PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline started the city’s annual free holiday parking program on Monday in an effort to give an extra boost to merchants, restaurants and other businesses in Providence as the Christmas shopping season begins.

The annual program allows drivers to park for free at some spaces with meters or time limitations that are designated with a special covering. Cars parked in crosswalks or tow zones will still be ticketed.

“We have some of the best restaurants, arts and cultural venues, unique shops and boutiques in New England, and I wanted to make it even easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the excitement of Providence this holiday season,” Cicilline said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve decided to kick off the holiday free parking program earlier this year.”

The mayor’s office said parking rules would be relaxed in the following districts:

• Downtown Providence (bounded by Steeple Street, west to I-95; I-95 South to I-195; I-195 East to Point Street; Point Street to Wickenden Street; north on South Main to North Main Street at Steeple Street)
• Broad Street (Public Street to Montgomery Street)
• Atwells Avenue (Bradford Street to Knight Street)
• North Main Street (Thomas Street to Park Row)
• Olneyville Square (Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine to Atwood to Magnolia Streets)
• South Main Street (Wickenden Street to Packet Street)
• Wayland Square (East Angell/Angell to Gano Street; Wayland from Angell to Pitman Streets)
• Wickenden and Ives Streets (Wickenden at Benefit to Ives at Preston Street)
• Thayer Street (Meeting Street to Bowen Streets)

The free parking will be available from now until New Year’s Day.

Additional information is available at providenceri.com/buyprovidence.