Free parking for Christmas shoppers
Shoppers and visitors to Lancaster and Morecambe can enjoy free parking on the run-up to Christmas, making it easier than ever to support local businesses and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
The initiative, agreed following consultation with the Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Lancaster and Morecambe, aims to boost footfall and encourage residents to shop local during the busy festive period.
The offer is available in all of Lancaster City Council’s town centre pay and display car parks, including the St Nics multi-storey which is now open until 11pm.
Details of the times/dates when free parking will be available are as follows:
Lancaster
|
Sundays |
29th November |
All day |
|
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6th December |
All day |
|
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13th December |
All day |
|
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20th December |
All day |
|
|
|
|
|
Free after 3pm evening shopping |
17th December |
Thursday |
|
|
|
|
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Free after 3pm Christmas week |
21st December |
Monday |
|
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22nd December |
Tuesday |
|
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23rd December |
Wednesday |
|
|
24th December |
Thursday |
Morecambe
|
Sundays |
6th December |
All day |
|
|
13th December |
All day |
|
|
20th December |
All day |
|
|
|
|
|
Free after 3pm evening shopping |
17th December |
Thursday |
|
|
|
|
|
Free after 3pm Christmas week |
21st December |
Monday |
|
|
22nd December |
Tuesday |
|
|
23rd December |
Wednesday |
|
|
24th December |
Thursday |
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday |
19th December |
All day |
Councillor Peter Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster Regeneration and Local Economy, said: “We know how important the festive season is for our high streets and these free parking offers are a practical way to support our local traders and make it easier for people to enjoy everything Lancaster and Morecambe have to offer.
“In deciding what days and times to offer the incentive we’ve taken on board the views of the local BIDs. It’s clear that businesses in Lancaster and Morecambe will benefit from a slightly different offer, so we’ve tailored the details for each town.”
Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID manager, said: “Lancaster BID is delighted that the city council has listened to feedback from businesses about the last Thursday before Christmas still being a good trading evening and we will be encouraging as many businesses to stay open as long as possible. Lancaster BID will also be putting on street theatre including The Show Globe, The Santa Bus, Samba Espirito and much more.”
David Waddington, Chair of Morecambe BID, said: “The run up to Christmas is an incredibly important period of trade for our retailers, so it’s great that shoppers can be incentivised with free parking. For Morecambe, it will coincide with our popular Festive Market on Saturday 19th December - a great opportunity to pick up gifts and enjoy the seasonal spirit!”
Please note that the free parking offer does not include onstreet parking, the Marketgate car park, or any other private facilities.
• The offer is available at the following locations:
Lancaster: Auction Mart, Cable St, Charter House, Dallas Rd, Edward St, Lodge St, Lucy St, Moor Mills (1, 2 & 3), Spring Garden St, Leonardsgate (Upper & lower), St Nicholas Arcade and Wood St.
Last updated: 01 October 2026