free things to do in New York City
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Free Events, Free Things to Do in New York City! Read More
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, December 21, 2024!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
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In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
December 21, 2024. Free shows, free concerts, free movies, free tours, free readings, worshops, lectures, etc. are New York's best kept secret! Learn all about it and do not miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides: NYC never ceases to amaze you with quantity and quality of its free culture and free entertainment whether it's day or night, weekday or weekend, summer or winter, spring or fall, January or June, May or September. If you are looking for inexpensive things to do and where to go in Manhattan today, tonight, tomorrow, or any other time, or any other day of any week - you came to the right place: just click on any day on the calendar dispayed on the every page of our site and you will see how many events you can attend in Manhattan free of charge on that very day.
New York's cultural scene is at its busiest in October and March (and the same goes for free events, free things to do), but other months of the year still offer incredible amount of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away! So if you looking for something to do in April or November, December or February, you will find tons of free things to do, free events to go to. (In June, July and August lots of those free events take place outdoors, of course).
So start using these unique New York City opportunities today, December 21, 2024!
Where else but in New York City can you listen to a world-class musician, discuss a book with a famous author, take a part in poetry reading, have a glass of wine at an art exhibition opening, and all that on the same day, and all that free of charge, and all of that on any day of the year, whether it's December or July, April or November!
The trick is to know about those free events, free things to do BEFORE they happen, not after the fact. That's where Club Free Time comes in handy! Become a Club Free Time member and start using these unique New York City (NYC) opportunities today, December 21, 2024!
Join the Club!
Club Free Time is your perfect guide to Free Entertainment and Free Culture in the City That Never Sleeps.
Join the Club!
Free things to do, free events that take place in New York City every day of the year are truly amazing. So if you're looking for something interesting to do today (December 21, 2024) or on any other day of the year don't miss those free-of-charge opportunities that only New York provides! You can find lots of high quality, off the beaten path, unique free events, free things to do which will take your breath away!
In addition to providing information about free events, free things to do in New York City (NYC), Club Free Time offers its members complimentary tickets to classical music concerts, dance performances and theater: when a producer wants that special buzz of the 'full house' - Club Free Time members are welcomed for their enthusiasm and sophistication!
Join the Club!
Get a taste of free culture and free entertainment in New York City (NYC)!
Join the Club!
Experience an entirely new perspective on New York. 'Open up a whole new cultural world... in one of the most vibrant capital cities in the world, sampling cultural delights beyond anyone's wildest dream.' Rupert Parker, journalist, photographer, cameraman, and TV producer
Join the Club!
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!
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!
Let New York City surprise, stimulate, entertain and excite you! Read More
Don't miss the unique opportunities that only New York provides:
- free concerts in NYC
- free movies in NYC
- free jazz in NYC
- free poetry readings in NYC
- free tours/hikes in NYC
- free city walks in NYC
- free Yoga /Tai Chi in NYC
- fairs and parades in NYC
- free theater in NYC
- free tickets to concerts, theater and dance performances in NYC
'New York is abuzz with so much culture that they're giving it away.' (The New York Times article about Club Free Time).
Editor's Picks
45 free things to do in New York City (NYC) today:
Saturday, December 21, 2024
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Workshop | Rise and Shine Yoga (online)
Start your day with a guided meditation and gentle yoga flow. Sync mindful movement with breathing through a variety of poses (asanas) that will certainly awaken your mind, body and senses. All levels welcomed. Modifications will be offered.
New York City, NY; NYC
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9:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Cardio Circuit Blast Workout
This high-energy total body workout will keep you moving with challenging yet fun bodyweight circuits. Cardio Circuit Blast is a heart-pumping, high-intensity class that is open to all levels and the perfect way to increase your overall endurance.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Other | Get dazzled by over 2 million twinkling lights!
