This week, the holidays are here: Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa! There are so many family-friendly events in our Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Menorah Lightings at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Grand Army Plaza, and The Seaport, a Kwanzaa celebration at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and family-friendly programming in Prospect Park for Winter Recess. Plus, story times, free ice skating, and nature programs in our parks.
And don’t forget to check out our Top 10 December family events, plus overviews of the best holiday markets, where to meet Santa, where to ice skate this winter, and our roundup of family-friendly holiday experiences in Brooklyn and beyond.
Build a Nature Birdfeeder at Bowling Green Cottage | Prospect Park
Santa’s Stop at Station 88 | Clinton Hill
Monday, December 23 | 2-4pm
Jump on the Santa Express Train on Monday, December 23rd and head over to the 88th Precinct! Enjoy some snacks and refreshments with a DJ spinning all of your favorite holiday hits. Bring the kids out, and you may get a surprise gift from Santa!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights | Dyker Heights
Daily through first week of January
To see some of the most astounding Christmas light displays in New York City, visit the residential neighborhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Light displays typically stay up through the first week of January. You can find the best lights from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) to 83rd to 86th Street.
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take advantage of the first free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am. Tickets for the free sessions are first-come, first-served and must be booked in person with a valid Brooklyn address on your ID.
Nature Puppet Show for Kids | Fort Greene Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city during Winter Break. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. The Urban Park Rangers welcome you for some nature-themed puppet shows! Learn more about animals that can be found in our local parks.
Christmas Eve Services | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, December 24
- Grace Church | Brooklyn Heights
4pm | Family Eucharist
9:30pm | Prelude of Christmas Music & Christmas Carols
10pm | Holy Eucharist - St. Ann & the Holy Trinity | Brooklyn Heights
4:30pm | Family Service & Christmas Pageant
8pm | Community Carol Sing
8:30pm | Festival Eucharist with Choir - Plymouth Church | Brooklyn Heights
4pm | Christmas Eve Family Service
6pm | The Celebration of Christmas Eve
10pm | Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
Christmas Day Services | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, December 25
- Grace Church | Brooklyn Heights
10am | Holy Eucharist - St. Ann & the Holy Trinity | Brooklyn Heights
10:30am | Holy Eucharist
Lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah with Kick-off Concert on December 25 | Grand Army Plaza
December 25, 2024–January 1, 2025
The Largest Menorah in Brooklyn has been towering over New York since 1985 and is a must on everyone’s calendar, Jews and non-Jews alike. Every night of Chanukah, thousands celebrate with the accompaniment of live music and latkes for all. With the assistance of a 60-foot boom lift, Rabbi Shimon Hecht, accompanied by community leaders, philanthropists and special guests light Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah. Learn more on the Chabad of Park Slope website. Every night of Chanukah is celebrated with the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest Menorah, live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children. The first night will feature a Kickoff Concert Event beginning at 4:00pm.
- 1st Night of Chanukah | Wednesday, December 25 Kickoff Concert Event begins at 4:00 pm
- 2nd Night of Chanukah | Thursday, December 26 at 6:00 pm
- 3rd Night of Chanukah | Friday, December 27 at 3:30 pm
- 4th Night of Chanukah | Saturday, December 28 at 7:15 pm
- 5th Night of Chanukah | Sunday, December 29 at 5:00 pm
- 6th Night of Chanukah | Monday, December 30 at 6:00 pm
- 7th Night of Chanukah | Tuesday, December 31 at 6:00 pm
- 8th Night of Chanukah | Wednesday, January 1 at 6:00 pm
Brooklyn Borough Hall Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Brooklyn Heights | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, December 25, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | All lightings at 5pm, except for Friday 12/27 @ 2pm and Saturday 12/28 @ 6pm
Celebrate Chanukah with a lighting ceremony at the giant menorah at Borough Hall. Menorah lightings continue through all eight nights of the Jewish holiday with both Jews and non-Jews welcome to the celebration. The Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht Memorial Menorah is located in front of the Kings County Supreme Court building at the corner of Court St. and Montague St.
Recycle your Christmas Trees at Mulchfest | Various Locations including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cobble Hill Park, Fort Greene Park & Prospect Park
Thursday, December 26, 2024–Wednesday, January 12, 2025 | Save the date for Chipping Weekend January 11 & 12 | See all Mulchest locations here
Wrap up your holiday season and say goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest! Join NYC Parks in the holiday tradition of recycling your Christmas tree. Mulchfest runs from December 26 through January 12, with select locations participating in Chipping Weekend on January 11 & 12, 10am-2pm. Click here to see all Mulchfest locations in Brooklyn!
Survival Skills for Kids | Fort Greene Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city during Winter Recess. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Learn basic outdoor skills such as shelter building, fire making and survival skills.
Winter Recess in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Thursday, December 26–Tuesday, December 31 | 12-4pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess from Thursday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 31.
- Nature Around Us | 12–3 pm | Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities that will introduce you to the plants, insects and animals that call the park home. The Lake and Lullwater are home to many plants and animals. Help us to test the water quality and investigate pond samples that are filled with living organisms.
- Animal Encounter | 2–3 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning about the animals in the Center’s collection. This program starts promptly at 2 pm.
- Family Nature Walk | 3–4 pm | Prospect Park is a stopping point for hundreds of bird species each year! Join us as we search for these amazing creatures and other nature around the park. Binoculars and bird guides are provided. This program departs from the Audubon Center promptly at 3 pm.
Amazon Free Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Join us during Amazon Free Hours, every Thursday afternoon from 2 pm–5 pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more. Then check out ColorLab, our family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum, where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. We recommend reserving your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome.
