Looking for something to do around New York City? Here’s a list of upcoming free and cheap events.
Now that NYC is re-opening again, our NYC on the Cheap events calendar features both virtual and in-person events, including free museum admission.
After all, New York City is the greatest city on the planet, and there's something to do here every day.
Click each title to see more information about the event or deal. You can also view the whole month (click “By Month”) or see a specific date (click By Day).
We strive to be accurate, but venues and organizations sometimes change their plans and sometimes their prices without notifying us. And sometimes the weather forces cancellation of an outdoor event at the last minute.
So It's always smart to phone ahead or check the event's website or social media before heading out.
You can also submit your event or deal. Email us at [email protected] and we'll check it out.
We also invite you to subscribe to NYC on the Cheap. It's free to subscribe.
Subscribers get one email a day, Monday through Friday, and occasionally on Saturday.
Subscribers also get access to special subscriber-only deals and giveaways, including free tickets to shows, sample products and more.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)Wednesday, December 1, 2021 Gridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyWednesday, December 1, 2021 It's the most wonderful time of the year, when NYC glitters and sparkles more than normal, with holiday lights on giant trees in every borough, and festive store windows. Live lighting ceremonies are back, starting before ... Read More » ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Chanukah at Jane's Carousel 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Chanukah at Jane's CarouselWednesday, December 1, 2021 Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)DailyGridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » Central Park Floating Trees 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Central Park Floating TreesThursday, December 2, 2021 It's the most wonderful time of the year, when NYC glitters and sparkles more than normal, with holiday lights on giant trees in every borough, and festive store windows. Live lighting ceremonies are back, starting before ... Read More » ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Broadway Show Performances: Diana, Dear Evan Hansen, Girl From the North Country and TINA–The Tina Turner Musical 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Broadway Show Performances: Diana, Dear Evan Hansen, Girl From the North Country and TINA–The Tina Turner MusicalThursday, December 2, 2021 Head for The Shops at Hudson Yards and The Shops at Columbus Circle for FREE Broadway show performances through mid-December. Now that we have your attention: Cast members from more than a dozen Broadway shows are performing ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)DailyGridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » Burger King Whopper 37 Cents Throwback Price All Day Burger King Whopper 37 Cents Throwback PriceFriday, December 3, 2021 The Whopper is turning 64, and to celebrate the anniversary, Burger King is turning prices back to the original 37 cents. It's a whopper of a deal — literally - via the Burger King app or ... Read More » ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » World's Largest Menorah Lighting Ceremony 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm World's Largest Menorah Lighting CeremonyFriday, December 3, 2021 Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. It begins at ... Read More » | Burger King Whopper 37 Cents Throwback Price All Day Burger King Whopper 37 Cents Throwback PriceThe Whopper is turning 64, and to celebrate the anniversary, Burger King is turning prices back to the original 37 cents. It's a whopper of a deal — literally - via the Burger King app or ... Read More » Winter Solstice Celebration 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm Winter Solstice CelebrationSaturday, December 4, 2021 It's the most wonderful time of the year, when NYC glitters and sparkles more than normal, with holiday lights on giant trees in every borough, and festive store windows. Live lighting ceremonies are back, starting before ... Read More » ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Opration Slumber 6:00 pm to 8:00 am Opration SlumberSaturday, December 4, 2021 Sleep over on a real aircraft carrier berthed in the Hudson River. The popular Operation Slumber aboard Intrepid Sea, Air + Space Museum returns in 2021, with multiple dates in October, November and December. It is a ... Read More » |
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ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Hanukkah Hunt Family Gallery Program 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Hanukkah Hunt Family Gallery ProgramSunday, December 5, 2021 Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Cultural History of Hanukkah 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Cultural History of HanukkahSunday, December 5, 2021 Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Cultural History of Hanukkah (Museum of Jewish Heritage 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Cultural History of Hanukkah (Museum of Jewish HeritageSunday, December 5, 2021 Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » | Bryant Park Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Ice Skating Show 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm Bryant Park Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Ice Skating ShowMonday, December 6, 2021 Bryant Park’s annual Tree Lighting returns Monday, December 6, at 6pm. Once again, it will be a glittering show that includes performances by the Classical Theatre of Harlem Choir, and a stellar lineup of live skate ... Read More » ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbeine All Day ESN, Songs From the Kitchen – National Yiddish Theatre FolksbeineDailyCelebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, also known as Hanukkah – or Chanukkah. However you spell it, it's an eight-day celebration with an additional light added to a special Menorah (candelabra) each night. Put these events on ... Read More » Museum at Eldridge Street 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Museum at Eldridge StreetWeekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum)Weekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » | NYPL Business Center: Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm NYPL Business Center: Social Security Benefits for People with DisabilitiesTuesday, December 7, 2021 Times are tough and money is tight. That's why you should attend these FREE financial webinars in December, on subjects including retirement and avoiding holiday frauds, with experts from the Social Security Administration, Security and ... Read More » Kids Eat Free Night 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm Kids Eat Free NightTuesday, December 7, 2021 @ -Weekly on Tuesday Many national chains have a "kids eat free" deal, or discounts on select days of the week. Our list includes nearly two dozen, plus a hotel chain. Take advantage of these free meals to cut down ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Gridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » Washington Square Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Washington Square Tree Lighting CeremonyWednesday, December 8, 2021 It's the most wonderful time of the year, when NYC glitters and sparkles more than normal, with holiday lights on giant trees in every borough, and festive store windows. Live lighting ceremonies are back, starting before ... Read More » NYPL Business Center: Where Do I Go to Invest? 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm NYPL Business Center: Where Do I Go to Invest?Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Times are tough and money is tight. That's why you should attend these FREE financial webinars in December, on subjects including retirement and avoiding holiday frauds, with experts from the Social Security Administration, Security and ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)DailyGridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » NYPL Business Center: Mutual Funds & ETFs, What You Need to Know 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm NYPL Business Center: Mutual Funds & ETFs, What You Need to KnowThursday, December 9, 2021 Times are tough and money is tight. That's why you should attend these FREE financial webinars in December, on subjects including retirement and avoiding holiday frauds, with experts from the Social Security Administration, Security and ... Read More » Broadway Show Performances: Jagged Little Pill 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Broadway Show Performances: Jagged Little PillThursday, December 9, 2021 Head for The Shops at Hudson Yards and The Shops at Columbus Circle for FREE Broadway show performances through mid-December. Now that we have your attention: Cast members from more than a dozen Broadway shows are performing ... Read More » | SantaCon NYC 2021 10:00 am to 12:00 am SantaCon NYC 2021Saturday, December 11, 2021 SantaCon NYC returns this year to the streets and bars of NYC after a Pandemic Pause in 2020. The annual pub crawl generates funds for local charities, for toys and other gifts to the needy, along ... Read More » Rockaway Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Rockaway Beach Tree Lighting CeremonySaturday, December 11, 2021 It's the most wonderful time of the year, when NYC glitters and sparkles more than normal, with holiday lights on giant trees in every borough, and festive store windows. Live lighting ceremonies are back, starting before ... Read More » Opration Slumber 6:00 pm to 8:00 am Opration SlumberTuesday, December 7, 2021 @ -Weekly on Saturday Sleep over on a real aircraft carrier berthed in the Hudson River. The popular Operation Slumber aboard Intrepid Sea, Air + Space Museum returns in 2021, with multiple dates in October, November and December. It is a ... Read More » | |
McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Big Mac with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Big Mac with $1 purchaseMonday, December 13, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » Museum at Eldridge Street 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Museum at Eldridge StreetWeekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum)Weekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » Broadway Show Performances: Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge!, Girl From the North Country, and TINA–The Tina Turner Musical 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Broadway Show Performances: Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge!, Girl From the North Country, and TINA–The Tina Turner MusicalMonday, December 13, 2021 Head for The Shops at Hudson Yards and The Shops at Columbus Circle for FREE Broadway show performances through mid-December. Now that we have your attention: Cast members from more than a dozen Broadway shows are performing ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE McChicken Sandwich with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE McChicken Sandwich with $1 purchaseTuesday, December 14, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » NYPL Business Center: Jingle Sells - Being a Savvy Consumer Over the Holidays 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm NYPL Business Center: Jingle Sells - Being a Savvy Consumer Over the HolidaysTuesday, December 14, 2021 Times are tough and money is tight. That's why you