I’m dreaming of a parket-ticket-free Christmas

The city of Boston is getting into the holiday spirit,  and just like Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation, is opening its door to all who seek holiday cheer. That’s right, the city is going to make merry its meter maids, and proclaim all downtown parking to be free every Saturday until the end of the year. As an added stocking stuffer, the free parking will begin on a Friday, namely Black Friday, Nov. 27.

However, the deal is not Grinch free. The two hour parking limit still stands. However drivers can simply relocate and park again for free, no quarters necessary.

I could be Scrooge about this and claim that this yuletide gesture of brotherhood is merely a move to encourage shoppers to spend more time downtown, but that wouldn’t be festive, would it? Instead, we’ll just post the press release below and let you make the call. I’m sticking to the yuletide brotherhood thing.

FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

In keeping with a popular local tradition, the City of Boston is offering two hours of free metered parking at each of the city’s parking meters on Friday, November 27, and on five consecutive Saturdays beginning on November 28 and running through the end of the day on December 26, 2009.

Meters are free on these days; however, the two-hour time limit will remain in effect to give as many visitors as possible a chance to take advantage of the opportunity. On Sundays, as always, Boston’s parking meters are free and no time limit is attached.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said, “There are over 7,700 parking meters located conveniently throughout Downtown Boston. I am pleased to kick-off this holiday season by offering two hours of free parking at every one of these meters on these six select days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. We invite shoppers to visit Boston’s exciting and unique stores and restaurants while taking advantage of this parking opportunity.”

Boston Transportation Commissioner Thomas J. Tinlin added, “Drivers who require more than two hours of parking, should bear in mind that there are an additional 55,000 parking spaces in lots and garages located throughout the city. Many of these facilities offer attractive discount rates on weekends.”