Our overview of family-friendly holiday and winter activities includes free and fee-based experiences in Brooklyn and beyond, including light shows, special dance and circus performances, ice skating, and more. Highlights of the season will include a free Santa Portrait Studio at City Point, Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, unique performances of The Nutcracker, the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, and the vibrant holiday decorations in Dyker Heights. Our overview features dates, locations, and ticketing information.
Free Santa Portrait Studio, Balloon Drop, Holiday Market, and the Sugar Plum Fairy at City Point | Downtown Brooklyn
Santa Portrait Studio: December 7 & 8 and December 14 & 15 | 11am-3pm | FREE | RSVP here
City Point is bringing the holidays to life with a free Santa Photo Studio, a special appearance by the Sugar Plum Fairy on December 7, plus the ongoing Holiday Balloon Drop and The Makers Show annual craft and gift market. Learn more here!
- Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy | Saturday, December 7 | 10-11am | Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy from Brooklyn’s own Nutcracker. Twirl, swirl, and enjoy sweet moments with this special appearance from this holiday icon. Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 to 11am.
- Santa Portrait Studio | December 7-8 & 14-15 | 11am-3pm | RSVP here | One ticket per family. One free portrait per family. Additional photos for purchase. December 15 only: Mama and Papa Claus! Time slots are limited. Come early, reserve your spot, and eat or shop while you wait!
- Holiday Balloon Drop | December 5 through January 2 | Capture a selfie in front of the life-size gingerbread house, North Pole, and Menorah. All designed by Brooklyn balloon artist Angelica de la Paz.
- The Makers Show | Saturdays & Sundays through December 22 | 11am-7pm | The Makers Show will bring back Brooklyn-favorites and introduce a new selection of artists and crafters, from local farmers to handmade potters to international artisans to sock designers. A little bit of Brooklyn for everyone on your list!
City Maze | DUMBO
Open 7 days a week | 11am-11pm | Santa visits from 1-9pm | $25/adult, $10/children 10 and under
City Maze is the newest Christmas attraction in the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights area! City Maze offers guests the chance to get lost and explore a life sized maze made entirely of Christmas lights. Once in the maze, guests are challenged to find 9 Christmas-themed photo opps hidden throughout the maze. Additionally, from the hours of 1pm-9pm Santa makes a special appearance! At no additional cost, guests can get their photos taken with Santa in front of the city skyline and Brooklyn Bridge! Located at 25 Columbia Heights (at the intersection of Vine Street and Columbia Heights), City Maze is open 7 days per week from 11am to 11pm.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Prospect Heights
November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025 | Tickets start at $36/adult and $18/child during off-peak hours, free for children 2 and under
Lightscape is a winter light show that takes advantage of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s landscapes, trees, water features, architectural details, and paths to create a magical, otherworldly experience in the winter Garden. Along the trail, kids can enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and there will be mulled wine and hot cider for adults. Take advantages of Value Nights with discounted tickets: $24/adult, $12/child, and free for children 2 and under. There will also be Sensory-Friendly early entry on select nights for those with sensory sensitivity to enjoy reduced capacity. Learn more and see full calendar here.
Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut at BAM | Fort Greene
December 12–22, 2024 | Tickets start at $45
The Hard Nut Family Party | December 15 @ 6:30pm | $30 for families of 2-3, $40 for families of 4-6
A classic in its own right, the Mark Morris Dance Group’s boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker is at BAM for the holidays! A cascade of wit and wintry beauty featuring Morris’ lyrical modern dance choreography, this lavish, gender-bent love letter to a canonical ballet transplants the story from the strait-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a “Waltz of the Snowflakes” like no other. Tchaikovsky’s complete score is performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble. Join for a special Family Party on December 15, following the matinee performance of The Hard Nut! This a family-friendly party featuring cookies, cocoa, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities with characters from the show. This special gathering provides a chance to meet members of the Mark Morris Dance Group and celebrate the holiday season in a festive and creative environment. This event is open to the public, including ticket holders for other performances.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker | Downtown Brooklyn
December 12–15, 2024 | Tickets start at $35
The Brooklyn Nutcracker is back with an expanded run at their new home, The Theater at City Tech in Downtown Brooklyn. This is New York’s only culturally authentic and inclusive production, featuring artists from all over the globe, blending ballet with hip hop, African dance, belly dance, traditional Native American Hoop Dance, Chinese dance, flamenco, traditional Ukrainian Hopak, and even a krumping Rat King in an epic street dance battle! The production features larger-than-life projections of Brooklyn landmarks like the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and the Flatbush Avenue subway station, along with motion-activated illuminated tutus. The Brooklyn Nutcracker also incorporates live musicians, including a beatboxer, accordionist, and the dizi Chinese bamboo flute. This unique production will run for six performances between December 12–15, 2024.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker at Kings Theatre | Downtown Brooklyn
Monday, December 23 | 7pm | Tickets start at $40
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
FL!P Circus at McCarren Park | Williamsburg
November 29–December 15, 2024 | Tickets start at $50/adult and $30/child
FL!P Circus is bringing its intimate big top experience to three New York City locations this season, including McCarren Park in Brooklyn. Created by the Vazquez family of Circus Vazquez fame, the show takes place under a distinctive red and white striped, 800-seat, climate-controlled big top tent, and no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring. The show is led Brazil’s favorite clown, Bubi Guiner, and performances include acrobatics, juggling, the rarely-seen Pole Mallakhamb act from India, a dazzling hula hoop display, Pole Mallakhamb, and a performer on one, three and even fifteen-wheeled unicycles! Show times are 7:00pm on weekdays, Saturdays at 1:00pm, 4:00pm and Sundays at 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. A special family four pack discount is available online. Tickets can be purchased in advance or in person at the box office.