should attend these FREE financial webinars in December, on subjects including retirement and avoiding holiday frauds, with experts from the Social Security Administration, Security and ... Read More » Kids Eat Free Night 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm Kids Eat Free NightTuesday, December 7, 2021 @ -Weekly on Tuesday Many national chains have a "kids eat free" deal, or discounts on select days of the week. Our list includes nearly two dozen, plus a hotel chain. Take advantage of these free meals to cut down ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)Wednesday, December 15, 2021 Gridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE bakery items with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE bakery items with $1 purchaseWednesday, December 15, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)DailyGridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - Chicken McNuggets (6 piece) with $1 purchaseThursday, December 16, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » Broadway Show Performances: Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge!, and Come From Away 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Broadway Show Performances: Mrs. Doubtfire, Moulin Rouge!, and Come From AwayThursday, December 16, 2021 Head for The Shops at Hudson Yards and The Shops at Columbus Circle for FREE Broadway show performances through mid-December. Now that we have your attention: Cast members from more than a dozen Broadway shows are performing ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)DailyGridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Cheeseburger with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Cheeseburger with $1 purchaseFriday, December 17, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Hotcakes with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Hotcakes with $1 purchaseSaturday, December 18, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | |
McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE McDouble with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE McDouble with $1 purchaseSunday, December 19, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » Pet Photos With Santa at PetSmart 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Pet Photos With Santa at PetSmartSunday, December 19, 2021 It doesn't matter whether your dog or cat has been naughty or nice this year, your furry friend still can get a FREE photo with Santa. You just have to sign up for it. It's a ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Apple Pie with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Apple Pie with $1 purchaseMonday, December 20, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » Museum at Eldridge Street 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Museum at Eldridge StreetWeekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum)Weekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Sausage McMuffin with Egg with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Sausage McMuffin with Egg with $1 purchaseTuesday, December 21, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » Kids Eat Free Night 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm Kids Eat Free NightTuesday, December 7, 2021 @ -Weekly on Tuesday Many national chains have a "kids eat free" deal, or discounts on select days of the week. Our list includes nearly two dozen, plus a hotel chain. Take advantage of these free meals to cut down ... Read More » | Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory) All Day Gridlock Alert Day (NYC Dept. of Transportation advisory)Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Gridlock Alert Days are the busiest traffic days of the year in Midtown, Midtown East and Downtown. Please walk, bike or take public transportation, whether you are traveling for work, going to a restaurant or to ... Read More » McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Double Cheeseburger with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Double Cheeseburger with $1 purchaseWednesday, December 22, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Sausage Biscuit with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - FREE Sausage Biscuit with $1 purchaseThursday, December 23, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - Chocolate Chip Cookies with $1 purchase All Day McDonald's 12 Days of Deals - Chocolate Chip Cookies with $1 purchaseFriday, December 24, 2021 McDonald's brings back its popular 12 Days of Deals in December with a different freebie each day, Dec. 13-24. This year's deals are in partnership with superstar Mariah Carey, and include her personal favorite, the Cheeseburger, ... Read More » | |
Museum at Eldridge Street 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Museum at Eldridge StreetWeekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm National September 11 Museum (9/11 Museum)Weekly on MondayEnjoy NYC on the cheap by taking advantage of FREE or pay-as-you-wish admission at museums, zoos, gardens and cultural institutions. We are lucky there are dozens of deals on different days and hours during the ... Read More » | Kids Eat Free Night 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm Kids Eat Free NightTuesday, December 7, 2021 @ -Weekly on Tuesday Many national chains have a "kids eat free" deal, or discounts on select days of the week. Our list includes nearly two dozen, plus a hotel chain. Take advantage of these free meals to cut down ... Read More » | New Year's Eve Ball Drop 6:00 pm to 12:01 am New Year's Eve Ball DropFriday, December 31, 2021 The biggest party on the planet is back, to welcome 2022 in Times Square with confetti, the world-famous Ball Drop, entertainment, silly hats, noisemakers and happy hugs. New this year is that revelers must show proof ... Read More » |
