If you want to have a bit of fun to close out the year, but all that holiday shopping is putting a strain on your wallet, don’t worry. There are plenty of awesome events happening around town in December that won’t cost you a penny. Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Boston this month.
Free things to do in Boston this month, December 2018
Old South Ringers Christmas Concert
Celebrate the holiday season with the Old South Church to kick off the month of December. Conductor Peter Coulombe will once again lead the church’s handbell choir for its free annual Christmas concert, which returns this weekend. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston, oldsouth.org
ICA Free Thursday Nights
Enjoy the beauty of the Institute of Contemporary Art without pay the price of admission every Thursday evening. Fans will have four chances to enjoy the free series in December, so make sure to add a trip to the museum to your calendar. Dec. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, icaboston.org
Santa Speedo Run 2018
Watch hundreds of scantily clad runners race through the streets of Boston when the annual Santa Speedo Run returns in December. While the event is free to watch from the sidelines, if your brave enough to face the cold in a speedo, you can register as participant for a $30 fee or start a fundraising team, with proceeds going to benefit the Play Ball! Foundation. Dec. 8, 1 p.m., Lir Tavern, 903 Boylston St., Boston, ssrunners.org
Kendall Square Holiday Ice Show
Back for its 13th year, the annual Holiday Ice Show will once again take over the Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square in Cambridge. World-class pros and international skaters will take to the ice to show off their moves. Visitors can also enjoy free admission all day long, while skate rentals will be available at their regular rates. Dec. 15, 2 p.m., Community Ice Skating, Kendall Square, 300 Athenaeum St., Cambridge, paddleboston.com
First Night 2019
End the year in style when Boston’s annual First Night festivities return on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the midnight fireworks show, the event will also feature live entertainment, ice sculpting, family-friendly activities and more. Dec. 31, noon-12:30 a.m., various locations, firstnightboston.org
