ICE, ICE, BABY On New Year’s Eve, the Boston waterfront will be lined with 40 ice sculptures in various locations including Seaport, Canalside in Cambridge, Piers Park, and many more. Sculptures will be up until they melt, but don’t wait; they usually only last the day. The Rose Kennedy Greenway will also offer free carousel rides and live ice-carving demos as part of the celebration. Plus, at 11:59 p.m., ring in 2025 with fireworks from the waterfront. Dec. 31. Free. Various Locations. bostonharbornow.org/nye
While gearing up to ring in 2025, your wallet may still be light after all that holiday cheer. But fret not, there’s plenty to do around here that won’t break the bank. From New Year’s Eve events like an ice sculpture stroll and a party at Time Out Market, to a meditation class later this week to get you recentered and ready for 2025, we’ve got you covered in this week’s Boston at a Bargain.
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CELEBRATE For its 11th year, the Handel and Haydn Society and the Museum of African American History are coming together for a free concert celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation. H+H musicians and national poetry slam champion Regie Gibson will take the stage, along with CEO and President of the Museum of African American History Dr. Noelle Trent who will present context and education for the historic event. Dec. 31, 1-2 p.m. Free. Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon St. handelandhaydn.org
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Last year’s Emancipation concert through the Handel and Haydn Society. Handel and Haydn Society
THE JACKPOT QUESTION This year, Time Out Market’s New Year’s Eve bash is free to attend. The party — aptly themed as a “Glow Up” — will feature music from DJ Cammy V, a photo booth, an aura photographer, and UV body paint. Plus, a champagne toast at midnight for the 21+ crowd. Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free. Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr. timeout.com
HISTORY IS HAPPENING Each year, the City of Somerville hosts a reenactment of when George Washington ordered an American flag to be raised on Prospect Hill during the Siege of Boston on Jan. 1, 1776. During the presentation, military and militia groups will speak about the history of the event, alongside remarks from city officials and Somerville mayor Katjana Ballantyne. Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville. somervillema.gov
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Last year’s reenactment on Prospect Hill. Jeanine Farley
OLD SPORTS At Trident Booksellers and Cafe, get transported to the roaring 20s with a screening of “The Great Gatsby.” The 2012 film, based on the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald classic of the same name, tells the story of Nick Carraway, a World War I veteran from the midwest who just touched down in Long Island, and his interactions with millionaire Jay Gatsby, who is set on reuniting with his ex-lover, Daisy. The film will screen in the upstairs with subtitles. Jan. 2, 7-9 p.m. Free. Trident Booksellers and Cafe, 338 Newbury St. tridentbookscafe.com
JUST BREATHE If you’re interested in learning about the practice of meditation, Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston hosts a free class on the first Sunday of every month. One of the Center’s teachers will lead participants through an overview, guided meditation and discussion, and provide recommendations for continued practice. Advanced registration is not required. Jan. 5, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Free. Shambhala Meditation Center of Boston, 646 Brookline Ave., Brookline. boston.shambhala.org
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LAUGH IT OFF At Goofs Comedy Club, pre-purchased “early bird” tickets are first come, first served at a discount — $16 instead of the usual $25. On Jan. 3, Boston-based standup comic Emily Ruskowski will take the stage with jokes informed by her day job as a social worker. At the show, take advantage of the club’s special $4 drink menu. Jan. 3, 8-9:30 p.m. $16. Goofs Comedy Club, 432 McGrath Highway, Somerville. goofscomedy.com
Emily Wyrwa can be reached at emily.wyrwa@globe.com. Follow her @emilywyrwa.