free things to do in New York City
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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 17, 2025?
34 free events take place on Wednesday, December 17 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 17 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.
Are you looking for free things to do in New York City (NYC) on December 17, 2025?
34 free events take place on Wednesday, December 17 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 17 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.
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!
34 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025
All events are free unless otherwise noted.Editor's Picks
Workshop | Central Park Running Session (All Levels Welcome)
If you prefer not to run alone or are looking to improve your running performance, you can run with a club! Open to runners of all levels. Weekly changed routes through the park. Coaches, training, running company and inspiration!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 am
Free
Free
Museums | New York City: History, Architecture, Social Movements, Cultural Diversity
This museum holds over 1,5 million artifacts, including photographs, paintings, decorative arts, costumes, and documents that tell the story of New York's development and its inhabitants. Explore the galleries and discover the rich history and vibrant culture of New York City!
New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free
Free
City Walk | Brooklyn Bridge Winter Stroll
This will be a slow-paced walk of about 5 miles. The group will walk over the Brooklyn Bridge onto the Brooklyn Promenade. Then you will proceed through parts of Brooklyn Heights, which have some lovely homes. Bring lunch and water. Dress for the weather. Lunch will be at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
$5, registration recommended
$5, registration recommended
Fair | Iconic NYC Holiday Market: Local Crafts and Gifts
Named the best holiday market in America in 2023, this holiday market features 185 vendors offering unique gifts from local craftspeople, artists, and entrepreneurs. Open from November 13 to December 24, the market is a festive destination for holiday shopping, offering a wide range of handmade and artisanal goods. Note: Hours vary throughout the week; the market is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free
Free
Classical Music | Live Cello with "The Cajun Cellist"
Experience the lively sounds of Sean Grissom, known internationally as "the Cajun Cellist," blending Country, Cajun, Classical, Swing, and Rock into a vibrant performance style. Enjoy his weekly live sets every Wednesday.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Tour | New York City Hall Guided Tour
One of the oldest continuously used city halls in the nation that still houses its original governmental functions, New York's City Hall is considered one of the finest architectural achievements of its period. Constructed from 1803 to 1812, the building was an early expression of the City's cosmopolitanism. City Hall is a designated New York City landmark, and its rotunda is also a designated interior landmark. Note: When registering, choose the "Individual Tour" option.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Resume Workshop
Participate in this interactive workshop designed to help you with writing your resume, facilitated by NYPL’s Career Services staff. During the 2-hour workshop, you will learn how to use resources and tools within the free database, Brainfuse JobNow, and begin writing your resume. Career Services staff will be on hand to provide tips on best practices to showcase your skills and experience effectively, and print the resume for you. Free computer and internet access will be provided during the workshop. Requirements for this workshop: Basic computer skills and a NYPL Library Card are required, as you will be using a computer to begin working on the resume.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Tiffany Glass and Other Exhibitions
The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and culture of its area with a permanent collection of 10,000 items. One of the exhibitions includes famous Tiffany's leaded glass objects and a valuable insight into the development of the inuctry in the US at the turn of the 20th century.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required
Classical Music | Serene Organ Meditations in Intimate Venue
Enjoy a program of hymns, anthems, and voluntaries for the organ.
New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free
Free
Jazz | Live Jazz Standards
Relax to the sounds of classic jazz as guitarist Bill Wurtzel and guests perform timeless standards from the American Songbook. This lively midweek set offers a perfect musical break, blending smooth melodies and swing in an intimate setting.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | Weekly Outdoor Bagpipe Tribute: Honoring 9/11 Lives and Legacies
A moving weekly bagpipe tribute honors those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as individuals affected by the lasting health impacts of that day. The tribute begins with a performance near a symbolic column preserved from the site, followed by a second performance in a nearby outdoor space.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free
Free
Museums | Afternoon in a Magnificent Small Museum
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, this museum is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Pay-What-You-Wish, reservation required
Film | Canadian Bacon (1995): War Comedy with Alan Alda
The President of the U.S. cooks up a phony cold war against Canada to divert attention from domestic issues, namely his plummeting approval ratings. Director: Michael Moore Cast: Alan Alda, John Candy, Bill Nunn, Kevin J. O'Connor, Rhea Perlman Alan Alda is a six-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winning and a three-time Tony Award nominated actor. He's well-known for portraying Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the CBS wartime sitcom M*A*S*H (1972–1983).
