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Free events for Saturday, 12/16/23
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City!  Read More

Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on December 16, 2023?

27 free events take place on Saturday, December 16 in New York City. Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides! Exciting, high quality, unique and off the beaten path free events and free things to do take place in New York today, tonight, tomorrow and each day of the year, any time of the day: whether it's a weekday or a weekend, day or night, morning or evening or afternoon, December or July, April or November! These events will take your breath away!

New York City (NYC) never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment. Check out December 16 and see for yourself. Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall! Just click on any day of the calendar above and you'll find most inspiring and entertaining free events to go to and free things to do on each day of December . Don't miss the opportunities that only New York provides!

Some events take place all year long: same day of the week, same time there are there for you to take advantage of. One of the oldest free weekly events in Manhattan is Dixieland Jazz with the Gotham Jazzmen, which happen at noon every Tuesday. Another example of an event that you can attend all year round on weekdays is Federal Reserve Bank Tour, which takes place every week day at 1 pm (but advanced reservations are required). You can take at least 13 free tours every day of the year, except the New Year Day, July 4th, and the Christmas Day. If you are classical music afficionado, you can spend whole day in New York going from one free classical concert to another. If you love theater, then New York gives you an option to attend plays and musicals free of charge, or at deep discount. You just need to have information about it. And we are here to make that information available to you.
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The quality and quantity of
free events,
free things to do
that happen in New York City
every day of the year
is truly amazing.

So don't miss the opportunities
that only New York provides:
stop wondering what to do;
start taking advantage of
free events to go to,
free things to do in NYC
today!

27 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Saturday, December 16, 2023

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Holiday Extravaganza: Photo Ops with Favorite Characters, Classic Movies, Interactive Activities for Kids, and More!
free events nyc Museum Highlights Tour
free events nyc Chamber Music on the Water
free events nyc Violin Works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and More (In Person AND Online)
More Editor's Picks for 12/16/23
        

Tour | 13 Tours, All City Neighborhoods, Any Time Of The Day, Choose One Tour Or Many -- Includes Holiday Lights Tour


These free tours take place at various times during the day, all day long. You can make reservations for as many tours as your schedule allows. SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights + DUMBO 3 Hour Lower Manhattan Harlem Chelsea and the High Line 6 Hour Downtown Combined Greenwich Village Central Park Lower Manhattan Midtown Manhattan Grand Central Terminal Graffiti and Street Art Tours World Trade Center Holiday Lights Tour
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | DrawNow!


A drawing workshop presented in Spanish and English that will focus on the current exhibition Stéphane Mandelbaum. A precocious and skillful draftsman, Stéphane Mandelbaum used his artistry to probe the depths of his own persona by conjuring some of the darkest visages of the twentieth century in Europe. His drawings are inhabited by figures from his nightmares like the German Nazis Joseph Goebbels and Ernst Röhm, as well as those from his fantasies like Arthur Rimbaud and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Raised in a Jewish household impacted by the Holocaust, Mandelbaum’s subjects are often Jewish figures, and his pages are filled with words in Yiddish, a language that the artist had taught to himself. The representation of images that most people would prefer to avoid was an act of identity-building for a young, rebellious artist hoping to shock. But it was also an act of ownership of a history that Mandelbaum refused to allow to be buried. All art materials will be provided. Due to explicit content, this workshop is recommended for participants 18 years and older.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Workshop | Origami Meetup


OMG NYC (Origami Meetup Group! New York City) is a group for people to come together and share in the beautiful art of Origami - an ancient art of folding various mediums, most commonly paper. The word comes from the combination of the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami (paper). Other materials often folded are fabric, wire mesh, sheet metal, tissue, thin plastic, cardboard, and straws.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Classical Music | Works by J.S. Bach and More for Flute (In Person AND Online)


Michael Stoica, Flute. Program J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Sonata for Flute and Piano in G Minor, BWV 1020 Georges Hüe (1858-1948), Fantaisie pour flûte et piano Asha Srinivasan (b. 1980), Dancing, Still Eldin Burton (1913-1979), Sonatina for Flute and Piano
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free

Festival | Holiday Extravaganza: Photo Ops with Favorite Characters, Classic Movies, Interactive Activities for Kids, and More!


