Looking for a car space at Christmas can feel like the ultimate festive nightmare writes Geraldine Herbert
Crowded streets, packed car parks, and frayed nerves are all part of the seasonal chaos. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little planning and a few smart strategies, you can avoid the worst of the parking stress and focus on enjoying the festive season instead. Here are some tried-and-tested Christmas parking survival tips to help you stay calm, save time, and park with confidence.
1. Be an Early Bird
The early bird doesn’t just get the worm – it gets the best parking spot too. Heading out early in the day dramatically increases your chances of finding a convenient space close to where you need to be. Fewer cars, lighter traffic, and less stress make it well worth the alarm clock sacrifice.
2. Use Park & Ride Where Possible
Park & Ride options are a festive lifesaver. Park your car outside the city centre and hop on public transport such as the Luas for a hassle-free journey into town. If there’s no official Park & Ride nearby, consider parking on the outskirts and using public transport for the final leg.
3. Book Your Parking Online
Many car parks allow you to pre-book a space online. This often works out cheaper than paying hourly rates on arrival and means you can bypass queues at pay machines. Knowing you already have a guaranteed space removes a huge amount of Christmas shopping stress.
4. Share the Journey
Car sharing is a great way to reduce both costs and congestion. Team up with a friend or family member who’s also tackling last-minute Christmas shopping and share the drive you’ll save fuel, parking fees, and maybe even your sanity.
5. Shop After Dark
Thanks to extended Christmas opening hours, late-night shopping is a smart option. Roads are quieter, car parks are less crowded, and shops are easier to navigate. It’s a calmer, more enjoyable way to get your festive errands done.
6. Wait It Out
Resist the temptation to endlessly circle a busy car park. Research suggests that if you wait in one spot, a space is likely to become free within around six minutes. Patience can pay off faster than constant driving.
7. Reverse Into Parking Spaces
When space is tight, reversing into a parking spot is often easier than driving straight in. It also makes exiting safer, as you’ll have better visibility when pulling out into traffic. A little practice goes a long way.
8. Prioritise Safety
Always park in a well-lit area, ideally close to other cars with good all-round visibility. Have your keys ready when returning to your car and choose car parks with CCTV or security personnel where possible. High-value items should be stored in the boot and kept out of sight – leaving valuables visible could invalidate an insurance claim.
9. Don’t Overstay
If you’re using pay-and-display parking, set an alarm on your phone to remind you when your ticket is about to expire. Christmas shopping time has a habit of flying by, and nobody wants to return to a parking fine.
With a little planning and these simple tips, Christmas parking doesn’t have to ruin your festive spirit. Stay organised, stay safe, and enjoy the season.
