East Sussex County Council called a halt to its pay to park scheme and parking wardens were called off for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when many residents and visitors go to see traditional dancing at the Bandstand on the front.
But Allan Agate, one of the many who went down to the Bandstand from his home in Stone Cross on Boxing Day, said more than half of the cars parked in bays — around 30 or 40 vehicles — still had tickets.
He was surprised to see so many people obviously unaware of the free parking, although a spokesman for the council said it had been publicised in the local media, on its website and on pay and display machines.
Any signs on the machines, Mr Agate said, were not noticeable and he added, "It makes me wonder why, if this was displayed clearly, people were still putting tickets on their windscreens."
Saying any motorists who wanted them should be offered refunds, he said he only knew of the free parking after reading about it in the Herald.
"People who came in from outside Eastbourne would not have known and locals who had not read about it would not have known.
"It's all very well to say, aren't we wonderful, we are suspending the charge, but it is no good if people do not know about it."
The council spokesman said, "If anyone has any particular concerns about the Christmas arrangements, or does not believe that adequate information was given out, we would be happy to listen to their comments and would urge them to contact us."
victoria.allen@trbeckett.co.uk