Council parking is free on four Saturdays from 28 November, and on Sundays too at the coast. Here are the dates for each town and the rules that still apply.

East Riding council car parks and on-street bays will be free on the four weekends before Christmas, starting on Saturday 28 November. What that means depends on the town.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council published the dates in a legal notice dated 5 November. When we checked its news page that day, it had not yet put out a press release.

Free dates Bridlington, Flamborough, Hornsea Beverley, Driffield, Goole, Howden
28 and 29 November Saturday and Sunday Saturday
5 and 6 December Saturday and Sunday Saturday
12 and 13 December Saturday and Sunday Saturday
19 and 20 December Saturday and Sunday Saturday

The split is simple. Coastal car parks normally charge seven days a week, so both days are listed. In Beverley, Driffield, Goole and Howden, the notice says usual charges apply Monday to Saturday, so only the Saturday needs suspending.

What is not covered?

  • Other towns. The notice names only the seven places above. Pocklington, Hessle, Market Weighton and Withernsea are not on it.
  • Non-council car parks. The suspension covers the council’s pay and display car parks and on-street parking areas.
  • The Christmas holidays. The notice says charges apply as normal on all other days, naming Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
  • Other parking rules. Double yellow lines, disabled bays and loading zones are still enforced.

The offer is close to last year’s. In 2025 the council made its car parks free at weekends from 29 November to 21 December.

What about the Beverley Festival of Christmas?

The festival is on Sunday 13 December, a day when Beverley’s usual charges do not apply under the notice. There will be road closures and parking suspensions in Beverley that day.

The organisers run a free park and ride from Beverley Racecourse, York Road, with space for 500 cars. The first bus leaves at 9am and the last leaves Beverley at 5pm. Buses run about every 10 to 15 minutes. Princes Gardens car park is set aside for Blue Badge holders.

What it means for you

  • Saturday shoppers in all seven places park free on 28 November and 5, 12 and 19 December.
  • Coast visitors get the Sunday free as well, on the dates above.
  • Blue Badge holders normally pay in the council’s off-street car parks, so these dates help them too.
  • Check the sign. The notice does not list individual car parks. Our Beverley parking guide has prices and opening days there.

Plan the rest of your trip with our guides to Christmas markets and Christmas travel. The next free day is this Sunday: charges are suspended from 8am to 6pm for Remembrance Sunday.