Spooky Season came to a head Monday in Salem, Massachusetts, after weeks of record-setting crowds enjoying the Halloween festivities in the Witch City.
If you're planning on visiting for Halloween, city leaders are asking you not to drive in. Instead, revelers are urged to use public transportation like the train or ferry.
The city said downtown parking was already largely unavailable by 10:45 a.m. Monday. As of 3:15 p.m., the city said all downtown road closures were in effect. The roads will remain closed into the night, officials said.
"Do not drive to Salem and seek alternate routes if your regular commute takes you through downtown Salem," they said.
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Salem has seen record-setting crowds this year, as people headed to town for all of the Haunted Happenings. In an earlier news conference, Mayor Kim Driscoll attributed the high visitor volume to pent up demand from the pandemic and the release of the movie "Hocus Pocus II."
Scenes From Salem: Witches, Monsters, Ghouls and More Hit the Streets for Halloween
She also said the additional crowds are likely linked to Halloween's growing popularity as a consumer spending holiday. Many local businesses are enjoying a big boom in business, thanks to the large crowds.
"It’s been cool to see everybody back," Madeleine Shopoff of Salem said. "Doesn’t seem that much worse than last year but maybe just handling it better."
Crowds are expected to be even bigger Monday night.
Click here for a full breakdown of road closures and parking restrictions.
You can find a full list of Salem's Haunted Happenings here. Officials also encourage people to download the Destination Salem app.