Santa Claus is coming to town! This venue is transforming into a wonderland of family entertainment, with a lineup of events that will make your holidays unforgettable. From the whimsical world of My Little Pony to the high-flying antics of the Harlem Globetrotters, there's something for everyone. Step into a Peanuts paradise for a cozy holiday experience or join Rosie Fuentes from PBS Kids' Rosie's Rules for a festive celebration. Each event offers exclusive screenings, photo ops, and interactive activities for the kids. November 25 - January 7, Wednesdays to Sundays. CFT members have to use a code (provided below the location) to get free admission.
   New York City, NY; NYC
12:00 pm
$21.50...

Festival | Winter Solstice Celebration


A day full of free cel­e­bra­tions cul­mi­nat­ing in the Sol­stice Species Sashay, a par­tic­i­pa­to­ry lantern parade from Sal­ly Beau­ti Twin fea­tur­ing Fogo Azul—New York City’s most pow­er­ful women, trans, and non-bina­ry com­mu­ni­ty drum­line. Head over to Colonels Row for food, fire pits, and games, along with DJ sets from the Low­er East­side Girls Club, a col­lab­o­ra­tive art activ­i­ty with Red Hook Art Project, the open­ing of the House to Sky win­ter art exhi­bi­tion, a Nature Scav­enger Hunt, a work­shop and per­for­mance from Cora Dance, walk­ing tours with the Friends of Gov­er­nors Island, and the open­ing of the com­mu­ni­ty-dri­ven, col­lab­o­ra­tive art instal­la­tion Pag­gank Wik (Nut Island Home). Event Sched­ule: 12PM Wel­come and Land Acknowl­edge­ment, George Stonefish 12:15PM Pag­gank Wik (Nut Island Home) col­lab­o­ra­tive art instal­la­tion introduction 12:30 – 3:30PM Sol­stice Activities Low­er East­side Girls Club DJ sets Col­lab­o­ra­tive art activ­i­ty with Red Hook Art Project DIY Lantern Sta­tion, Sal­ly Beau­ti Twin with Chris and Melin­da Santiago House to Sky, art instal­la­tion from Sal­ly Beau­ti Twin with Ben Eden, Nicole Schonitzer, Alexan­der Zev, Chelsea Browne, and Michele Brody Pho­to­booth Nature Scav­enger Hunt 12:45PM Walk­ing Tour 2PM “Add Water, Make Dance” Per­for­mance & Work­shop, Cora Dance 2:45PM Walk­ing Tour 3PM Pag­gank Wik (Nut Island Home) Opening 3:30PM Sol­stice Species Sashay Lantern Parade, Sal­ly Beau­ti Twin with Fogo Azul 4PM Pro­jec­tion Par­ty at Liggett Arch, Camil­la Padgitt-Coles, Giselle Ange­les, and more
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

Book Discussion | The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943 (online)


James Holland will speak on his forthcoming book. Holland examines the dramatic opening months of the Italian Campaign in unflinching and insightful detail through the contemporary eyes of those who were there on all sides and at all levels—Allied, Axis, civilians alike. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other documents—from the likes of American General Mark Clark, German battalion commander Georg Zellner, New Zealand lance-corporal Roger Smith, legendary war reporter Ernie Pyle, and Italian politician Filippo Caracciolo—Holland traces the battles as they were experienced across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end of December 1943, frigid cold and relentless rain.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Soil Sessions: Poetic Responses to the Earth


Curator and researcher Juliana Steiner will guide participants through the making of sweetened “soil cookies” as offerings of gratitude to the earth. Created in conversation with the artist Delcy Morelos, Steiner will discuss the recipe and the ingredients’ important properties, and how Morelos has integrated notions of offerings into current and past projects. Participants will be asked to use organic materials during the program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Partisans of the Nude: Curator's Talk


What can studying a borrowed genre, such as the nude, outside its European boundaries teach us that we do not already know? Recognized as foundational to Western art since Ancient Greece, the nude's role in carving out an Arab art and making modernity a cosmopolitan project has been ignored by both nationalist histories and Orientalist narratives. This lecture argues that starting with art and following it closely through its local histories and ontologies not only adds to our appreciation of art but promises to help us decolonize ourselves. Speaker Kirsten Scheid is curator of Partisans of the Nude and Professor of Anthropology and Art Studies, American University Beirut.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Play | Fucking A: Innovative Twist on The Scarlet Letter