Dazzling Holiday Lights: 2 million twinkling lights, including 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees, and a 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece. This is a must-see location in NYC and a perfect holiday picture background. Outdoor food vendors offer hot drinks and tasty bites. 5 pm - 8 pm: pictures with Santa, Monday - Friday through Dec. 23 on Level 3
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Walking Workout
This walking program will help you move your body and connect with others in your community! The program will start with a group warm-up led by a Shape Up NYC instructor, followed by a walking workout appropriate for all levels and paces, and ending with a cool down and stretch.
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
Workshop | Cardio Sculpt Workout
This high energy exercise class consists of functional and body weight strength exercises paired with cardio to get your heart pumping! Cardio Sculpt is taught to music and open to all levels. The goal of this class is to exercise your body and have fun doing it! Please bring a mat! Instructor: Genell Chappel
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Family Fun at a Historical Site: Holiday Collages
Enjoy interactive activities and engagement stations for visitors of all ages. Make your own festive collage with provided supplies and learn about ships, life at sea and browse through galleries to explore numerous artifacts.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$1, registration required
$1, registration required
Museums | Jewish History: Centuries of Art
As one of the largest collections of art in Jewish culture globally, the venue features an extensive array of historical Jewish artifacts as well as modern and contemporary art.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Museums | Asian Immigrants' Role in Shaping of America, Museum Guided Tour
The tour offers a comprehensive overview of the Chinese experience in America for the last 200 years. The exhibition aims to preserve, showcase and honor the rich history and contributions of the Chinese community in the US.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:30 am
Free
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
Free
Hike | Winter Solstice Evergreen Tree ID Hike
Trees have a special place in our environment. Come celebrate the Winter Solstice with a hike and learn about evergreen trees and their winter adaptations. Leave the tinsel at home and lace up your boots and stockings for this fun tour of the trees that never quit photosynthesizing, even when the days are at their shortest.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | A War of Empires: Japan, India, Burma & Britain: 1941–45 (online)
Detailing the defeat of Japanese militarism, historian Robert Lymam recounts how the map of the region was ultimately redrawn, guaranteeing the rise of an independent India free from the shackles of empire.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | A Celebration of Winter: Baroque to Broadway
Ginevra Petrucci, flute; Ergin Oda, Baritone; Brittany DiNardo, Soprano; Art Krasniqi, Vocals; Klajdi Cerriku, Accordion; and Ariana Dupont, Piano, perform a celebration of winter with music from Baroque to Broadway.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Fair | Holiday Market: Jewelry, Books, Prints, Clothes and More
Browse through a selection of gift ideas: hand-stamped & signed greeting cards, zines, pins, books, T-shirts, jewelry, CDs, and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Tilted Axes: Into the Middle
Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars, returns with a new program, "Into the Middle," consisting of original music and solstice favorites. Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars, led by composer and performer Patrick Grant, is an orchestra of guitarists who perform original, untethered music via portable mini-amps accompanied by percussionists. The project is informed by urban street band traditions, avant-garde theater and ancient music, and creates interactive spectacles that spark community conversation.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Ukulele Caroling
In a celebratory program led by NYC singer/songwriter and ukelele whiz Gwendolyn Fritz, players of all skill levels are welcomed to participate in this group play-along. Song selections will include classic holiday and repertoire tunes for the ukulele. Gwendolyn Fitz is an award winning jazz-pop singer-songwriter with a love for story-telling. Classically trained as a flute player, Gwendolyn picked up the ukulele in 2016 to write the type of songs you would find in a romantic-comedy based off her life in NYC. The songs from her 2022 debut "I'm a Dreamer" EP were considered by Mahalo Magazine to be "storytelling at their finest," and "[music] that will stay stuck in your head for days." Her single, "Mind Made Up," earned her a spot as a finalist in the 2023 Coffee Music Project, allowing her to perform at the 2023 New York Coffee Festival.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Hike | Winter Wonderland Hike
A brisk nature walk in Winter where you will look for and learn about the local flora and fauna that call the Park home.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | Last Days of Disco (1998) with Chloe Sevigny and Kate Beckinsale
