free things to do in New York City
Free events for Thursday, 12/21/23
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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 21, 2023?

26 free events take place on Thursday, December 21 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 21 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!

26 free things to do in New York City (NYC) on Thursday, December 21, 2023

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Editor's Picks

free events nyc Medieval Liturgy and Christmas Carols for Voice, Organ, Harp, and More (In Person AND Online)
free events nyc Pilgrimage: A Singing Procession
free events nyc A Very Jewish Christmas: When Jesus Spoke Yiddish (online)
free events nyc Tchiakovsky's The Nutcracker Played on Multiple Pianos
More Editor's Picks for 12/21/23
        

Other | Luminaries: A Mesmerizing Display of Colorful Lanterns


Conceived by the LAB at Rockwell Group, Luminaries’ glowing canopy consists of 640 twinkling custom lanterns that change in color and intensity.View a special light show at the top of every hour from 8am to 10pm featuring one of following holiday songs: Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé Silver Bells by Tony Bennett Carol of the Bells by The Bird and The Bee Let It Snow by Pentatonix
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 am
Free

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

Tour | Tour of New York City Hall


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 a designated interior landmark as well.
   New York City, NY; NYC
10:00 am
Free

Film | Holiday Inn (1942) with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire


In this musical, Jim and Lila are members of a performing trio who plan to quit and run a country hotel. When Lila says she has fallen in love with the dancer in the act, Ted, Jim leaves town with a broken heart. After turning the inn into a holidays-only live entertainment venue, Jim winds up booking -- and falling for -- Linda. But when Ted shows up at the place after being dumped by Lila, he too sets his sights on beautiful Linda. Director: Mark Sandrich Cast: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds, Virginia Dale, Walter Abel Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, television producer, television and radio personality and businessman. The first multimedia star, he was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century worldwide. He was a leader in record sales, network radio ratings, and motion picture grosses from 1926 to 1977. He was one of the first global cultural icons. He made over 70 feature films and recorded more than 1,600 songs. Fred Astaire was an American dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and presenter. He is widely regarded as the "greatest popular-music dancer of all time." He received numerous accolades including an Honorary Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a BAFTA Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He was honored with the Film Society of Lincoln Center tribute in 1973, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978, and AFI Life Achievement Award in 1980. He was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Television Hall of Fame in 1989.
   New York City, NY; NYC
11:00 am
Free

Gallery Talk | Unnamed Figures: Black Presence and Absence in the Early American North: Exhibition Tour


A tour of the exhibition which offers a new window onto Black representation in a region that is often overlooked in narratives of early African American history.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:00 pm
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
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12:00 pm
$21.50...

Classical Music | Bach at Noon (In Person and Online)


Take a momentary respite from a busy day to enjoy a selection of organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach in an intimate venue.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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12:20 pm
Free

Workshop | 10 Things You Can Do to be a Better Photographer (online)


No matter where you are in your photography journey, there’s always room for growth and improvement. Russell Graves will show you some great ways to up your game and push your work forward in the new year.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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1:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Medieval Liturgy and Christmas Carols for Voice, Organ, Harp, and More (In Person AND Online)


Amber Evans, soprano and percussion; David Dickey, countertenor and winds; Clifton Massey, countertenor and medieval organ; Thomas McCargar, baritone and percussion; Niccolo Seligmann, vielle and multi-instrumentalist; Christopher Preston Thompson, Artistic Director, tenor, and medieval harp, perform medieval liturgy and Christmas carols.
   New York City, NY; NYC
1:15 pm
Free

Lesson | Learn to Play the Kalimba, a Traditional Instrument of the Shona People of Zimbabwe


Join kalimba master Kevin Nathaniel to learn all things kalimba and to turn the park into a tranquil music garden. Nathaniel will cover the history of kalimbas, playing styles and techniques, and approaches to learning the kalimba, as well as giving participants hands-on guidance with instruments. The event will culminate in a play-along concert with dozens of kalimbas and shakers filling the park. Kevin Nathaniel is an internationally celebrated kalimba and mbira player. He plays traditional music, 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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1:30 pm
Free

Book Discussion | Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WWII America (online)


Author Michael Benson, in conversation with American Jewish University's Samuel Rosenbaum, reveals the untold saga of Jewish mobsters combating the rise of Nazism in 1930s and 1940s America. Discover stories of mob-led resistance to the terrifying wave of American fascism. Explore Long Island's "Nazi Town, USA," Meyer Lansky's audacious Manhattan raid, Fritz Kuhn's sinister American Bund, Newark's street battles, and Hollywood's mob-driven war on Nazis.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Lesson | Harmonica Holiday Jam


Harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He, who was featured 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 and kids.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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3:00 pm
Free

Concert | Tilted Axes: The Longest Night


Tilted Axes: Music for Mobile Electric Guitars is an orchestra of guitarists and percussionists led by composer and performer Patrick Grant since its premiere on the winter solstice 2011. Flexible in number, the musicians perform original music untethered via portable mini-amps strapped over their shoulders. The project takes on aspects of spectacle informed by urban street band tradition, avant-garde theater, and ancient music. It takes music out into the world and seeks transformative situations meant to change the community conversation. Since its inception, the project has performed at music, film, and theater festivals in the USA, Europe, and Brazil.  
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:00 pm
Free

Park Walk | Gaits: A Soundwalk in the Park


“Gaits” is an immersive, site-specific music procession featuring commissioned compositions by Lainie Fefferman, Jascha Narveson and Cameron Britt in which the wonders of our everyday technology transform participants’ movements into musical Improvisations. Paraders use a free app that captures the GPS coordinates and velocities of their movements to trigger a variety of twinkling metallic sounds, electric guitar chords, dulcimer notes, water splashes, car horns and applause – empowering marchers to effortlessly make music while interacting with their environment and each other. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:30 pm
Free

