Enjoy Free 2-Hour Holiday Parking in Providence
The holidays are coming up pretty quickly. What better way to get your shopping done than to support local small businesses? Thanks to the City of Providence and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, free two-hour parking returns to parts of the city. While parking meter violations will not be issued, parking time limits will be enforced. Below is a list of areas where you can take advantage of the free holiday parking, as well as links to the neighborhoods with shopping and dining information.
Free 2-Hour Holiday Parking
Nov. 29, 2025 through Jan. 1, 2026
College Hill/Benefit Street
- Angell Street – Brook Street to Prospect Street
- Brook Street to Bowen Street
- Euclid Avenue – Brook Street to Thayer Street
- Meeting Street – Brook Street to Brown Street
- Prospect Street – George Street to Angell Street
- Waterman Street – Prospect Street to Hope Street
Explore College Hill
Downtown
- Bounded by Sabin Street, Memorial Boulevard, Dyer Street, Clifford Street and Dave Gavitt Way
Explore Downtown
Federal Hill
- Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Sutton Street
- Brayton Avenue – West Exchange Street to Spruce Street
- Dean Street – Atwells Avenue to West Exchange Street
- Spruce Street – Dean Street to Acorn Street
Explore Federal Hill
Fox Point/Wickenden Street
- Ives Street – Wickenden Street to Preston Street
- South Main Street – Wickenden Street to College Street
- Wickenden Street – Benefit Street to Ives Street
Explore Fox Point
Jewelry/Innovation District
- Bounded by Clifford Street, Eddy Street, Point Street and East Franklin Street
- Point Street – Point Street Bridge to East Franklin Street
Explore the Jewelry/Innovation District
Silver Lake/Olneyville
- Olneyville Square – bounded by Route 10, Delaine Street, Atwood Street and Magnolia Street
Explore Olneyville Square
Smith Hill
- Canal Street – Smith Street to Park Row
- Francis Street – Hayes Street to Smith Street
- Gaspee Street – Smith Street to Francis Street
- North Main Street – Steeple Street to Smith Street
- Park Row & Park Row West – North Main Street to Exchange Street
- Park Street – Smith Street to Orms Street
- State Street – Orms Street to Smith Street
Explore Smith Hill
Wayland Square
- Angell and South Angell Streets – Butler Avenue to Gano Street
- Wayland Avenue – Angell Street to Waterman Street
Explore Wayland Square
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there free holiday parking in Providence?
Yes. The City of Providence offers free two-hour parking at meters in select business districts during the holiday shopping season, typically from late November through New Year's Day.
- Where is free holiday parking available in Providence?
Free parking applies in districts including Downtown, Federal Hill, College Hill, Thayer Street, Wickenden Street, Hope Street, Wayland Square, Broad Street, Olneyville Square, Smith Hill, the RiverWalk, and the Jewelry/Innovation District. See the post for specific streets in each area.
- Is the two-hour parking limit enforced during holiday free parking?
Yes. Meter violations aren't issued, but the two-hour time limit is still enforced so more shoppers can find a spot.
- Why does Providence offer free holiday parking?
The program encourages residents and visitors to shop and dine at local small businesses during the holiday season.
- Is free parking offered at other times of year?
Yes. The City has also offered free two-hour weekend parking in May for Small Business Month. Check the City of Providence website for current programs.