In 1980s New York, two young women, both Manhattan book editors fresh out of college, find love and themselves at an exclusive nightclub they frequent. Director: Whit Stillman Cast: Chloe Sevigny, Kate Beckinsale, Chris Eigeman, Matt Keeslar, Mackenzie Astin, Matthew Ross, Tara Subkoff, Burr Steers, David Thornton, Jaid Barrymore, Michael Weatherly, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Beals Chloe Sevigny is an American actress known for her work in independent films, often appearing in controversial or experimental features, Sevigny is the recipient of several accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, as well as a nomination for an Academy Award. Kate Beckinsale is an English actress who became known for her work in action films, including Van Helsing (2004), Whiteout (2009), Contraband (2012), Total Recall (2012), and Jolt (2021), while also earning praise for her roles in the small-scale dramas Snow Angels (2007), Nothing but the Truth (2008), Everybody's Fine (2009), and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Film | The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Animated Musical Fantasy with Danny Elfman and Catherine O'Hara
Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king Jack Skellington has become bored with the same old routine of Halloween. When Jack accidentally finds Christmastown, a town filled with warm spirits and bright colors, his spark returns, and he plans to take control of the newly discovered holiday. Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and takes over the role, but he quickly discovers that even the best laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go wrong. Director: Henry Selick Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Ed Ivory Danny Elfman is an American film composer, singer, songwriter, and musician. Elfman has garnered international recognition for composing over 100 feature film scores, as well as compositions for television, stage productions, and the concert hall. Among his honors are four Oscar nominations, three Emmy Awards, a Grammy, and more. Catherine O'Hara is a Canadian-American actress and comedian known for her comedy work on Second City Television (1976-84) and Schitt's Creek (2015-2020) and in films such as After Hours (1985), Beetlejuice (1988), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and the first two installments of the Home Alone franchise (1990-1992).
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
2:00 pm
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Concert | Harmonica Holiday Jam
Harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He, a teacher at Brooklyn Music School and featured performer on America’s Got Talent, will lead a crash course in how to play the harmonica and lead participants in a jam session to showcase their new skills with performances of holiday classics such as “Jingle Bell,” “Deck the Halls,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Silent Night,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Ode to Joy,” “Edelweiss” and “Amazing Grace.” Players of all skill levels are welcome and this is a perfect program for beginners.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Holiday Sing-Along: Carols and Seasonal Favorites
Trinity Choir; St. Paul’s Chapel Choir; Downtown Voices; NOVUS brass and percussion; The Choirs of the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC); and Trinity’s congregation perform carols and seasonal favorites in a holiday sing-along.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Master of the Kalimba, a Traditional Instrument of the Shona People of Zimbabwe
Kalimba specialist Kevin Nathaniel has assembled an all-star ensemble including fellow mbira players, percussion, xylophone, guitar and flute, to lead an interactive music experience with jam-friendly instruments available for public participation. Kevin Nathaniel is an internationally celebrated kalimba and mbira player. He plays traditional, jazz, and contemporary music -- all using kalimbas -- and also builds many of his instruments. He has worked with Alice Walker, Oprah Winfrey, Jonathan Demme, Madonna, Niles Rodgers, Ephat Mujuru, Dumisani Maraire, Bobby McFerrin, Tito La Rosa, Nana Vasconcelos, Carlos Roberto, and many more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
2:00 pm
Regular: $44
Member: $0
Regular: $44
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Dance Performance | Dance Works-in-Progress
Informal showings of new works in varying stages of development. Showings are followed by a reception, conversation, and Q&A between the artists. With: Symara Sarai + Anh Vo
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Holiday Sing-Along: Carols and Seasonal Favorites
Trinity Choir; St. Paul's Chapel Choir; Downtown Voices; NOVUS brass and percussion; The Choirs of the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC); and Trinity's congregation perform carols and seasonal favorites in a holiday sing-along.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Street Motets for New York City: World Premiere Music in the Park
Award-winning British composer Pete M. Wyer's work, Street Motets for New York City, is a ‘motet’ in the broadest sense — not a religious piece per se, but a meditation and a blessing of good wishes to NYC residents. Fifty choralists, curated by conductor James John, will break into pairs — grouped into sopranos, altos, tenors and basses — and embark on separate hour-long routes through the streets of Greenwich Village, all synchronized through the use of guide music played through ear buds on their smartphones. Each pair will intersect with others at various points in their journey to delight bystanders with unexpected bursts of harmony and all singers will converge at the Park for the program’s dramatic finale.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Art from All Over The World: Modern and Contemporary
Discover a vast collection of art from a diverse range of countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Russia, France, Spain, Japan, India, United States and more.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
$1 min pay-what-you-wish,...
