Need weekend plans?
The best events in the city, delivered to your inbox
10 free things to do in Boston in November
From a book fair to live music to festive tree lightings.
With the holiday season upon us, our schedules (and budgets) are about to be
stretched. Before the festivities get rolling, take advantage of your precious free time with a few free (as in, no charge) activities around Boston. Go for a run with fellow singles, peruse antique reads, listen to music, and watch the splendor of the season light up the city, all without shelling out a dime.
Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this November.
1. Continue the frightful festivities
Just because October has ended, it doesn’t mean you have to hang up all the
scary fun. Time Out Market Boston is hosting the spooky season’s final fete on
Nov. 1 from 9 p.m. through midnight, complete with wicked bites, a live DJ, tarot reading, temp tattoos, and drag — plus a contest for the best costume. (Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston)
2. Go to a block party
On Nov. 2, Jamaica Plain will host its last seasonal Open Streets in the heart of
the beloved neighborhood. Take a car-free stroll, listen to live music, shop from local vendors, as you enjoy this family-friendly, pedestrian-focused block party that runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the streets will be closed to cars starting at 9 a.m. and reopen at 4 p.m.). (Centre St from Lamartine St. to South St., Boston)
3. Check out period costumes of flowers
Experience flowers like never before as the world-famous Fleurs de Villes returns to Boston with “Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey” — a spectacular new fresh floral celebration inspired by the famed period drama. Taking over the Prudential Center Nov. 5-9, the installations are created by Boston’s talented floral artists and transport you to early 20th-century England for a glimpse of the aristocratic Crawley family and their devoted staff. The curated collection of one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins is inspired by the series’ unforgettable characters and iconic period fashion, from Lady Mary’s sophisticated beaded gowns and statement hats to the impeccably tailored uniforms of the household staff. (Prudential Center, Boston)
4. Hit the streets with The Lunge Club
Starting Nov. 5, this running club offers up a great way to meet face-to-face with new friends (and maybe partners — those who are single wear black). Co-
founders of the Boston chapter, Laura Zavrl and Philip Myers, host a three-mile run (or 1.5-mile hot walk) every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., beginning with a stretch and warmup followed by a 7 p.m. departure time. You’ll work up a thirst, but the après-beer meet up at a local pub (usually The Dubliner) takes care of it. (City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston)
5. Listen to an organ concert
Friday afternoons in November bring the powerful sounds of organ play to the
Trinity Church Boston’s sanctuary. These weekly midday concerts are held at
12:15 p.m. and feature programming by recitalists from across the country and abroad, including Angela Kraft Cross on Nov. 7, Anthony Hammond on Nov. 14, and Roger Sayer on Nov. 21. While there’s no charge for admission, they would invite a donation of $10. (206 Clarendon St., Boston)
6. Let your inner book nerd roam free
Booklovers, gather ‘round. The 47th annual Boston International Antiquarian
Book Fair offers a wide and diverse selection from 100-plus dealers from 22 U.S. states, Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Serbia, exhibiting and selling fine and rare antique books, manuscripts, children’s books, autographs, maps, atlases, modern first editions, photographs, fine and decorative prints, and more. While the Friday night opening (Nov. 7) is a $25 ticketed event, the weekend-long fair (held Nov. 8 from noon to 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is free and open to the public. There are panel discussions and guest speakers on both Saturday and Sunday. (Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston)
7. Cheer on our servicemen and women
The Boston Veterans parade is held Nov. 8 from noon to 3 p.m., and honors the
service and sacrifices of all who have served and those who continue to serve.
The parade of marching bands, veterans, active military folks, and more begin at the Boston Public Library located on Boylston Street and marches to the corner of Park and Tremont St. (Boston Common) to 1 City Hall Plaza. (Various locations in Boston)
8. Go ice skating at an indoor rink
When the outdoor weather is frightful but you still want to hit the ice, the Steriti Ice Rink is open to all starting in November. Grab your skates and head to the North End rink from Nov. 28 until April 12 to enjoy free public skating. (561 Commercial St., Boston)
9. Celebrate Christmas with tuba tunes
For the 52nd year, Downtown Crossing’s Millennium Tower Steps boom with
holiday excitement as tuba and euphonium players return to participate in
Boston’s take on the global 2025 TubaChristmas concert. Held on Nov. 29 at
12:30 p.m., the free concert puts the holiday spotlight on festively dressed local musicians, accompanied by their decorated instruments, as they play the best of the season. (1 Franklin St., Boston)
10. Get festive with holiday tree lightings
From the Columbus Park Trellis with its 50,000 glowing blue and white lights
along the 260 foot trellis and 14 nearby trees to the 7,000 twinkling lights on the special Boston Common Holiday Tree gifted to the city by Nova Scotia to Macy’s tree and Christmas window unveilings, there are several tree lighting ceremonies around Boston to help you kick off the holiday season. Most are held the last week of November, with schedules to come as the season approaches. Of note during the month is the lighting of the Trellis on Nov. 24 and the ship at Martin’s Park on Nov. 29.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address