And during Amazon Free Hours on Thursday, December 26…
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, December 26–Monday, December 30 | FREE during Amazon Free Hours on Thursday 12/26 | $15 admission 12/27-1/30
Celebrate Kwanzaa returns for its 17th year! Join BCM and Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation at NYC’s largest family Kwanzaa event. Explore the Nguzo Saba (Principles of Kwanzaa) for a week of dance, music, art-making, and more. Experience daily candle lighting ceremonies led by Chinua Baraka Payne and the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, watch performances by Kudo NYC and FIYAA (Forces of Nature Incredible Youth Arts Alliance), take part in dance and drumming workshops, and learn the art of graffiti in our ColorLab art studio. The theme of this year’s Celebrate Kwanzaa is “Our Children Enlighten the Community,” and we are excited to highlight professional youth performers who embody the spirit of the Nguzo Saba! Now in its 17th year, Celebrate Kwanzaa takes place over 5 days, from Thursday, December 26 through Monday, December 30. Each day features a mix of repeating and unique programs designed for all ages. Save the dates and join us at this spirited cultural celebration!
Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library Snow Buddies (2008) | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, December 26 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+
This week’s movie is Snow Buddies (2008), rated G.For kids ages 5 and up. Run time: 1 hour and 27 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Chanukah at Industry City with Chabad Sunset Park | Sunset Park
Thursday, December 26 | 5pm | FREE, $10 ice skating tickets | RSVP here
Sensory Perception Hike for Kids | Prospect Park
Even when school’s out, our parks are still the city’s natural classroom! Bring your kids to parks throughout the city during Winter Recess. With programs led by our Urban Park Rangers, kids will get to experience nature in a hands-on and fun way. Take a walk through the winter forest of Prospect Park. Experience the different ways to connect to the park using our senses. Learn about the importance of greenspaces and adventure therapy.
Space Storytime at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg
Explore space with our educators through a story and an experiment. Then, build a spacecraft! Registration is highly recommended for all participants to secure your space in the program. Please reserve one ticket for each person who will complete a craft. If the program is sold out, but you still wish to attend, we encourage you to walk up and see if space is available.
Grown-Up and Me Coloring at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, December 27 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 4-12
Join us in our craft room to create your very own masterpiece with library provided crafting materials. We’ll flex our creative muscles and make friends while we make a unique piece of art that you can take home with you!
Friday, December 27 | 4-11pm
Celebrate with us on Friday, December 27, featuring live music, handcrafted goods from Brooklyn Pop-Up, and beats by Soul Summit (7-11pm)!
Free Climb Night at the Bouldering Project | Gowanus
Want to try climbing for the first time? Or meet other climbers of your level? Join us for Free Climb Fridays—your opportunity to climb socially and experience all that the Bouldering Project has to offer. Arc’teryx will provide free rental shoes and chalk to participants! Free lite bites provided, and music by @nothing_neue. RSVP is required.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays & Sundays | 10am-12pm
On weekend mornings, stop by Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) for free activities for kids ages 2 to 10 years old. Enjoy balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria & Showroom Bakehouse.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturday, December 28 | 10am-12pm | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you! Every Saturday, join Prospect Park Alliance and a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome and walks will begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Saturday Storytime at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, December 28 | 11:00-11:30am | Ages 0-5
Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories in the Youth Wing’s First Five Years area!
Family Storytime at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, December 28 | 11:00-11:30am
Join us for storytime! We’ll enjoy a celebration of learning and literacy with books, music, and movement while meeting other members of the community for a great opportunity to have fun and make friends. For all ages and their grownups. No registration required.
Outdoor Skills: Animal Tracking | Prospect Park
Head to Prospect Park and join the Urban Park Rangers to search for animal prints, scat, and shelters.
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 10-11am
Take advantage of the first free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am. Tickets for the free sessions are first-come, first-served and must be booked in person with a valid Brooklyn address on your ID.
Take a ride on New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Nostalgia Trains | Lower Manhattan
Sundays in December | 10am-6pm | Cost of one subway ride
This holiday season, we continue the annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides on the New York Transit Museum’s 1930s R1/9 train cars! Operating between 2nd Avenue – Houston Street on the uptown F line and 96th Street – 2nd Avenue on the Q line, the Holiday Nostalgia Train will transport straphangers back in time every Sunday in December. Don’t miss your chance to travel through time – for just the cost of a MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap!
Brooklyn Night Market | Industry City
Sunday, December 29 | 12-6pm
Join us every Sunday in December at Industry City for the Brooklyn Holiday Market, where the spirit of the season comes alive! Explore a festive community of local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors offering unique handmade goods, delicious treats, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, indulging in seasonal delights, or spending quality time with family and friends, this vibrant market has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to support local businesses and experience the magic of the holidays in Brooklyn!
Chanukah Menorah Lighting & Celebration | The Seaport
Sunday, December 29 | 3-5pm | FREE | RSVP encouraged
Latkes. Hot cocoa. Live music, arts and crafts and a six-foot-tall chocolate Menorah. The Seaport’s annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting is hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of FiDi. All are welcome at this family-friendly holiday celebration, which will include face painting, popcorn, chocolate and other traditional treats, and a musical performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. The pinnacle of the afternoon will be the traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, featuring this year’s grand Menorah made from chocolate.
Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Party in Myrtle Plaza | Clinton Hill
Sunday, December 29 | 5:30-6:30pm
Celebrate with Chabad of Clinton Hill & Pratt and enjoy sufganiyot, live music & family fun at the Myrtle Plaza.
Updated: December 22, 2024. Main Image: Ice Skating at Industry City.