Parade | East Harlem Music March
This event celebrates East Harlem's rich heritage of both Puerto Rican and African-American music and culture with a unique fusion between a traditional holiday season "parranda" -- a music parade rooted in Plena and Bomba music styles -- and a second line jazz march. The parranderos will be anchored by members of the renowned ensemble Los Pleneros de la 21 (LP21), led by the organization's founder Juan J. 'Juango' Gutierrez and accompanied by students from LP21, and joined by saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist Immanuel Wilkins and friends.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:00 pm
Free
Free
4:00 pm
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Join the Club!
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
Free
Classical Music | Ensemble and Orchestral Works by Telemann, Saint-Saens, and More (In Person AND Online!)
MAP Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Orchestra; Scott Stickley, Terry Szor, Conductors. Program Brian Balmages (b. 1975), Circles Stephen Melillo (b. 1957), Godspeed Kevin Day (b. 1996), Solace in the Wind Telemann (1681-1767), Movements from Don Quixote Suite John Rutter (b. 1945), “O Waly Waly” from Suite for Strings Wu Man (b. 1963), “Silk and Bamboo” from Two Chinese Paintings Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944), Callirhoe: No. 4 Pas de Cymbales Ernesto Lecuona (1895-1963), Andalucia Suite Saint-Saens (1835-1921), Danse Macabre
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Concert | CANCELLED! Piazzolla's Tangos and More CANCELLED!
Piazzolla's tangos and other captivating pieces - a night filled with passion, rhythm, and soulful music. Performers: Jelena Cingara, piano; Alonso Restrepo, cello
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Other | Holiday Under the Stars: Dazzling Light Shows
A new, glimmering “Holiday Under the Stars” season is brimming with 300,000 twinkling lights and illuminated stars that transform into a kaleidoscope of colors. Glowing, color-changing stars will dance to choreographed light shows every 30 minutes from. Additionally, stars will sparkle at the entrances, with brilliant photo moments and shimmering garland throughout.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Winter Solstice Celebration in a Garden
A celebration of the winter solstice and the return of light as the days begin to grow longer. Special performance by KatzPascale. Enjoy free hot beverages and treats from The Elk, Little Cupcake Bakeshop, and Nick + Sons Bakery.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
6:00 pm
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Regular: $15
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Classical Music | Piano Works by Mendelssohn, Brahms, Chopin, and Prokofiev (In Person AND Online!)
Piano. Program Mendelssohn (1809-1847), Variations serieuses, Op. 54 Brahms (1833-1897), Vier Klavierstucke, Op. 119 Chopin (1810-1849), 24 Preludes, Op. 28 Prokofiev (1891-1953), Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28 Please arrive 30-60 minutes in advance of the performance to sign in to building and receive your visitor badge.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
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. Ages Adult 18+
New York City, NY; NYC
Join the Club!
6:30 pm
Free
Free
7:00 pm
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Regular: $49
Member: $0
Join the Club!
7:30 pm
Regular: $59
Member: $0
Regular: $59
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Regular: $25
Member: $0
Join the Club!
8:00 pm
Regular: $44
Member: $0
Regular: $44
Member: $0
Join the Club!
9:00 pm
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Regular: $30
Member: $0
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Dance Performance | High-Energy Dance by Acclaimed Choreographer
Regular Price: $49CFT Member Price: $0.00
Play | Broadway Actors in a Modern Adaptation of The World Classic
Regular Price: $59CFT Member Price: $0.00
Join the Club!
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