Frost Fest at Luna Park | Coney Island
November 23, 2024–January 1, 2025 | Free admission to the park, rides start at $4 | Tickets for North Pole Experience and Santa’s Wonderland here
Immerse yourself in holiday magic sprinkled throughout the park and experience Winter themed activities at our 2nd annual Frost Fest! Select dates beginning Saturday, November 23, 2024, visitors at Luna Park will experience a thrilling winter destination boasting select rides and attractions, holiday lights & décor, photos with Santa (through December 24), holiday shopping, festive food options to fulfill the cravings of New Yorkers and visitors alike, and more! New this year is a giant slide called the “Candy Cane Chute.” Learn about more highlights of the event here, include private dining in heated igloos!
Ice Skating under the Brooklyn Bridge | DUMBO
November 25, 2024–February 2, 2025 | $10 tickets
An ice skating rink is returning to Brooklyn Bridge Park this winter with the same spectacular views, but much more affordable tickets than last year: $10 for all ages, at all times. Roebling Rink will open for the season from November 25 to February 2 at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza. $7 skate rentals, $3 helmets, and $5 skate buddies. Tickets are on sale here. They offer two free sessions for Brooklyn residents on Sundays from 10 to 11 AM and Mondays from 5 to 6 PM. Tickets for the free sessions are first-come, first-served and must be booked in person with a valid Brooklyn address on your ID. Opening hours will be Monday to Thursday from 2 to 9 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. Learn more here!
Ice Skating Lakeside at the LeFrak Center | Prospect Park
Opening November 10 | $10.60 on weekdays, $15.25 on weekends | See all pricing and hours here
Ice skating at Lakeside’s covered rink is back! Later in the season, the open air rink will open, and ice bumper cars will also become available. All skating session times can be found here. Skate rentals are $10.35, and guests are welcome to bring their own skates. Skate aids are also available for rent. To check out skate school, hockey, and other ice skating programs, please click here.
Ice Skating in Domino Park | Williamsburg
November 25, 2024 through Spring 2025 | $18 on weekdays and $22 on weekends (For NY residents, $12 on weekdays and $16 on weekends) | Tickets here
Williamsburg’s new plaza Domino Square will be the home of a waterfront ice skating rink opening in mid-November, and tickets will be on sale soon. The rink will be open Monday–Friday from 12-9pm and Saturday–Sunday from 9am-9pm. Advanced booking is recommended, and skating sessions will be 75 minutes long. Skates will be available to rent, and guests can also bring their own skates. The rink will also offer skate aids for an additional fee. Skaters will also be able to enjoy Stretch Pizza rink-side, as well as Cuban street food from Frita Batidos.
Ice Skating at Industry City | Sunset Park
Opening November 29 | $10 on Thursdays, $16 on Fridays and weekends
The IC Ice Rink returns this year and welcomes all to come for an iconic winter experience. The rink is open Thursdays and Fridays 4-8pm and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 11am-8pm. Skates are $12 to rent, skate aids are $10, helmets are $5, and bag check is $5. Mark your calendars for themed Friday skate sessions, with 90’s hits on 12/13, holiday music on 12/20, and top hits on 12/27. You can also book $40 VIP tickets on weekends through 12/31, with access to a heated VIP room, concierge service, and sweet treats and hot cocoa. The rink is uncovered and outside, so dress appropriately for an enjoyable and comfortable skate. All tickets are available for single entry at any time on the day of your choice and will grant you access to the rink for one hour. If the rink is at its maximum capacity when you arrive, warm up with a hot chocolate from the Wheelhouse and enjoy the holiday décor on campus while you wait to enter the rink. Buy all tickets here.
