If your goals for 2026 involve becoming more budget-conscious, there are certainly still ways to ring in the new year without breaking the bank. Celebrate what’s to come while honoring the past with a historically inspired Handel and Haydn Society concert and a flag-raising ceremony that traces back to the 18th century. From an ice skating show in the country’s oldest public park to an open game of old-fashioned dodgeball, here are some no-cost ways to time-travel into 2026 for the week of Dec. 29-Jan. 4.
SOUNDS OF HISTORY In 1863, members of the Handel and Haydn Society performed at the bygone Boston Music Hall to celebrate the then-newly enacted Emancipation Proclamation. Over a century and a half later, H+H commemorates that historic performance with their Emancipation Proclamation Concert. The hourlong program is for both listening and learning: The H+H Orchestra and Chorus perform revolutionary compositions and spirituals born out of slavery, Massachusetts poet laureate Regie Gibson delivers a spoken-word performance, and Museum of African American History president Dr. Noelle Trent provides context about abolitionism in Boston. Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St. handelandhaydn.org
UNCOMMON SKILL Most people have fun just slipping and sliding in the Boston Common’s Frog Pond, which turns into a skating rink once it freezes over during the winter months. On New Year’s Eve, you can watch professionals on ice at the Skating Spectacular, an annual New Year’s Eve figure skating showcase, at 3 and 5 p.m. Each block highlights a variety of performances from soloists and groups from the Skating Club of Boston, including their youth, synchronized skating, and theater on ice groups. Dec. 31, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Boston Common, 139 Tremont St. bostonfrogpond.com
’WORKS ON THE WATERFRONT For many, 2025 was a long year, and you might want a real spectacle to cap things off: At midnight on New Year’s Day, you can catch a fireworks show pop off above the Boston Harbor. Attendees are recommended to watch the display from the Fan Pier Park in Seaport, the Christopher Columbus Park in the North End, or from the parks on East Boston’s waterfront. Jan. 1, midnight. Boston Harbor between East Boston and North End. bostonharbornow.org
FLAG RAISING On Jan. 1, 1776, George Washington raised the Union Flag on Prospect Hill in Somerville, to symbolize the first New Year in the colonies, then fighting for independence. To commemorate this, Somerville and the Somerville Museum host their annual first flag-raising ceremony, beginning with a short march from City Hall to Prospect Hill at 11:30 a.m. led by a George Washington impersonator on horseback. From noon to 1 p.m., there will be live readings of stories, poems, and texts to reflect on 250 years of the country’s history, followed by the flag raising. Complimentary hot drinks, including tea and cocoa, will be available. Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Prospect Hill Park, Munroe St., Somerville. somervillemuseum.org
GYMNASIUM GAMES There are some games you might never expect to play after graduating high school, but there are still opportunities. On Sunday, the Boston Dodgeball League hosts an open gym, which allows everyone to partake in a few low-stakes rounds of friendly competition. Seasoned dodgeballers, people who haven’t played since phys ed, and complete newcomers are equally welcome for the event. Teams will be determined at the event. Jan. 4, 6-8 p.m. West Somerville Neighborhood School Gymnasium, 177 Powder House Blvd., Somerville. bostondodgeballleague.com
HARBOR ACCESS For the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, Boston Harbor offers free shuttle rides between docks by the Fan Pier Park in Seaport, the Lewis Mall Harbor Park in East Boston, and Lovejoy Wharf near North Station, to take guests between their various activities across the waterfront. See scheduled departure times on their website. Dec. 31, 1-5 p.m. Boston Harbor. bostonharbornow.org/nye
PROSECCO AND PARTY All guests get a free glass of prosecco at Bootleg Special, a fusion Southern restaurant in the South End, for their non-ticketed New Year’s Eve party. The restaurant offers bar and table seating, while opening the floor up for dancing to tunes from Chris Profenna, the Patriots’ resident game day DJ. All drinks and food must be purchased beyond the complimentary glass. Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. 21+. Bootleg Special, 400 Tremont St. instagram.com/bootlegspecial
Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.
Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.