Attend These Cheap (or Free) Holiday Events This Year
Looking for something to do with the kids for the holidays but can’t afford breakfast with Santa or a ride on the Polar Express train? Or maybe you’re looking for something festive to do with friends or on a date, but Nutcracker tickets are out of your budget. Don’t worry, we’ll have your back.
Here are a few examples of free or low cost events taking place in communities across the country during the holiday season.
Free or cheap holiday events
Check the event listings in your community and surrounding areas for events such as these:
Tree lighting ceremonies in the city/town
While the lighting of the Rockefeller Center and National Christmas tree draws all the attention, small tree lighting ceremonies are held in cities and districts across the country. Your local government website should have details on how to get involved, but don’t wait to check: there are a lot of events going on this week.
Open doors holiday
Cultural institutions such as museums, local historical societies, and libraries often hold open house holidays, which are generally free and open to the public, even if admission is usually paid, and often includes free drinks.
Historic homes now operating as museums are a particularly good choice, as they often feature vintage holiday decorations. This is a great way to check out a place in your community that you’ve always wanted to visit.
Concerts, performances and screenings
There is generally no shortage of free or cheap holiday performances that you can attend in your community, including but not limited to choir concerts, Christmas performances, holiday movie screenings, and carol singing.
Driving around looking at the holiday lights
While this is not an “official” event, you can make it one. Get everyone in the car, put on your favorite holiday music and drive while looking at the lights . Technically, it’s not completely free because you still have to pay for gas, but at least you can enjoy the light without paying electricity bills.