Concert | Pilgrimage: A Singing Procession


Sing along this Winter! Led by conductor James John, artistic director of the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, headlamp-clad singers will walk a route along Riverside Park making stops at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and other landmarks to sing medieval melodies once sung on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Singers of all skill levels are invited to join, from beginners to early music specialists; everyone is welcome, so don't be shy! Dress warmly, in layers, and bring only what you can carry with you. Headlamps and music scores will be provided.
   New York City, NY; NYC
5:30 pm
Free

Concert | Bell by Bell: Winter Musicmaking


Bell by Bell is a fun Winter tradition designed to transform first time participants and non-musicians into musicmakers, and is the perfect program for kids and families. They will distribute to revelers color-coded bells that play different notes and give an introductory crash course in hand bell playing basics. Then, a team of conductors will wave matching color-coded flags, prompting you and your fellow participants to collectively contribute to commissioned hand bell compositions that intensify as the group learns to play together.  This season features the world premiere of a new hand bell score, Gradient by Nat Evans. Gradient is part of a series of pieces relating to coyotes —meditations on their adaptations and perseverance in natural settings, but in urban settings like New York too. Their inherent trickster nature mirrors the chaotic, nonlinear nature of our own consciousness - at times mundane, and at other times wild - and this piece shares elements of both sides of that coin. 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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5:45 pm
Free

Opening Reception | Exposure 4: Group Exhibition


Artists: Marcy BernsteinoRobert BunkinoAliza DrilleroSung GrossoLeigh JeromeoFrancine PerlmanoAlan Reddick oJenny Tango
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Workshop | Caribbean Dance Fitness


A fun and exciting workout that uses easy to follow dance steps to maintain cardiovascular health. This class is created for all levels and you do not need any prior dance experience to participate. Instructor: Donnette McFarlane
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Medieval Music for Voice, Harp, and More


Concordian Dawn (Amber Evans, Soprano; David Dickey, Countertenor and recorder; Clifton Massey, Countertenor; Niccolo Seligmann, Vielle; Christopher Preston Thompson, Director, tenor and medieval harp) performs selections from Medieval Song, Aristotle to Opera.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
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. Enjoy free hot beverages from The Alchemists Kitchen, music, and more. BYOBells!
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:00 pm
Free

Discussion | An Interview with Actor Peter Riegert


Peter Riegert is best known for his roles in Animal House (1978), Local Hero (1983), Crossing Delancey (1988) and The Mask (1994). He directed the short film By Courier (2000), for which he was nominated along with producer Ericka Frederick for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.   He will be interviewed for Randy Cohen's podcast Person Place Thing, a show based on the idea that people are especially engaging when they speak, not directly about themselves, but something they care about. There will also be music by Hubby Jenkins, a talented multi-instrumentalist who endeavors to share his love and knowledge of old-time American music.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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6:30 pm
$10 suggested donation...

Lecture | A Very Jewish Christmas: When Jesus Spoke Yiddish (online)


It is a curious fact that among the first Yiddish books ever printed was a translation of the New Testament, which appeared in 1540, only 18 years after Luther's famous translation (which it shamelessly cribbed). In the centuries that followed, another dozen or so missionary translations directed to Yiddish-speaking Jews followed. This talk will explore a dramatic change in the character of these translations in the twentieth century, when new conceptions of the Yiddish language, new cosmopolitanism in Yiddish culture, and new understandings of Jewish-Christian conversion converged to create new translation styles that aimed to express Jesus's Jewishness through a rich and haymish Yiddish. Speaker Naomi Seidman is the Jackman Humanities Professor at the University of Toronto, in the Department for the Study of Religion and the Centre for Diaspora and Transnational Studies.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Concert | Christmas Carol Service


Joyous carols, seasonal readings, and festive cheer.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:00 pm
Free

Classical Music | Tchiakovsky's The Nutcracker Played on Multiple Pianos


Celebrate the season with a very special version of Roomful of Pianos: "23 Mixed Nuts." The program will present an adapted version of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker Suite, to be performed simultaneously on multiple pianos (up to ten at a time!) The program will be led by conductor Zane Myers and the festivities will include a visit from the dynamic Duo Mundi and surprise guests.
   New York City, NY; NYC
7:00 pm
Free

Concert | DJ Hovy's Journey Into Sound


A native of Cali, Colombia now based in New York City, the DJ and producer Jose Gonzalez aka “Hovy” has blossomed into a prolific creator of new music, releasing five full-length albums since 2019. Hovy's house-forward shows draw from a number of Latin influences, with the flavors of cumbia, samba, salsa and Latin jazz deeply saturating his sets. His stylistic ease with house and techno borrows liberally from electronic traditions hailing from as far afield as Detroit to Ibiza. For his debut dance club performance, Hovy curates Journey Into Sound, an imaginative travelogue through all the audio adventures he's undertaken on the road.
   New York City, NY; NYC
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7:30 pm
Free

Comedy Club | Bomb Shelter Comedy Show


Bomb Shelter is a free weekly comedy show in New York City where you'll find some of the best comedians performing. Expect free pizza. With: Peter Revello - Comedy Central Joe Pontillo - Amazon Comedy Special\ Asif Lakhani - Laughing Skull Comedy Club Sam Lichtenstein - New York Comedy Club 
   New York City, NY; NYC
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8:00 pm
Free
Complimentary Tickets

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

Broadway | Broadway Show!

Regular Price: $101
CFT Member Price: $0.00

Classical Music | Piano Works by Chopin and More at a Landmark Venue

Regular Price: $50
CFT Member Price: $0.00
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