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free
Free
Performance | Storytelling Live(s) on Stage
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) is proud to present performances from their speech, communication, and theater arts departments on stage. Performances will feature the college's extraordinarily talented students showcasing a wide variety of contemporary and original material.
New York City, NY; NYC
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2:30 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Hands-On Lantern Crafting Session for Winter Parade
Create your own glowing mini-lantern at this free hands-on workshop beginning at 3:00 pm. Participants can craft an icicle lantern to carry later in the parade procession, join the Kalimbascope's rolling sound ensemble, or simply enjoy the creative activity. Open to all ages and completely family-friendly.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Workshop | Learn To Use Colorful Light in Photographs
Learn more about using colorful light to elevate your photography skills. Visual storyteller and founder of the Know Your Dope agency, Ricky Shoebio, will show attendees how he uses different colorful light for more dynamic portraits. This class will be demonstration based. Attendees will also get a chance to photograph during the demonstration for their own portfolio work.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Learn How a Historic Mansion Turned into a Museum
Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk tracing how a Gilded Age mansion was transformed into a world-class art museum.
New York City, NY; NYC
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3:30 pm
Free
Free
Book Club | Novella Discussion Group: Thirst for Love by Yukoi Mishima
This month, the group will discuss Yukoi Mishima's 1950 book, Thirst for Love, translated from the Japanese by Alfred H. Marks. In this masterpiece of the sexual Gothic, Yukio Mishima creates a portrait of obsessive love and corrosive jealousy among a young widow, her father-in-law, and a domestic servant. Although Mishima was nominated three times for the Nobel Prize for Literature, he never received it. Nevertheless, he is considered by many critics as one of the most important Japanese novelists of the 20th century.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Turner’s Cologne: Evening Arrival of a Packet-Boat
Join a museum educator for a brief gallery talk focused on J.M.W. Turner’s Cologne, the Arrival of a Packet-Boat: Evening. Explore the artist’s use of light, color, and atmosphere in capturing this serene evening river scene, and gain insight into the techniques and context behind this celebrated work.
New York City, NY; NYC
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4:30 pm
Free
Free
Parade | Lantern-Lit Winter Solstice Procession of Frost Giants
Celebrate the upcoming winter solstice at this glowing neighborhood procession featuring towering Frost Giant puppets and shimmering icicle lanterns. The walk begins at 5:00 pm and winds through the surrounding streets to the ethereal sounds of J.C. King's Kalimbascope, a rolling ensemble of acoustically enhanced thumb pianos. All are welcome to join the procession at any point along the route.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Art Songs & Arias by Richard Strauss, Robert Schumann, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Marisa Karchin, soprano, performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical eras. Program: Bartolomeo Tromboncino (c. 1470 – 1535 or later) Zephyro Spira John Dowland (c. 1563-1626) Time stands still Jacopo Peri (1561-1633) Lungi dal vostro lume Giulio Caccini (1551-1618) Dolcissimo sospiro Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) Lamento della ninfa Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Liebeslied, Op. 51, No. 5 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Die Lotosblume, Op. 25, No. 7 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Widmung, Op. 25, No. 1 Helena Winkelman (1974-) Blaga 11 György Kurtág (1926-) Kafka-Fragmente Luciano Berio (1925-2003) Sequenza III Richard Strauss (1864-1949) (arr. Alex Vourtsanis) Morgen, Op. 27, No. 4
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Festival | Live Menorah Lighting
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a live Menorah lighting.
