Kids

10 free things to do in Boston in November

From a day at the museum to examining antique books to wandering a winter wonderland, these events don't cost a thing.

The courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. David L. Ryan/Globe Staff

4 minutes to read

With the holiday season upon us, our schedules will soon become packed with events and our budget will be stretched. Before seasonal festivities get rolling, take advantage of your precious free time with a few free (as in, no charge) activities around Boston. Learn Brazilian martial arts, knit with fellow crafters, peruse antique reads, listen to music, and watch the splendor of the season light up the city, all without shelling out a dime. Ahead, check out 10 things to do in Boston for free this November.

1. 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 Ondrej Hornas on Nov. 1, Angela Kraft Cross on Nov. 8, Mark Dwyer on Nov. 15, and Rosalind Mohnsen on Nov. 22. While there’s no charge for admission, a donation of $10 is appreciated. (206 Clarendon St., Boston)

2. Bring your yarn and hooks to a book store

On Nov. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m., Trident Booksellers and Cafe hosts Hooks & Books, a cozy evening of creativity in its upstairs café. Bring your knitting, crocheting, weaving, or any other fiber craft project you’re working on and unwind with chit chat with fellow enthusiasts. New to the knitting world? Beginner-friendly kits are available for purchase, and you can order off the café’s full menu. (338 Newbury St., Boston)

3. Relax at the museum after Election Day

Feeling stressed after the election? Visitors can explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for free on Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the day after the election. The museum is hosting a free day for the community, writing in a press release, “This serves as a way for the museum to honor the civic leadership of its founder and offer a space for the community to seek solace, reflection, and connection during a stressful election season.” Advanced reservations are recommended, but a small number of tickets will be held for day-of visitors, according to the museum. (25 Evans Way, Boston)

4. Get in the holiday spirit at Snowport

The Seaport will again transform into a winter wonderland when Snowport 2024 opens for the season on Friday, No. 8. Admission is free and attractions include a 10-foot Mistletoe Archway and Winter Wish Wall. There is even complimentary iceless curling. Those looking for holiday gift ideas can stroll the Snowport Holiday Market, which offers more than 120 businesses. Snowport will remain open seven days a week through Dec. 29, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. (100 Seaport Blvd, Boston)

5. Let your inner book nerd roam free

Booklovers, gather ‘round. The 46th annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Hynes Convention Center offers a wide and diverse selection from 100-plus dealers from the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, and the U.K. The dealers exhibit and sell 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. 8) is a ticketed event, the weekend-long fair on Nov. 9 from noon to 7 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is free and open to the public. There are panel discussions and guest speakers on Saturday and Sunday. (900 Boylston St., Boston)

6. Be part of the LGBTQ+ conversation

Join the Jamaica Plain branch of the Boston Public Library on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. for “Sharing LGBTQ+ Stories & Perspectives: What’s Ahead for the Community?” — an hour of conversation and learning more about Boston’s LGBTQ+ community. Members of SpeakOUT Boston will share their personal stories, as they ask important questions such as how they are feeling post-election, and what are the important issues for the LGBTQ+ community? (30 South St., Jamaica Plain)

7. Unleash your inner athlete through dance

The dynamic Afro-Brazilian art form of capoeira combines dance, music, and martial arts for a fun workout that builds strength, flexibility, and confidence. You can get your feet wet in these energetic maneuvers with a free class in South Boston at Lili’s Latin Dance. After the free class, subsequent classes are $15. Registration is required. (423 W Broadway, Suite 202, Boston)

8. Cheer on our servicemen and women

The Boston Veterans parade is held Nov. 9 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 on Boylston Street and marches to the corner of Park and Tremont St. (Boston Common) to City Hall Plaza.

9. Get festive at holiday lightings

Trellises and trees will light up Boston in November, kicking off the holiday season. The 260-foot Columbus Park Trellis will be lit with 50,000 glowing blue and white lights (and 14 nearby trees will shine as well) on Nov. 24 in Columbus Park. Meanwhile, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace tree lighting will take place Nov. 26 with guest speakers, performances, and festive treats.

10. Enjoy indoor ice skating

When the outdoor weather is frightful but you still want to hit the ice, the Steriti Ice Rink is open to all. Grab your skates and head to the North End rink from November 29 until mid-March to enjoy free (but limited – it is only available a few hours per day) public skating. (561 Commercial St., Boston)

Be civil. Be kind.

Read our full community guidelines.