10 Free Things to Do in Boston in November

Entertainment

From a day at the museum to studying vintage books to wandering through a winter wonderland, these activities don’t cost a thing.

With the holiday season upon us, our schedules are about to get busy and our budgets are going to get stretched. Before the seasonal holidays begin, take advantage of your precious free time by participating in a few free (like free) activities around the Boston area. Learn Brazilian martial arts, knit with other masters, browse vintage books, listen to music and watch the splendor of the season light up the city, all without spending a dime. Next, check out 10 free things to do in Boston this November.

Friday nights in November bring the powerful sounds of organ playing into the sanctuary of Boston’s Trinity Church. These weekly matinee concerts take place at 12:15 and feature performers from across the country and abroad, including Ondrej Hornas on November 1st, Angela Kraft Cross on November 8th, Mark Dwyer on November 15th and Rosalind Monsen on November 1st. November 22. There is no admission fee, but a $10 donation is appreciated. (206 Clarendon Street, Boston)

Trident Booksellers and Cafe will host Hooks & Books, an intimate evening of creativity in the upstairs café, on November 5th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Bring along your knitting, crocheting, weaving or whatever fiber project you’re working on and relax while chatting with other enthusiasts. New to the world of knitting? You can purchase starter kits, as well as order the full cafe menu. (338 Newbury Street, Boston)

Feeling stressed after the election? Visitors will be able to explore the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for free on November 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the day after the election. The museum is hosting a free day for the community, with a press release saying, “This will allow the museum to honor the civic leadership of its founder and offer the community a space to find solace, reflection and community during a busy election season.” Advance reservations are recommended, but a small number of tickets will be retained for day visitors, according to the museum. (25 Evans Way, Boston)

The Seaport will once again transform into a winter wonderland when Snowport’s 2024 season opens on Friday 8. Admission is free and attractions include a 10-foot mistletoe arch and the Winter Wishing Wall. There is even free curling without ice. Those looking for holiday gift ideas can stroll through the Snowport Holiday Market, which features more than 120 businesses. Snowport will be open seven days a week through Dec. 29, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas. (100 Seaport Blvd., Boston)

Book lovers, gather together. The 46th annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair at the Hines Convention Center offers a wide and varied selection from more than 100 dealers from the United States, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Dealers display and sell fine and rare antique books, manuscripts, children’s books, autographs, maps, atlases, modern first editions, photographs, fine and decorative engravings and much more. While the evening opening on Friday (November 8th) is a ticketed event, the weekend fair on November 9th from noon to 7pm and November 10th from 11am to 4pm is free and open to the public. There will be panel discussions and guest speakers on Saturday and Sunday. (900 Boylston Street, Boston)

Join the Boston Public Library’s Jamaica Plain branch on November 9th at 2:00 pm to learn how to share LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives: What’s next for the community? — an hour of conversation and getting to know Boston’s LGBTQ+ community. SpeakOUT Boston members will share their personal stories, asking important questions such as how are they feeling after the election and what are the important issues for the LGBTQ+ community? (30 South Street, Jamaica Plain)

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

The Boston Veterans Parade is held on November 9th from noon to 3:00 pm 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 and more begins at the Boston Public Library on Boylston Street and proceeds to the corner of Park and Tremont Streets (Boston Common) to City Hall Square.

Trellis and trees will light up Boston in November, ushering in the holiday season. 260 feet Columbus Park Trellis will be illuminated with 50,000 glowing blue and white lights (and 14 nearby trees will also glow) on November 24 in Columbus Park. Meanwhile, Tree lighting at Faneuil Hall will take place on November 26th with guest speakers, performances and holiday treats.

When the weather outside is terrible, but you still want to get on the ice, the Steriti skating rink is open to everyone. Grab your skates and head to the North End Ice Rink from November 29 through mid-March to enjoy free (but limited—it’s only available a few hours a day) public skating. (561 Commercial Street, Boston)