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Debussy & Robert Schumann
Daniel Ma, piano, performs two pieces by legendary 19th-century composers. Program: Claude Debussy (1862-1918) Images, Book 1 Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Carnaval, Op. 9
New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free
Free
Party | Board Games Meet-Up
Play a variety of board games, including Scrabble, Chess, Boggle, Bananagrams, Scattergories, and more! Bring a friend or join on your own--all levels are welcome. Studies have shown that playing board games can have positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical health, including: o Improving memory and focus o Enhancing critical thinking skills o Making connections o Reducing stress (and screen time!)
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Dance Performance | Holiday Dance Performance
Get in the holiday spirit with an exciting pop-up performance featuring a Toy Soldier Dancing Troupe!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Quiet Reading Meet Up
Bring a book or check one out of the library to read to yourself for one hour. After that, spend an hour socializing with those around you!
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Tracing Refugee History in the South Village (Online!)
Explore the immigrant past of the South Village in a talk by an archivist and historian specializing in Catholic communities. Learn how a small committee formed to support Catholic refugees fleeing Nazi persecution grew into a global postwar network. The story highlights how Village neighborhoods provided crucial support and helped early waves of refugees find their footing.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free
Free
Discussion | A Hanukkah Celebration of Legacy and Latkes (Online!)
A program celebrating the release of Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing, featuring stories and family traditions from third- and fourth-generation owners. The event explores the legacy of the Lower East Side shop founded in 1907 and its place in New York food history.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Gallery Talk | Artist & Writer Discuss Futurism, Gender, and “Paintings Made for Aliens Above”
Join artist Hortensia Mi Kafchin and writer Cat Dawson for a conversation inspired by Dawson’s recent review of Paintings Made for Aliens Above. The duo will discuss themes present in Mi Kafchin’s work, including transhumanism, shifting cultural ideals around technology and gender, and visions for the future of humanity. Note: seating is first-come, first-served.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Poetry Reading | Multilingual Poetry Night: Quantum Age
Discover the concepts of Quantum Age Poetry and Quantum Poetics with this multilingual poetry event exploringinnovative poetic frameworks.
New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
Free
Free
Talk | Future of a Historic Landmark and Restoration Plans (Online!)
Learn about the preservation and upcoming restoration of a 260-year-old historic mansion. Mansion staff and representatives from the Historic House Trust will share insights into the ongoing restoration and offer a behind-the-scenes look at plans to safeguard the landmark for the future.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Book Discussion | Stories from New York’s Urban Birdlife (Online!)
Author Ryan Goldberg shares surprising facts, memorable characters, and behind-the-scenes stories from his new book Bird City: Adventures in New York’s Urban Wilds. Drawing on a year spent with birders, scientists, and the city’s diverse bird populations, he offers an inside look at NYC’s vibrant birding community across all five boroughs.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free
Free
Concert | New Sonic Landscapes: Organ Drones & Tuba Clouds
Experience an evening of immersive sound with composer and musician Ellen Arkbro, who performs selections from her recent albums and unveils the U.S. premieres of new works created for longtime collaborators. The program includes works for solo organ, voice, electronics, and a trio of tubas.
New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free
Free
Classical Music | Piano Works by Rachmaninoff, Richard Strauss, & More (In Person AND Online!)
Pianist Maxim Lando performs a series of pieces by composers from the Romantic era through today. Program: Jonah Cohen (b. 2004) Dissolve Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor, Op. 19 Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Violin and Piano Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 18 Lowell Liebermann (1961-) Three Dances from Frankenstein, Op. 140
New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Free
Join the Club!
Complimentary Tickets
to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)
Performance | Multi-Award Winners Give Insights into Careers of Iconic Artists
Regular Price: $80CFT Member Price: $0.00
Classical Music | Large Chorus Performs Gospel and More at a Landmark Venue
Regular Price: $40CFT Member Price: $0.00
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