What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays that is absolutely free? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Holiday cheer is officially in the air, and so is the temptation to overspend. But joy doesn’t have to cost a thing, Sis. Whether you’re running around shopping, hosting family and friends or just trying to make the season feel special, there are plenty of freebies to keep your spirits high.
We gathered 18 no-cost treats — from snacks and sips to music and movies — to help you embrace the wonders of the season without straining your wallet.
Free holiday planning kit
Enter the season with joy, cheer and…organization. Day Designer offers a free Holiday Planning Printable Kit with over 10 planning worksheets. You’ll find everything you need to navigate the season, including an Entertaining Checklist, Holiday Bucket List, Daily Planning Page and Holiday Menu Planner.
Free holiday recipes
Whether you’re looking to try something new or want creative ideas for your holiday leftovers, most supermarket chains, such as Albertsons, Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Shoprite, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegmans, Whole Foods and others have extensive online databases of seasonal recipes and holiday entertaining ideas. Some markets also have printed magazines or recipe sheets at customer service.
Free holiday decorating advice
Spruce up your home for the holidays with free help from a pro. Many furniture and home decor stores, such as Crate & Barrel, Ethan Allen, Pottery Barn, Raymour & Flanigan and West Elm, offer free design services, including online consultations, 3-D room planners and in-home visits.
Free cookies
December 4 is National Cookie Day; expect freebies and deals from national chains like Insomnia Cookies, Great American Cookies, Subway and more. Also, look out for giveaways from local bakeries, smaller cookie chains and delivery services.
Free donuts
December 12 is Krispy Kreme’s annual Day of the Dozens, when you can score a dozen delicious donuts for free with the purchase of another dozen. You don’t have to wait for the special day to enjoy the tasty treat, though; new Krispy Kreme Rewards members get a free donut with their first purchase.
Free drinks
New Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Loyalty Members receive a complimentary beverage at sign-up through January 6, 2026. Plus, enjoy in-store celebrations and giveaways, including free hot chocolate with any beverage purchase through December 12, 2025. Also, expect more deals towards the end of the year; convenience store chains Sheetz, Kent Kwik and QuikTrip typically run free coffee promotions between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Free breakfast
Fuel your holiday running around with a no-cost breakfast. Get a free bagel with cream cheese when you join the Manhattan Bagel eClub. Also, the Einstein Bros. Bagels rewards program offers new members a free bagel and shmear with purchase.
Free lunch
Enjoy a free Quarter Pounder with Cheese with a $1+ purchase when you download the McDonald’s app and join MyMcDonald’s Rewards. Plus, you can get free fries every Friday through December 31 when you make a minimum $1 purchase in the app.
Free holiday movies
If you love watching holiday films, check out AARP’s Movies for Grownups for some favorites. Also, catch seasonal shows and movies on Tubi or with streaming services, Kanopy and Hoopla (available through your local library).
Free holiday music
Curate your tunes for the season with holiday playlists and stations from iHeartRadio, Pandora and Spotify. You’ll mind whatever genre you’re in the mood for, including gospel, pop, R&B, jazz and more. Also, check out Sisters’ free playlists for more seasonal hits.
Free craft workshops
Get crafty this holiday season with free workshops, classes and project ideas from Michaels, Hobby Lobby and Home Depot. You’ll find timely tutorials like DIY Kwanzaa Kinara with Hand-Painted Candles, Faux Gingerbread House, Holiday Table Settings and more.
Free gift cards with purchase
Maximize your gift-giving and dining-out budgets with gift card promotions from restaurants and retailers throughout the season. Most deals end on December 31 or in early January — and you’ll have to use the bonus gift cards within a specific timeframe — so make sure to read each deal’s fine print before purchasing.
A few promos include:
● Applebee’s: Get a $10 bonus gift card when you buy $50 in gift cards.
● Chili’s: Get a $10 bonus gift card when you buy $50 in gift cards.
● Einstein Bros. Bagels: Get a $5 gift card with every $25 gift card purchase.
● Maggiano's Little Italy: Get a $20 gift card with a $100 gift card purchase.
● Noah’s NY Bagels: Get a $5 bonus card with every $25 gift card purchase.
● Panera: Get a $10 bonus card with every $50 in gift cards purchased.
● P.F. Chang's: Get a $20 reward when you purchase $100 or more in gift cards.
● Red Lobster: Get a bonus gift card for $5 off a $40 or more purchase when you buy $25 in gift cards.
● Regal Cinemas: Get a $10 concession bonus with every $50 gift card purchase.
● Sweet Frog: Get a $15 bonus eCard for every $50 in gift cards purchased online.
● TacoTime: Get $15 bonus eCard for every $50 in gift cards bought online.
● Texas Roadhouse: Get a $5 e-gift card when you purchase $30 in gift cards online.
● Wetzel's Pretzels: Get a $5 bonus eCard for every $25 in gift cards purchased online.
● White Castle: Get a $5 bonus gift card with every $25 gift card purchase.
Free skincare samples
Refresh your skincare routine this winter with complimentary product samples: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face & Body Sunscreen and Riversol 15-Day Anti-Aging Sample Kit. For even more beauty samples, browse freeflys.com
Free Santa visit
Take kids and grandkids to Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops. Each family gets a free 4x6 photo with Santa and a shareable video, but reservations are required. Visit on Mondays through Fridays until Christmas Eve for additional giveaways.
Free kids workshops
If you’re looking for activities for kids, head to JCPenney’s Kids Zone on the second Saturday of every month for free seasonal crafts. (You’ll also scoop up a 10% off coupon good that day.) Also, Lowe’s and Home Depot offer in-store workshops for children; make sure to register online in advance. And Michaels runs a free online Kids Club Winter Workshop from December 1 through December 12.
Free LEGO Magazine subscription
Add this to your giving list: a free subscription to LEGO Magazine, great for kids ages five to nine. They’ll receive five printed issues throughout the year, filled with activities, comics, posters and more.
Free concerts and performances
Enjoy the season’s best entertainment — for free. The Classical Theatre of Harlem, Juilliard and Lincoln Center offer free live-streamed or on-demand concerts, performances and lecture series. The Lincoln Center's David Rubenstein Atrium in New York City hosts free in-person events weekly. For local events, search online for “free events” with your city or town, browse Eventbrite for local activities and check your local library for seasonal events in your community.
Free park admission
Enjoy a visit to a national park — entrance is free on January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
What is your favorite way to celebrate the holidays that is absolutely free? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
