The holiday spirit is upon us, but so is the pressure to spend. Fret not, there are several cost-conscious, merry-making activities and events throughout the city. This week includes two seasonal symphonic evenings, opportunities for hands-on artistic expressions, and a winter workout that hits the pavement — while on two wheels. Here are some no-cost events and ways to save across Greater Boston and beyond for the week of Dec. 8-14.

YULETIDE TUNES The New England Conservatory presents a family-friendly concert of Christmas classics, performed by the NEC’s Chamber Singers and Symphonic Winds groups, alongside the Rhode Island-based Navy Band Northeast. The program includes recognizable classics like “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Winter Wonderland.” Attendees are encouraged to test their caroling know-how during the concert’s sing-along segment, so it’s time to brush up on favorites like “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Silent Night.” Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. RSVP required. Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St. necmusic.edu

DOODLES AT THE GALLERY The Institute of Contemporary Art’s Neighborhood Night offers free admission to all guests starting at 5 p.m. Throughout the evening, attendees can join two drop-in drawing workshops — one model, one portrait. At 7 p.m., join a guided gallery tour of Zimbabwean artist Portia Zvavahera’s exhibition, or visit the museum’s on-display exhibitions at any time. Dec. 11, 5-9 p.m. Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive. icaboston.org

GAMES AND GINGERBREAD Get a little competitive — in a cheery, spirited way, of course — at BAMS Fest’s holiday game night, featuring a wide variety of board and tabletop games available throughout the Roundhead Brewing taproom. In addition to Jenga, Uno, and checkers, attendees can find a gingerbread house-making station with building materials provided while supplies last. DJ Kitz will play tunes throughout the night. Dec. 12, 7-11 p.m. Roundhead Brewing Company, 1 Westinghouse Plaza. bamsfest.org

YOUTH MUSIC The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert of holiday hits. The showcase features a string and wind ensemble made up of students from the BYSO’s Intensive Concert Program, which provides opportunities to young Bostonians from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in classical music. Dec. 13, 5 p.m. Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave. www.bysoweb.org/events

BIKE THE HALLS If you’ve ever wanted to fly through the skies on Santa’s sleigh, the annual Jingle Ride is maybe as close as you can get: The 18.5-mile bike ride, which traverses from Arlington to Boston and back, meets up at the Kickstand Café and takes off at 11 a.m. Riders are encouraged to dress up in Santa hats, antlers, or other festive fashion. Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Starts at Kickstand Café, 594 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington. ciclismoclassico.com

SWEEP-STEAKS The Aeronaut Brewing Company will host a Holiday Meat Raffle for cuts of meat from Savenor’s, a Cambridge butcher shop. Attendees get one raffle ticket for walking in, and are given a ticket for each donation of an unexpired, nonperishable food item, for up to five extra tickets. There are five baskets to win, each with vacuum-sealed cuts of meat (or pantry items, for the meatless prize). Dec. 13, 5-7 p.m. Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St., Somerville. aeronautbrewing.com

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.

The discovery of an endangered whale sighted off the coast of Boston gave researchers an incredibly unique “tail” to tell.

Observers from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) Right Whale Ecology Program spotted a North Atlantic right whale off Boston’s coast Nov. 19 while conducting an aerial survey, according to a CCS press release. What made this already rare sighting extraordinary was that the whale apparently traveled 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to get there.

“The first sighting of the year is always exciting, but we didn’t yet realize just how remarkable this one would turn out to be,” CCS researcher Ryan Schosberg said in the release.

Noting unique scarring on the right side of the whale’s head, researchers in the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life matched it to a whale that had been seen near Donegal Bay, Ireland, in July 2024, as reported by the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group.

“While the photos from the 2024 Ireland sighting showed some unique features, we were unsure the quality of the photos would be sufficient to identify the whale in the future,” said Lindsey Jones, a scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center. “After a flurry of matching effort and emails, we were excited to discover the first ever photo-ID match between Ireland and the U.S. East Coast.”

Though right whales have been seen traveling from the western Atlantic to the eastern Atlantic and back, the CCS said this appears to be the first documented case of a whale initially traveling east to west. This discovery has led researchers to believe that right whale habitats on the western side of the North Atlantic may still be suitable, according to the press release.

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with an estimated population of 384, according to the CCS. While sightings of whales from European waters happen every few years, these events are rarely photographed well enough to be compared to the New England Aquarium’s catalogued record.

