NEW: Free 2-Hour Holiday Parking Kicks Off in Providence

NEW: Free 2-Hour Holiday Parking Kicks Off in Providence

'Tis the season to be shopping, and the city of Providence makes that a little easier... and cheaper... starting today.

Now, shoppers can park for FREE for up to 2 hours at meters citywide. The holiday program is in place from 10am-6pm, Monday through Saturday until Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Where are the spots?

All meters in downtown Providence are included from Steeple Street, west to Route 95; 95 south to 195; 195 east to Point Street; Point Street to Wickenden Street; north on South Main to North Main Street at Steeple Street. Metered parking is also free in other commercial districts throughout the city: Broad Street, Atwells, North Main Street, Olneyville Square, South Main Street, Wayland Square, Hope Street, Wickenden/Ives, and Thayer Street. As always, metered parking is FREE on Sundays and after 6pm every night. Overnight parking is not allowed.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Do be careful, though: cars parked in prohibited areas beyond the 2-hour time limit will be ticketed during this period. Visit the city’s website or parkdowntownprovidence.com for more information.

For more on the holidays in Providence, stay tuned to GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.