Free events in Toronto this week come in handy since you spent all your money on gifts, and you're about to spend money you don't have on things you would never otherwise buy thanks to Boxing Day blow-out sales. Oh, the lives of the down and more-than-out. As always, free tastes of culture offer some comfort, this week in the form of film screenings, live music, and art.

Here's how to prep yourself for a no frills budget New Year's resolution in Toronto this week.

1. Holiday Classics at the Bloor (December 19-23, Bloor Hot Docs CInema)
The Bloor continues their generous take on the holiday spirit, and you can reserve free passes now for holiday and holiday-ish classics including Bad Santa, Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, Love Actually, and more.

2. Vera Frankel (Until December 28, MOCCA)
If you're looking to hit a gallery, it's the last week to see Toronto artist Vera Frenkel's Ways of Telling exhibit. MOCCA is only closing up December 25 & 26, with shortened hours on Wednesday. For those with a bit of cash the pop up piano bar will be tended Tuesday & Sunday from 4-6pm, and Saturday from 4-9pm.

3. Karaoke Cult Annual Black Tie Party (December 23, Round)
On Tuesday, you can belt out all your holiday stress (or cheer? I guess?) while dressed in your dapperest at Round. Snacks will be on hand, but be be warned: there will be a group rendition of "Do they know it's Christmas."

4. Cover me Impressed (December 27, Lee's Palace)
Bring a non perishable food item (or more - or $5) to Lee's to hear cover songs performed live by some corner pegs of TO's indie crew including July Talk, Steven Stanley, Spencer Burton, Brendan Canning, Catl, Taylor Knox, Ferraro, Whitney Rose with host Sam Cash.

5. The Apple (December 28, Clinton's)
What better way to spend a sleepy holiday Sunday than with Bad Movie Night's screening of sci-fi musical The Apple. "What the Genesis story really needs is disco" -someone, somewhere, at some point. Movie's at 8pm.

Also check out these regular free events

Elvis Mondays (Mondays, The Drake)
Toronto's longest running indie showcase, William New's free show has put thousands of bands on stage. It's at the Drake Underground every Monday.

Free Nights at the Horseshoe (Monday/Tuesday, The Horseshoe)
The Legendary Horseshoe has a storied history, and hosts free indie rock shows in the early week with Shoeless Mondays and Dave Bookman's Nu Music Night on Tuesdays.

Free Evening (Wednesday, AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario's free evening runs from 6-8:30pm. It can be a little crowded, but sometimes the people watching is as good as the art (sometimes).

CINSSU's Free Friday Films (Fridays)
Though the Innis Town Hall is still under construction, you can follow the Cinema Studies Student Union for reliable Friday night movies and solid picks at Isabel Bader Theatre and/or Alumni Hall 100.

Canadian Opera Company (Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre)
September through to early June, catch free classical shows at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts "most Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, and some Wednesdays at noon or 5:30 p.m."

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Photo of July Talk by Matthew Kozovski