Ahhh, December. Otherwise known as "Tipping Season" in NYC, a time when you see people at the bank getting fresh notes, apartment owners going through lists of their building's staff, a few more doors being opened and smiles being offered.

When it comes to your parking garage, what's the right amount to tip? $25? $100? $500? Will your car get damaged if you don't tip enough, or are you wasting your money by tipping too much?

Since your car is probably your second most valuable asset after your home, you want to get it right. We called the major garage operators and surveyed random garages to find out some answers.

If you use your car 4-5 times a week and usually tip each time:

• $25 - $100 per employee in Midtown East, Upper East Side, and Upper West Side. If you park closer to 5th, Madison, and Park Aves or Central Park West or Columbus Aves, you fall in the higher range.
• $30 - $40 per employee if you park in a busy Midtown garage.

If you use your car less, then you can give a little less.
If you don't tip each time you use your car, then add in more.

To be honest, the guys in your garage work really hard to keep your car safe, damage-free, and ready when you need it. They make an average annual salary of $25,000 and rely on holiday tips. So whilst cookies and handmade gifts are always appreciated, cash is the way to go. Read more to find out the biggest and smallest tips people give, whether to give the tip to the Manager or each employee, and other things to consider before making your gift:

HOLIDAY PARKING TIPS & DEALS

Since we're talking about tips, don't forget about the Gridlock Alert Days. These are the 9 worst days to drive in NYC. Park on the East or West edges of Manhattan to avoid major traffic and get a lower rate for parking.

CONSIDER PARKING IN BROOKLYN OR LONG ISLAND CITY

$300 plus tax in Brooklyn. State St between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill. Just an 8 minute walk from the 2, 3, 4, 5, N, & R subways.

Long Island City

	$170 - $270 at Court Square & Northern Blvd. 1-2 blocks from the 7, E, F, & G subways. Near Queens Supreme Court, across Jackson Ave. from Citicorp building.
	$150 - $250 at Thomson Ave & Northern Blvd. 1 - 2 blocks from the 7, E, F, & G subways.
	$150 at 30th Pl near LaGuardia Community College. Quick 10 min from the 7 subway.
	$170 - $210 at 23rd St near Queensboro Plaza.

*Lower rates are for business hours Mon - Fri, higher rates are for 24/7 access.

Request any of these garages here.

Having a Big Event? Just let us know the date and we’ll find your guests incredible parking deals so they arrive on-time and happy.