free things to do in New York City
Free events for Friday, 12/19/25
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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 19, 2025?

31 free events take place on Friday, December 19 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 19 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!

31 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Friday, December 19, 2025

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Mixed Nuts (1994): Christmas Black Comedy Film with Steve Martin
free events nyc Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum
free events nyc Live Menorah Lighting
free events nyc Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum
free events nyc Piano Works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, & More
free events nyc Seven in One Blow, or The Brave Little Kid: A Family Play Inspired by The Grimm's Fairy Tale!
        

Workshop | Morning Tai Chi


Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:30 am
Free

Museums | Friday at Pop Culture/Art Museum


Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, this museum examines the significant influence of posters on society and culture, and how they are adapted for modern use. As the first poster museum in the United States, it offers a space for inquiry for anyone interested in design, advertising, and public interventions, with the goal of enhancing design literacy among the general public. Works explore: mass communication and persuasion the intersection of art and commerce control of the public domain
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:00 am
Free

Workshop | Adult Zumba


Featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography. Work on your balance, coordination and range of motion.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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10:30 am
Free

Museums | Asian Art and Culture Museum


The museum features a diverse collection of artworks, including traditional and contemporary pieces from various Asian cultures. 2 pm: guided tour.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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11:00 am
Free

Fair | Holiday Pop-Up Shop Featuring Independent Artists, Apparel, and Books


This holiday pop-up shop brings together accessories, books, and media by independent artists and cultural organizations. Highlights include painted apparel by Scooter LaForge, photographic tees by Lola Flash, embroidered caps by Alex Wolkowicz, fabric-lined bags, and tees and books by Linda Simpson of Drag Explosion, My Comrade. The pop-up also features books, records, and merchandise from the Allen Ginsberg Foundation, ABC No Rio, Female Genius, and more, offering a festive opportunity to browse unique, artist-made gifts.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
Free

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

Film | Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018): Biographical Drama with Melissa McCarthy


When Lee Israel falls out of step with current tastes, she turns her art form to deception. Director: Marielle Heller Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant Melissa McCarthy is an American actress, screenwriter, and producer. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, and nominations for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. McCarthy was named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016, and she has been featured multiple times in annual rankings of the highest-paid actresses in the world. In 2020, The New York Times ranked her #22 in its list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. Short film discussion to follow.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Film | Indignation (2016): Period Drama with Logan Lerman


A young Jewish atheist attends college in 1951 Ohio, where he clashes with the school's established social order and his overbearing parents' hopes for his future. At the same time, he falls for an attractive, complicated classmate named Olivia. Director: James Schamus Cast: Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, Tracy Letts, Linda Emond, Danny Burstein Logan Lerman is an actor who began working as a child, gaining recognition for playing the title character in the first two films of the Percy Jackson film series (2010–2013) and d'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers (2011), as well as for starring in the coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012). 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Film | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024): Christmas Comedy-Drama


The Herdmans are six siblings who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world. However, when they take over the local church pageant during the holidays, they just might teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Director: Dallas Jenkins Cast: Jon Erwin, Andrew Erwin, Darin McDaniel, Chet Thomas, Daryl Lefever
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Crafting Community: Work on Personal Projects & Make New Friends


Freeform crafting and conversation! Bring your own project or choose something from the collection to work on. The organizers have materials for sewing, knitting, crochet, coloring, and paper crafts. All programs are subject to change or cancellation.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:30 pm
Free

Film | Mixed Nuts (1994): Christmas Black Comedy Film with Steve Martin


A Steve Martin comedy about a counselor at a suicide-prevention hot line who learns his organization is facing eviction on Christmas Eve. The already strained workers face more woes as they deal with an array of characters. Director: Nora Ephron Cast: Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Robert Klein, Anthony LaPaglia, Juliette Lewis, Rob Reiner, Adam Sandler Steve Martin is an American actor, writer, comedian, and filmmaker. Throughout his career, he's won five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Honorary Academy Award, as well as nominations for two Tony Awards. He's also been awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. In 2004, Comedy Central ranked him as sixth in a lineup of the 100 greatest stand-up comics.
   New York City, NY; NYC
2:00 pm
Free

Jazz | Afternoon Jam Sesh (Play Music or Just Listen)


This jam session is open to all musicians. Come and play or just listen to some jazzy tunes.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Tour | Weekend Guided Museum Walk: Explore Art, History, and Collections


Join these guided tours every Friday and Saturday at 2 PM to explore a museum’s history, special collections, and landmarked spaces. Led by educators, the tours last 45–60 minutes and provide an engaging introduction to the artworks and archives on view.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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2:00 pm
Free

Gallery Talk | Tokens of Love in Medieval Europe


Explore the surprising objects once exchanged as expressions of affection in medieval European courts. Museum experts offer fresh perspectives on select works, sharing new research and little-known histories from within the collection. Participants are invited to engage closely with the objects and ask questions throughout this focused, insider-led session. Note: Space is limited; first-come, first-served.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Museums | A Night of Live Music, Drinks & 5,000 Years of Art


Enjoy a stylish evening of art, live music, and engaging talks every Friday and Saturday night. From 5-9 PM, sip on drink specials, sample light fare, and take in the museum's vast collection spanning millennia. Grab a friend, a partner, or come solo--this after-hours experience offers something for everyone.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Museums | American History and Artifact Collections


Enjoy a stroll through galleries of an extensive collection of American art, learn about the history of New York and the USA. Last admission is at 7 pm.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Pay-what-you-wish, reservation required

Museums | Friday Evening at the Art/History Museum


This museum is an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints inside a historic building. Registration opens 7 days in advance & does sell out.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Museums | Friday Night Function at an Iconic Art Museum


Enjoy art, drinks, special programming, music, city views, and more! Throughout the night, there will be a few "15-minute tours," highlighting different parts of the collection.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | French Horn Works by Richard Strauss, Mozart, & More (In Person AND Online!)