FAD Holiday Markets in Brooklyn | DUMBO, Cobble Hill & Boerum Hill
December 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22 | 11am-6pm | FREE
This December, FAD Market will present its largest holiday market series to date, showcasing the best of New York City’s independent makers, artisans, and designers. Holiday markets are coming to The Invisible Dog Center in Boerum Hill, St. Paul’s in Cobble Hill, and Empire Stores in DUMBO. Over the course of three weekends leading up to Christmas – December 7+8, 14+15, and 21+22 – FAD Market will feature a weekly lineup of 150 talented makers, offering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts ranging from jewelry, apparel, and home decor to artisanal foods. The holiday markets will also include fun attractions such as a holiday photo booth, live portrait artists, and exclusive giveaways, making it the ultimate holiday shopping destination for the season. FAD Market is free and open to the public. Pets are also welcome!
Lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza | Prospect Heights
Kick-off lighting on December 25 at 4pm | Lightings continue every night through January 1 and lighting times vary, see full schedule here | FREE
Every night of Chanukah will be celebrated with the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza, plus live music, hot latkes and gifts for the kids! The first night will feature a Kickoff Concert Event beginning at 4:00 pm.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
December 26–30 | $15 admission
Celebrate the traditions of Kwanzaa at New York City’s largest family Kwanzaa event, presented in partnership with Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation. 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. This year’s theme is “Our Children Enlighten the Community,” and we are excited to highlight professional youth performers who embody the Nguzo Saba (principles of Kwanzaa). Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa with daily candle celebrations led by Chinua Baraka Payne and the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, performances with the Kudo NYC, FIYAA (Forces of Nature Incredible Youth Arts Alliance), dance and drumming workshops, grafitti-inspired artwork in ColorLab and more!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights | Dyker Heights
Late November–First week of January | FREE
To see some of the most astounding Christmas light displays in New York City, visit the residential neighborhood of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. Families may also opt to take a guided tour of the neighborhood’s lights—check out A Slice of Brooklyn and Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Light displays typically appear following Thanksgiving and 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 St.
Celebrate the Holidays at Brookfield Place | Lower Manhattan
November 22, 2024–January 3, 2025
Brookfield Place’s Winter Garden is home to many family-friendly events during the holiday season. Highlights of the season include:
- The Rink at Brookfield Place | Opening November 22 | Skate rentals are $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends, and skate aids are $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Book your time slot online in advance.
- Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker | November 22–24 | FREE | The beloved holiday ballet returns to the Winter Garden! There will be four FREE ticketed performances in the Winter Garden with choreography by long-time New York Theatre Ballet choreographer Keith Michael. Click here to see performance schedule and registration information.
- Selfies with Santa | November 29–December 24 | FREE | Everyone’s invited to Holiday Under the Palms at Brookfield Place to get a selfie with Santa! On select dates, bring your pup for a fur-tastic photo op with Santa. Click here to see all hours for Santa Selfies!
- Holiday Harmonies | December 3–17 | FREE | Celebrate Holiday Under the Palms with a lunchtime concert series every Tuesday from 12 – 1 PM!
- Hanukkah Celebration | December 17, 12:00-6:30pm | Enjoy two live klezmer band performances, each accompanied by a therapeutic drop-in art-making activity led by art therapist Tova Speter. See full schedule for live music and art-making here.
Jingle Jangle Holiday Pop-Up | Pier 17 | Lower Manhattan
Open daily through January 2, 2025 | $13-$14 tickets for ice skating
The Dead Rabbit’s famed holiday pop-up, Jingle Jangle, is coming to The Rooftop at Pier 17 for the first time ever. This festive celebration embraces nostalgic Irish family festivities and the magic of the holiday season with warming, seasonal dishes served alongside kitsch-themed cocktails, over-the-top décor, and a Christmas soundtrack with all your favorite hits. As part of the festivities, visitors can enjoy ice skating with stunning views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Tickets are $13-$14, and hours are Monday–Thursday, 3-10pm, Fridays 12-11pm, Saturday and holidays 10am-11pm, and Sundays 10am-10pm.
Celebrate the Holidays at Essex Market | Lower East Side of Manhattan
November 30–December 22 | All events FREE
Essex Market has a great lineup of events to celebrate the holidays this year!