“Securing any international photo ID matches of large whales requires a lot of effort and a fair bit of luck,” said Pádraig Whooley, sightings officer at the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group. “When these matches are made across ocean basins, you need to get even luckier. So, we had zero expectation of matching this solitary right whale from Donegal Bay in July 2024, the first validated Irish record with photographic evidence in over a century.”

Researchers investigated further and found catalog data showing that six more right whales first photographed along the North American coast have appeared in European waters, according to the CCS. Dr. Daniel Palacios, director of the Right Whale Ecology Program, said that the discovery shows how right whales have endured despite their endangered status.

“Seeing a whale photographed in Ireland reappear off Boston is extraordinary,” Palacios said. “Encounters like this highlight both their resilience and the importance of international cooperation to support their recovery.”

The rest of the world may be a wee bit jealous, because – based on his upcoming appearances – Santa absolutely loves the Bay State.

From cozy Back Bay parlors to Cape Cod seashore backdrops, the Big Guy (and the Mrs. most times) – will hop across Massachusetts until he returns to the North Pole for his Big Night. Consider these day trips/visits.

Santa in the Hub: Like all of us, Santa loves a true Back Bay vibe, which is why he not only has his own brownstone to kick off his boots in; he invites us all to visit him in his own city-based open house.

“Santa In the City,” takes  place Dec.13 and Dec. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. in the brownstone directly across from Sweetgreen in Hynes Place. Stop by and be welcomed into the brownstone with classic Back Bay decor, holiday decorations (but of course), and Santa himself. Santa is happy to review wish lists, discuss gift choices and pose for photos. Santa will have his personal photographer there as well to capture your visit.

There ‘s bonus fun too: Right across the road at the Pru you’ll find Treehouse Brewing’s Winter Garden, as well as an immersive winter light show. (https://www.prudentialcenter.com/experiences/events/santa-in-the-city-2/)

Santa shares his posh holiday escape: You can’t blame Santa for needing some posh TLC pre-game so it’s no surprise he finds time to stay a night or two at The Dagny Boston (https://www.thedagnyboston.com/). Their holiday “Gilded Suite” is available to him – and to you – all holiday season.

The limited-time decor immerses you in holiday ambiance, with twinkling garlands and more. You’ll be greeted by Santa’s favorite scent – fresh baked cookies (from the Tradesman Coffee Shop). The lights of Boston via the impressive view out your window add the perfect touch.

Even better: if you book now, Santa promises to find time for a private visit in your suite. He’s not only bringing his love of all things Christmas, he’ll also come with stories to share, a smile for photos and Boston-themed gifts.

No time to stay over? No worries: Santa will appear in the hotel’s beautifully decorated lobby Dec. 18-22 where you can take your own photos or grab the hotel’s classic Polaroid to capture one. Times vary each day and can be found on the hotel website.

Santa likes grown-up holiday fun too : Which is why he applauds Cambridge’s Kimpton Marlowe (https://www.hotelmarlowe.com/) and its annual “Miracle” pop up bar.

In its eighth season, the pop up bar surrounds you in holiday cheer with lighted garlands, a crackling fire and festive decor.

And then there are the adult holiday cocktails, with names like Dancing Sugar Plums, Candy Cane Lane, Cherry Cherry Chocosaurus, Blitzen Barrel, Miracle Mouse and Coconut Hot Chocolate. Their  “Nice and Naughty” shots are back too. Santa knows we don’t all imbibe though, so they’ve introduced new non-alcoholic options like  the Snow Day Sipper, Silent Night and Mellow Mouse.

You’ll sip on season-themed cocktails served in cool glassware shaped like Santa’s head, a “Santa-saur” and a holiday unicorn. You can purchase the limited edition glassware for holiday gifts

Santa near the sand: As any Bay State lover knows, Santa understands a good escape to the Cape is always in order. That’s why you’ll find him at the Pelham House (https://www.pelhamhouseresort.com/) the beautiful resort set right on the beach in Dennisport. There, on Dec. 21, he’ll be up close and personal at his annual brunch.

Brunch takes place at the resort’s Rooftop Restaurant. While you’ll feel like you’re outside thanks to the floor to ceiling windows taking in the expansive seaside view, you’ll be snug since it is enclosed and heated in the winter,

Santa will be on hand to mingle, take gift requests, pose for photos and just plain celebrate with you. Reservations via the website are required.