The holiday season in New York City is approaching! It’s a magical time when the streets light up, window displays dazzle, and car horns blare as everyone fights for the same parking spots. It’s also that time of year when driving through NYC feels like trying to find your way through a maze with your eyes closed. But don’t worry–here are some tips to help you survive the holiday parking madness.
1 – Plan Ahead: Know Where to Park
If you’re going to busy shopping areas like Midtown, SoHo, or Williamsburg, check out nearby parking garages before you leave. Trust us, driving around in circles with a trunk full of gifts isn’t a fun way to spend your day.
Pro Tip: Use apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a parking spot in advance. You can often find discounts, and some apps even show you real-time availability.
2 – Avoid Peak Hours: Get an Early Start
If you want to dodge the traffic, try to do your holiday shopping early in the morning or later in the evening. The streets (and garages) are generally less crowded right when stores open or close, giving you a better chance of finding a good spot.
3 – Where to Park Near Holiday Hotspots
Some NYC areas are famous for their tough parking situations. Here’s how to park near popular spots:
Rockefeller Center: Skip the street parking and head straight to a garage on 49th or 50th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. You can also park in Hell’s Kitchen, where you’re more likely to find affordable lots and take a short walk to the tree.
SoHo: Finding street parking in SoHo is nearly impossible. Instead, park toward the edges of the neighborhood, like West Houston Street. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a nice walk past the area’s unique boutiques.
Herald Square (Macy’s): Avoid the madness around 34th Street. Instead, park in the Garment District (35th to 40th Streets) and walk a couple of blocks.
4 – Use Parking Apps to Make Life Easier
Gone are the days of scrambling for quarters or guessing where you can park. NYC’s parking apps can make your life a lot easier, like the ParkNYC App: Pay for street parking with just a tap on your phone. No more searching for change or rushing back to your car. Also, Waze can help you avoid heavy traffic and guide you to less-congested routes.
5 – Park and Ride: A Smart Option
If you’d rather skip the hassle of parking in the city altogether, consider parking outside Manhattan and taking public transit. Leave your car in Brooklyn, Queens, or even New Jersey, and jump on the subway or PATH train. This way, you avoid the hassle of trying to find a spot in Midtown, and you can save some cash—hello, high parking prices!
Best Park-and-Ride Spots:
Brooklyn: Park near the Barclays Center or downtown Brooklyn, where parking lots are usually easier to find and cheaper. Then, hop on the 2, 3, 4, or 5 trains to get into Manhattan quickly.
New Jersey: Leave your car in Hoboken or Jersey City, where there’s plenty of parking and easy access to the PATH train straight into Midtown or Lower Manhattan.
It’s easy to get frustrated while searching for parking. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can handle the holiday parking craziness and enjoy the season with your sanity—and your holiday spirit—intact. (And if all else fails, there’s always Uber.)