Suzan-Lori Parks' innovative twist on The Scarlet Letter is a timely and mystical story following a noble mother and her wayward son. The small town abortionist, Hester Smith, embarks on an unyielding quest to buy her imprisoned son’s freedom—and nothing will get in her way. Through a unique blend of storytelling and song, Hester’s branded letter A emerges as a thought provoking beacon of revenge, violence, and unflinching sacrifice. A student production.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Film | Gran Turismo (2023) with Orlando Bloom


The true story of a team of unlikely underdogs -- a working-class gamer, a former race-car driver, and an idealistic motorsport executive -- who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world. Director: Neill Blomkamp Cast: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, Djimon Hounsou Orlando Bloom is an English actor. He made his breakthrough as the character Legolas in The Lord of the Rings film series. He reprised his role in The Hobbit film series. Considered by some to be the Errol Flynn of his time, he gained further notice appearing in epic fantasy, historical, and adventure films, notably as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Paris in Troy (2004), Balian de Ibelin in Kingdom of Heaven (2005), and the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers (2011).
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Film | The Joy Luck Club (1993): drama


Adaptation of Amy Tan's bestseller about four immigrant Chinese women and their American-born daughters. The story begins in San Francisco, where three of the women have gathered to bid farewell to their deceased friend's daughter, who's departing for China to meet her long-lost half sisters. Director: Wayne Wang Cast: Tsai Chin, Kieu Chinh, Lisa Lu, France Nuyen, Rosalind Chao, Lauren Tom, Tamlyn Tomita, Ming-Na Wen, Michael Paul Chan, Andrew McCarthy, Christopher Rich, Russell Wong, Vivian Wu
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Museum Highlights Tour


A highlights tour of these exhibitions: A Collection without Borders -- celebrates the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, Goa and the Philippines. Includes a wide range of paintings and decorative arts. Featuring works by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Murillo, Tapies, Viladrich, Arrieta, and many more. Anatomy of a Fresco: Drawings of Jose Clemente Orozco from the Wornick Collection -- Anatomy of a Fresco features a rare group of figurative sketches for portraits and preparatory works for large-scale murals made during the Mexican Mural Movement. Sorolla's Vision of Spain -- The monumental series of 14 paintings known as Vision of Spain by the Valencian master Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida. A truly unique, immersive experience that captures the essence of turn-of-the-century rural Spain. Sculpture on the Audobon Terrace -- Immerse yourself in Penetrable, an interactive sculpture created by Jesus Rafael Soto, as well as Marta Chilindron's Orange Cube 48, the inaugural selection for Art on the Audubon Terrace, a partnership with the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Partisans of the Nude Sketch Session


What can studying a borrowed genre, such as the nude, outside its European boundaries teach us that we do not already know? Recognized as foundational to Western art since Ancient Greece, the nude's role in carving out an Arab art and making modernity a cosmopolitan project has been ignored by both nationalist histories and Orientalist narratives. This lecture argues that starting with art and following it closely through its local histories and ontologies not only adds to our appreciation of art but promises to help us decolonize ourselves. Speaker Kirsten Scheid is curator of Partisans of the Nude and Professor of Anthropology and Art Studies, American University Beirut.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Sketch Session


Teaching artists lead an informal drawing session focusing on select works from the Partisans of the Nude exhibition. This program is geared towards adults. No prior drawing experience is required and all materials are provided. The program repeats every 30 minutes on a first-come/ first-served basis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Forum | Death Cafe: A Discusson on Death


An informal, group-directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. The purpose of Death Cafe is "to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives." This is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Soil Sessions: Poetic Responses to the Earth


Curator and researcher Juliana Steiner will guide participants through the making of sweetened “soil cookies” as offerings of gratitude to the earth. Created in conversation with the artist Delcy Morelos, Steiner will discuss the recipe and the ingredients’ important properties, and how Morelos has integrated notions of offerings into current and past projects. Participants will be asked to use organic materials during the program.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Artist Talk: Embroidered Allegories


