San Diego will never be mistaken for a “Winter Wonderland,” but that doesn’t mean we’re short on good tidings. Here are 10 activities to inspire the wearing of Santa hats and random outbursts of holiday cheer--and the best part is, not one of them costs a dime:

Bring a blanket, a date or the whole family to the outdoor Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. Free concerts featuring the music of the season take place each Sunday starting at 2 p.m. Renowned organist Carol Williams teams up with the San Diego Children’s Choir on December 6. On December 20, Williams leads a classic holiday sing-along.

Balboa Park December Nights, the biggest free festival in San Diego, takes place December 4 from 5–10 p.m., and December 5 from noon–10 p.m. The celebration includes delicious food from the around the globe, light displays, carolers, children’s rides, live theatrical performances and admission to participating museums. Don’t miss the “Whoville” decorations outside The Old Globe theatre, on display through December 27 to coincide with the theatre’s annual holiday production of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

The 52^nd annual La Jolla Christmas Parade rides through downtown La Jolla on December 6 at 2 p.m. and includes floats, marching bands, equestrians, vintage automobiles and antique aircraft flyovers. Make a day of it by showing up early for the kids’ zone, which opens at 11 a.m., and an appearance by the Grinch at 1 p.m. The La Jolla Holiday Festival follows the parade until 5 p.m. and the Grinch will be available for photos at the Recreation Center. The event caps off with a Christmas tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.

Catch some live blues, rock and R&B at one or all 10 featured venues during Blue Christmas in the Gaslamp Quarter on December 10. Among the performances: Lady Dottie and the Diamonds at Hard Rock Café, Fuzzy & The Bluesmen at Croce’s, and David Patron at Westfield Horton Plaza’s Broadway Circle. Some venues, including The Bitter End and Dick’s Last Resort feature up to three artists.

The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights floats through Mission Bay on December 12 beginning at 7 p.m. Witness over 100 vessels outfitted in their best holiday lights along with a fireworks display following the parade at 9 p.m.

Join professional actors in period costumes as they reenact the historical biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter for the Christ child. The candlelit procession begins at 4:30 p.m. as players go from inn to inn asking for symbolic lodging. The family-friendly evening also features arts and crafts, roving carolers, 1850s-era dancers and bonfires. Several piñata breaking parties will follow the Las Posadas procession.

On December 13, and again on December 20, San Diego Bay lights up as over 100 watercraft show off their holiday spirit during the 38th Annual Port of San Diego Parade of Lights. A fireworks display kicks off the festivities at 5:30 p.m. at Shelter Island. The parade ends about an hour and a half later at the Coronado Ferry Landing. The best views, either outside or inside at a warm bayside restaurant, are along Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado’s Ferry Landing.

Both owners and their pets are invited to don their holiday finest and participate in the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. The promenading begins at 3 p.m. on December 13 at Hilton Park, adjacent to Fourth Avenue and K Street. The parade ends back at Hilton Park with awards for Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume, Best Human Costume and more. Additionally, a Pet Expo runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands rocks the Gaslamp District as marching bands and spirit squads representing the bowl’s football teams compete in an old-fashion musical showdown. The “king of all pep rallies” kicks off at 6 p.m. on December 21 – two days prior to the big game played in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium – and can be viewed along Fifth Avenue between E and K Streets.

Known as America’s largest balloon parade, the Port of San Diego Big Balloon Parade makes its way down Harbor Drive on December 30. Beginning at 10 a.m., the procession includes colorful floats, marching bands, drill teams and plenty of giant character balloons. Find a free vantage point along the parade route or upgrade to grandstand seating for $15-$20. Also, be sure to check out the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals (dachshund races) at 8:30 a.m. and the Big Bay Family Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.