Holiday Visits Downtown Made Easy with Free 90-Minute Ramp Parking
Published on December 12, 2025
This holiday season, the City of Kalamazoo is reminding residents and visitors that parking downtown is easy, affordable, and convenient, making it simple to shop local, dine downtown, and enjoy seasonal events.
Visitors can take advantage of 90 minutes of free parking at both the Epic Center and Kalamazoo Mall parking ramps, which are located just a short walk from the Kalamazoo Mall, Michigan Avenue, the Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and dozens of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment destinations.
For those staying longer downtown, parking remains affordable after the free 90 minutes. The next hour is $1.75, each additional half hour $1, and the maximum daily rate is $10 per 24 hours.
Once parked, visitors can continue their downtown experience by riding the Holly Jolly Trolley, a free, festive transportation option made possible by community sponsors. The trolley operates Thursdays through Sundays through December 24, with a special run on December 31 for New Year’s Eve.
The trolley stops at key locations across downtown, including City Hall, the Kalamazoo Mall, Bell’s Eccentric Café, and more, providing a fun and convenient way to explore downtown without moving your vehicle. Full details on the Holly Jolly Trolley and Santa’s Workshop are available at www.downtownkalamazoosanta.com.
The holiday season is also a perfect time to support local businesses through Downtown Dollars, a digital gift certificate program that can be used at a wide variety of participating downtown businesses. Available in $5, $10, and $20 increments, Downtown Dollars are easy to purchase, simple to use from a smartphone or as a printed certificate, and valid for five years.
Downtown Dollars can be used at local restaurants, retail shops, salons, cafés, and entertainment venues throughout downtown Kalamazoo, making them a flexible and meaningful holiday gift that keeps dollars circulating in the local community. To buy Downtown Dollars, find a list of participating businesses, or learn more about the program, visit www.downtownkalamazoo.org/downtown-dollars.
With free 90-minute ramp parking, affordable extended parking rates, free trolley rides, and Downtown Dollars supporting small businesses, downtown Kalamazoo offers a festive and welcoming experience throughout the holiday season.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, meeting friends for a meal, visiting cultural attractions, or attending holiday events, the City of Kalamazoo invites you to make downtown part of your seasonal celebrations.