Happy Holidays from the PPA: Free metered parking every Saturday until 2018

Park for free on the streets of Philadelphia every Saturday until the end of the year, thanks to the Philadelphia Parking Authority's annual gift to holiday shoppers.

Starting this weekend on Small Business Saturday and continuing through the last weekend of 2017, metered parking throughout the city is free on Saturdays after 11 a.m. Additionally, six PPA garages will offer $8 flat-rate parking on Saturdays and Sundays.

The policy is aimed at encouraging shoppers to buy from local stores instead of from online retailers like Amazon.

"Let's be honest: There's nothing like good ol' fashioned window shopping, especially in a city as vibrant as Philly," the PPA said in a statement. "As you scramble to get all of your holiday shopping done, we want parking to be the least of your worries."

It's a celebrated tradition – for the locals who know about it.

And local restaurants and businesses always join in to help spread the word.

The flat-rate parking is available from 11 a.m. to midnight in garages in Old City and nearby neighborhoods. For a complete list, go to philapark.org/2017/11/ppa-holiday-parking-specials-2/. Drivers must go to garage-management offices for discount validation tickets.

Time limits on residential parking blocks still will be enforced and all other parking regulations will remain in effect, the PPA said.

For more information, visit philapark.org.