- Hester Street Fair Holiday Market | November 30–December 22 | 11am-6pm | Perfect for a special gift, visit Essex Market’s mezzanine for small local vendors provided by Hester Street Fair. Whether you’re shopping for bold statement pieces, artful stationery, small-batch condiments, or festive packaged treats, you’ll find gifts with character and charm. Each weekend’s lineup is fresh and different, giving you endless reasons to return!
- Santa at Essex Market | Sunday, December 8 | 11am-3pm | Get ready for a jolly good time as Santa himself will be making a special appearance on Essex Market’s mezzanine level! Bring your family and friends to meet Santa, take photos, enjoy some festive music, and share your holiday wishes.
- Chanukah on the Lower East Side: A Century of Change | Tuesday, December 17 | 6:30-7:30pm | Register here | Join us on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:30pm on Essex Market’s Mezzanine level as Scott Brevda of the Museum at Eldridge Street discusses how Chanukah was shaped into a holiday to rival Christmas and presents a unique look at the historic menorahs in the Museum’s ongoing exhibition Lighting the World: Menorahs Around the Globe.
Celebrate the Holidays at Hudson Yards | West Side of Manhattan
November 25, 2024–January 5, 2025 | FREE
Ring in the holidays at Hudson Yards! Highlights this season include:
- Shine Bright at Hudson Yards | November 25, 2024–January 5, 2025 | FREE | Over 2 million twinkling lights will adorn the neighborhood with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees and a 32-foot hot air balloon. To celebrate the launch of Shine Bright on Monday, November 25th, Hudson Yards will offer a FREE performance at 6:00pm by the Westchester Children’s Chorus on Level 1 in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
- Photos with Santa Claus | November 29–December 23 | FREE | Santa is flying his sleigh to Hudson Yards to meet with children, friends, and families from across the world. Santa will arrive at The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards Level 3 on Black Friday, November 29th, and every Monday–Friday from December 2–23 from 5-8 PM.
Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy | Hudson Yards
November 20, 2024–January 5, 2025 | $35+ per person
Making its New York debut, Luna Luna is a fantastical fairground that fused an amusement park and an art museum, featuring rides, attractions and interactive installations by the 20th century’s most celebrated and innovative artists, Luna Luna features a ferris wheel by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a carousel by Keith Haring, a wave swinger by Kenny Scharf, a wedding chapel by André Heller, immersive pavilions by David Hockney, Salvador Dalí and Roy Lichtenstein alongside additional pieces from Arik Brauer, Sonia Delaunay, Monika Gil’sing, and more. Visitors to this art amusement park will be transported to the world of Luna Luna as it was envisioned, with roving performers, curated music and an enchanting atmosphere along with access to iconic installations like David Hockney’s Enchanted Tree, Lichtenstein’s Glass Labyrinth and Salvador Dalí’s Dalídome.
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights | The Bronx
November 22, 2024—January 5, 2025 | Tickets start at $41.95/adult and $26.95/child during off-peak hours, free for children 2 and under
Join for Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights, a family holiday festival! During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. There are 7 themed lantern trails representing almost 100 animal and plant species, plus interactive light projections, a holiday train, ice carving demonstrations, illuminated performers, seasonal treats like hot cocoa and s’mores, and more!
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden | The Bronx
November 16, 2024–January 20, 2025 | Tickets start at 35/adult and $25/child during off-peak hours, free for children under 2
Enter a winter wonderland unlike any other at the Holiday Train Show, where cherished seasonal traditions find a home in our enchanting train displays, by day…or night. Nearly 200 scaled iconic New York City buildings and structures are represented in the show, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, and the Statue of Liberty. The Holiday Train Show include more than 25 G-scale model trains and trolleys humming along nearly a half-mile of track. This year, you can join for select Holiday Train Nights. There will be treats, hot toddies, gingerbread fun, and live Christmas music performances.
Tianyu Lights Festival at CitiField | Queens
November 29, 2024–January 19, 2025 | Tickets start at $30.98-$41.71 during off-peak hours
This brand-new light show will transform Citi Field into a magical Amazon rainforest this winter! Walk through the whimsical wonderland to see Koda’s dreams through the luminous art installations. Try out delicious foods and beverages at our Forest Food Court, enjoy live cultural music and dance performances throughout the journey, and complete your visit with a trip to the Marketplace, filled with unique, handcrafted treasures. Learn more about the experience here!
Updated: December 12, 2024. Main Image: Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
