Essex Parking Meters Are Free For Thanksgiving 2017

ESSEX, MD — To make holiday shopping easier, Baltimore County is giving drivers an early Christmas present. There will be free parking for 10 days this holiday season at the county's parking meters, including in Essex.

Drivers will be given two hours of complimentary parking from Nov. 23 to Nov. 26 and Dec. 20 to Dec. 25.

To alert drivers that the meters will be complimentary, the county will cover them with red "Seasons Greetings" bags.

Baltimore County operates 1,735 meters, including in Towson, Stoneleigh, Arbutus, Catonsville, Dundalk, Essex, Parkville, Pikesville and Overlea. County officials say most are located near small local businesses.

"A little relief at the parking meter during the busiest days of the holiday season makes it easier to support locally owned shops and restaurants,” County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said in a statement. “These small businesses help support the neighborhood economy. We encourage everyone to shop local on Small Business Saturday, November 25, and throughout the holiday season.”

Free parking will be offered from Thursday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Dec. 20, to Monday, Dec. 25.

Where will you do your holiday shopping? Tell us in the comments!

Photo of holiday parking courtesy of Baltimore County.