the spooky spirit by decorating their jack-o’-lantern to their liking and unleashing their inner artist. Find festive stencils available to download from Etsy.
30. Witch's Brew
Forget happy hour, it’s officially witching hour for this Hocus Pocus Halloween party! Any cocktail can easily be turned into a witch's brew—apple cider, fruit punch, you name it. Level up this party drink by serving in a caldron and these movie-themed cups for a spooky effect.
Pro Tip: Consider booking a professional bartender to mix up some magic for a fun Hocus Pocus party idea.
31. Hocus Pocus Charcuterie
Charcuterie and grazing boards are crowd pleasers because there’s something for everyone to munch on. Get creative with the spread by using meat, cheese, fruit, and other snacks to recreate the Sanderson Sisters, witch brooms, and eyeballs. You can never go wrong with this Hocus Pocus party food idea!
32. Fly Like a Witch Bounce House
Make the Hocus Pocus Halloween party ideas fun for the kiddos by booking a themed bounce house so they can have a turn flying like a witch. Browse local bounce houses that have different colors and themes for this Hocus Pocus themed party idea.
33. Photo Booth
Capture the magic, mayhem, and detailed Hocus Pocus party ideas with a photo booth! Set up a backdrop with the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, a cauldron, and other spooky props like witch hats, brooms, and capes. Guests will be able ot get physical print outs of the pictures or have digital downloads sent right to their phones for the perfect fall Instagram photo dump.
34. Caramel Apples
Organize a DIY caramel apple station for guests to garnish and decorate as a sweet party treat. Arrange colored sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, and other Halloween candy for people to create their own wicked awesome dessert.
35. Floating Candles
Channel some magical Harry Potter vibes in your Hocus Pocus party decorations with floating candles to illuminate your event space. Make centerpieces using clear vases filled with water and place a lit tea candle on top. You can also suspend battery powered candles from the ceiling to really wow guests with the decor.
36. Apple Cider
Apple cider is absolutely necessary at any fall celebration. Take your pick from sparkling, mulled, regular apple cider, or all of the above for a festive beverage option. It can even be used in classic cocktail recipes including Moscow Mules, martinis, and margaritas!
37. Smoking Cauldrons
If you want to achieve an eerie look at your Hocus Pocus party, create DIY glowing cauldrons to enhance the spooky aesthetic. You’ll need plastic cauldrons, different colored glow sticks, and small fog machines. This will make it look like you’re whipping up a witch’s brew or maybe a batch of The Life Potion.
38. Karaoke DJ
One of the ultimate Hocus Pocus Halloween party ideas is to recreate the iconic town hall “I Put a Spell on You” performance. Book a karaoke DJ to play all your favorite Halloween hits and provide the equipment for you to sing and dance all night long.
39. Witch's Pretzel Brooms
When planning your Hocus Pocus party food ideas, you’ll want plenty of light bites and treats. To make the perfect appetizer, cut string cheese in half, slice them about halfway down, insert a pretzel stick handle, and tie a fresh chive around them to create a delicious witch broom.
If you want sweet Hocus Pocus snack ideas rather than savory, add a miniature chocolate peanut butter cup to the end of a pretzel for a dessert witch broom option.
40. Spooky Garland
Accent your event space with Hocus Pocus Halloween party decorations that will make the venue pop. The traditional Halloween colors of this spooky garland can be wrapped around staircases, draped around doorways, or even used on tablescapes. Find garland to match the aesthetic of your event on Etsy.
Find more Halloween party ideas here on The Bash.
