Newark and Wilmington Offer FREE PARKING This Holiday Season!
DELAWARE — Worried about your holiday budget feeding parking meters instead of gifts that could bring your loved ones cheer? As a gift this season, both Newark and Wilmington are offering free parking at select times to encourage shopping and dining locally!
Newark Free Parking
Newark’s plan offers free parking on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from December 16 to January 20. Since the usual semester traffic from the University of Delaware will be minimal, the free parking initiative aims to support local restaurants in the area. The City Council approved the plan unanimously, with Deputy Mayor Travis McDermott stating that the decision aligns with the input they received from restaurant owners.
However, there are some caveats. Construction and employee parking could reduce customer spaces, regardless of the reduced costs. The city encourages shoppers to park carefully, as University of Delaware (UD) lots are not included in the seasonal plan. UD parking can be up to $5 for two hours, with tickets up to $152 each.
Wilmington Free Parking
In Wilmington, holiday shoppers get a break from November 29 to January 2. Weekday parking from noon to 6 p.m. is free in the Downtown and Riverfront districts, with all-day free parking on Christmas. Two-hour time limits and other traffic rules still apply. When parking, remember to review signage for more information on allowable parking times, regardless of the new initiative.
In an effort to encourage shopping small, residents can enjoy stress-free parking while supporting their favorite stores and restaurants. As both cities prepare for the season, the plan’s success—or shortcomings—may shape how they approach parking and economic development in the future.
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