Andrew Arloro, French horn, performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical eras. Program: Richard Strauss (1864-1949) Concerto No. 2 for Horn and Orchestra in B-flat Major Franz Josef Strauss (1822-1905) Introduction, Theme and Variations Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Concerto No. 2 for Horn and Orchestra in B-flat Major Maximilianus Andreas de Eucharistia er Rosario Il Dolore e la Rassicurazione Anonymous Salve Regina
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Museums | Friday Evening at the Famous Art Museum


This special, all-ages evening celebrates the art and the city. Explore in the galleries, get creative with drop-in drawing sessions, and see a film in the theaters. Museum stores and cafe will be open, too, so you can grab a bite, get drinks, or shop for unique design objects. Free for New York State residents but must be reserved in advance (up to two adults), and are subject to availability and proof of residency. Tickets are released one week in advance.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free

Festival | Live Menorah Lighting


Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a live Menorah lighting.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free

Poetry Reading | Poetry Open Mic: Share Your Work or Listen to Emerging Writers


Participants can share their original work for up to five minutes. Space is limited to 15 readers; show up on time to get a slot!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Workshop | Dance Fitness: Full-Body Cardio Workout


Get your heart pumping with Dance Fitness, a fun and creative workout that blends dance and aerobics. Set to upbeat music with easy-to-follow steps, this class delivers a full-body cardio session while keeping the energy high and the experience enjoyable for all fitness levels.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:45 pm
Free

Classical Music | Piano Works by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, & More


Pianists Jesse Hubbs and Sunny Li perform four pieces by Romantic and Modern Russian composers. Program: Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Selections from 24 Preludes, Op. 11 Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) Fantasie in B Minor, Op. 28 Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty Suite, Op. 66a (arr. Rachmaninoff)
   New York City, NY; NYC
6:00 pm
Free

Play | Seven in One Blow, or The Brave Little Kid: A Family Play Inspired by The Grimm's Fairy Tale!


" ...(a) genuinely sweet, heart-warming, heart-filling hour of theatre." - NYTheatre.com "...what could be better than a play that asks you to shout? Well, one that asks you to sing..." - The New York Times Adapted from the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, The Brave Little Tailor. Seven In One Blow, or The Brave Little Kid tells the story of a child living in the city who kills seven flies with a single swat and makes a belt emblazoned with "SEVEN IN ONE BLOW" to commemorate the event. As he is traveling about, most people think his belt refers to seven people and assign the Kid all kinds of difficult tasks based on this faulty presumption. Along the way a few interesting things are learned: an Ogre finds that you don't always have to show how strong you are... sometimes it's okay just to be quiet about it; a girl realizes that when you tease people you are hurting someone who may be just like you; and a scary monster understands that because she is loved, she may not be so scary after all. In the end, the Kid ultimately discovers that a parent's love and care has no bounds..
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
$5, ticket required

Talk | Church, Crown & Power Struggles in Twelfth-Century England (In Person AND Online!) 


This talk examines the political and religious conflicts of England's twelfth-century "Anarchy," focusing on the shifting relationships between monarchy, church authority, and individual power. The discussion draws on the career of Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, to explore how bishops navigated competing worldly and spiritual roles.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Friday Evening Gentle Yoga (Online!)


Start your weekend with a 60-minute gentle yoga class designed to improve flexibility, release tension, and energize the body. Perfect for all levels, this low-impact practice offers a relaxing yet invigorating way to transition into your weekend.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Singer-Songwriter Sarah Lola Takes the Stage


Sarah Lola is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer whose music weaves classical training, jazz influence, and contemporary storytelling into an intimate, modern sound; one that she'll bring to the stage. Her recent single, “I’ll Wonder When,” has resonated widely online, offering a glimpse into her signature blend of emotional clarity and melodic sensitivity. Performing primarily at the piano, Sarah delivers personal and deeply felt songs that explore love, longing, and vulnerability—always through a warm, hopeful lens.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Prize-Winning Violinist Performs Works by J.S. Bach & More (In Person AND Online!)


Coco Lu Mi, violin, performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical periods. Program: Coco Mi & Scott Li improvisation on "Butterfly in Snow" J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 Jörg Widmann (1873-) Cavatina (Beethoven- Studie V, String Quartet No. 10) Galina Ustvolskaya (1919-2006) Trio for Clarinet, Violin, and Piano Yiguo Yan The Cicadas Ascending Violin Sonata
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Open Mic | Share Your Poetry & Listen to Others


Sign ups start from 7:30PM. 5-minute time slots. All performers welcome! Hosted by Ed Lin
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Violin Works by Beethoven & More (In Person AND Online!)


Ensley Kim, violin, performs a series of pieces by composers from various musical periods. Program: Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor, Op. 30 No. 2 Young Jo Lee (1943-) Honza Nori Edward Elgar (1857-1934) Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
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Complimentary Tickets

to shows, concerts ... (CFT Deals!)

Performance | Multi-Award Winners Give Insights into Careers of Iconic Artists

Regular Price: $80
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Large Chorus Performs Gospel and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Play | "Crowd-Pleasing" Shakespeare Comedy

Regular Price: $40
CFT Member Price: $0.00