Esperanza Cortés will present her project, Embroidered Allegories, based on her research of textiles. Embroidered Allegories is a multidisciplinary visual arts project pointing to the migration of people, culture, traditions, materials, techniques, and designs. The work is also imbued by the balletic power and ferocity of the bullfighters' movements and the intricate beauty of the suit of lights (Traje De Luces) worn by Bullfighters. The maternal side of Esperanza's family have been bullfighters in Colombia for generations, including two generations of female Toreras.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Concert | Chamber Music on the Water


A one hour performance (no intermission), including a Q & A session with the musicians. The program is announced at the performance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
4:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Serene organ meditations in an intimate venue (In Person AND Online)


Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Magritte + Warhol: Artist Walkthrough


Photographer Duane Michals turns his eye on the legendary artists René Magritte and Andy Warhol in this exhibition of early portraits. Known for his surreal sequences and witty storytelling across media, Michals’s portraits of other artists turn the tables upon his subjects by adopting elements of their characteristic visual styles. Among the many artists photographed by Michals over his six-decade long career, Michals particularly sought out Magritte and Warhol as subjects. The exhibition will feature nearly forty portraits of Warhol and twenty portraits of Magritte, alongside over twenty portraits of other major 20th century artists.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free

Concert | Seasonal Sing Along in the Park


Lift your voice in song, lift a cup of hot chocolate, lift your eyes to the twinkling light show, or just come and lift your spirits. Plan to bring the entire family, and your neighbors to welcome Frosty and Rudolph in a Kris Kringle Karaoke (they’ll provide the song sheets). Members of the All Saints Choir will be joined by children from the Levy Choir School, under the direction of James Hopkins, to lead everyone in song. Sing your hearts to seasonal classics like Jingle Bells, White Christmas, The Dreidel Song, and many more. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Under My Feet: Artist Walkthrough


An exhibition by artist Ilana Harris-Babou that excavates her childhood memories and remixes playful rituals within the streetscapes of Central Brooklyn. Under My Feet revisits and reconstructs the artist's memory of home and belonging by carefully layering and reimagining the sounds, colors and textures of Prospect Lefferts Gardens, East Flatbush and Crown Heights, predominantly African-American, Afro-Caribbean, and West Indian immigrant neighborhoods where Harris-Babou grew up. She engages with notions of intimacy, witnessing, dispossession, and futurities embedded within the sidewalks and storefronts of Nostrand Avenue, Church Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Ensemble Works by Telemann and More (In Person AND Online)


MAP Wind Ensemble; String Ensemble; Orchestra; Catherine Birke, Terry Szor, Conductors. Program Kevin Day, A Hymn for Peace Erik Morales (b. 1966), Urban Dances Ayatey Shabazz, Of Honor and Valor Eternal: A Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen Telemann (1681-1787), Concerto for Two Violettas Villa-Lobos (1887-1959), "Cantilena" from String Quartet No. 1 William Schuman (1910-1992), The Orchestra Song Sibelius (1865-1957), Finlandia Julius Eastman (1940-1990), Stay On It
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Play | Fucking A: Innovative Twist on The Scarlet Letter


Suzan-Lori Parks' innovative twist on The Scarlet Letter is a timely and mystical story following a noble mother and her wayward son. The small town abortionist, Hester Smith, embarks on an unyielding quest to buy her imprisoned son’s freedom—and nothing will get in her way. Through a unique blend of storytelling and song, Hester’s branded letter A emerges as a thought provoking beacon of revenge, violence, and unflinching sacrifice. A student production.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Viola Works by J.S. Bach, Hindemith, and More (In Person AND Online)


Ho Fei Ng, Viola. Program J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Suite No. 6 in D Major BWV 1012 Vieuxtemps (1820-1881), Elegie for Viola and Piano, Op. 30 Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964), Venus Enchanted for Solo Viola Hindemith (1895-1963), Sonata No. 4 for Viola and Piano, Op. 25
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 pm
Free

Classical Music | Violin Works by Beethoven, J.S. Bach, and More (In Person AND Online)


Juhui Choi, Violin. Program J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Sonata No. 2 for Violin Solo in A Minor, BWV 1003 Beethoven (1770-1827), Sonata for Violin and Piano No.2 in A Major, Op. 12 No. 2 Ernest Chausson (1855-1899), Poeme for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 25
   New York City, NY; NYC
8:30 pm
Free
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