We’re providing free parking in selected Dorset Council car parks on various dates in the run-up to Christmas 2025.
This initiative is in support of local businesses and encourages residents to shop locally, explore our towns and discover the unique products and festive experiences Dorset has to offer.
Free parking will be available in council-run car parks in Beaminster, Blandford, Bridport, Corfe Castle, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.
This also includes Small Business Saturday on 6 December, an annual national campaign that champions independent businesses and encourages people to shop locally.
Full details of participating car parks and dates can be found on our Christmas parking webpages.
During these free parking days:
- The JustPark app and ticket machines in participating Dorset Council car parks will show no charge
- On-street parking charges will still apply
Charges still apply at any car parks not listed on the Christmas parking webpages.
Local town councils may also be offering free parking on certain days in the run-up to Christmas. Please check local adverts, signage or their websites for details.
Cllr Richard Biggs Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said: “Christmas can be an expensive time, especially with the current pressures on household budgets.
“By offering free parking, we’re encouraging people to shop locally and support the fantastic independent businesses that make our towns so special.”
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, which includes car parking, said: “Free parking in selected council car parks on key dates means you can spend more time browsing, shopping and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere without worrying about the meter.
“And don’t forget too, if you regularly visit our towns, why not consider a car park permit which will save you money all year round.”
Save with a car park permit
If you use our car parks regularly, a permit could help with your costs.
Great for all-day parking. Monthly permits are available for £29 a month. These permits are for Dorset Council residents, businesses and workers.
Example saving
Park 5 days a week for work, 48 weeks a year, in Fairfield car park, Dorchester.
With an annual Flexi Stay permit (£305 a year), the cost works out at just under £1.28 a day or £25.41 a month
Without a permit, the cost is £6.30 a day. That’s £1,512 a year or £126 a month
With a short stay car park permit you can:
- park for one single session of up to 3 hours every day in most of Dorset Council car parks apart from these car parks
- register 2 vehicles to the permit (only one vehicle can be parked with the permit at a time)
Example saving
Park twice a week for 3 hours each for shopping, coffee or appointments, 52 weeks a year in Fairfield car park, Dorchester.
With a short stay permit at £95 a year, that would cost just over 91p per 3-hour session.
Without a permit, your 3 hours would be £2.40, or an annual cost of £249.60.
For full details of Christmas shopping parking dates and locations, visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/free-christmas-parking
To find out more about Flexi stay and Short stay permits, follow the links at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/parking
