Thanksgiving week is here! This week our roundup of family-friendly events in Brooklyn includes plenty of volunteer opportunities, nature programs in our local parks, and free ice skating sessions in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Plus, the first tree lightings of the holiday season are upon us, including Downtown Brooklyn Gets Lit! in Albee Square, the Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting in Boerum Hill, and the Park Slope Tree Lighting on 5th Avenue.
As you’re planning your week, don’t miss our full overview of ways to volunteer as a family this season, as well as our Brooklyn Holiday 101 guide, a one-stop hub for Brooklyn families this holiday season!
Our new Events Calendar is here featuring convenient filters by category, location, ages, dates and more to make your Brooklyn social life as fun and meaningful as possible.
Have you checked out CONNECT – where families find what matters? Whether you are looking for a preschool, face painter, speech therapist, writing tutor, camp, meal delivery service, child therapist or piano teacher, CONNECT is the one-stop solution for parents, easy to navigate and curated!
MONDAY
Donate a Turkey and Distribute Meals with One Community | Fort Greene & Clinton Hill
Donate here | Sign up to volunteer here
This year, One Community’s Fresh Pantries Team will distribute over 1,860 Thanksgiving meals to families in need in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill! Just $20 gives a family a beautiful Thanksgiving. You can also join their team of volunteers to pack up meals at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, distribute food at pantry sites, or deliver meals door-to-door!
This holiday season, you can “adopt a family” with the Red Hook Art Project, providing a full-course holiday meal complete with dessert and drinks delivered to their doorstep the day before or the day of the holiday.
Cook a Thanksgiving Dish or Donate Warm Clothes for CHiPS Soup Kitchen | Park Slope
Drop off Thanksgiving dishes Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26 | Sign up here
Donate warm clothes through Wednesday, November 26
CHiPS Soup Kitchen is once again hosting a special Thanksgiving meal this year, and will be accepting homemade or store-bought dishes to be dropped off the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Sign up here to contribute a dish (or two! or three!). They will also be distributing socks, hats, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, and sweatpants to guests on Thanksgiving Day, and will accept new items between now and Wednesday, November 26. You can drop off at 200 4th Avenue between 9am and 2pm daily.
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays* (*except Thanksgiving Day) | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
TUESDAY
Free Music Show with Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods |Â Gowanus
Tuesdays |Â 10am
Hopalong Andrew’s weekly shows at Whole Foods are FREE! Make sure to double check in his Instagram the morning of to make sure class has not been cancelled for any reason.
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays* (*except Thanksgiving Day) | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm
Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.
Downtown Brooklyn Gets Lit! | Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, November 25 | 6-7pmÂ
Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn will host its annual holiday lighting ceremony. DJ Mike Doelo will provide music, and performances will include Janis Weatherly and members of The Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble, along with entertainers Andrea Flow, Brianna Kalisch, Flow Juggle, and Roller Boogie. Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and participate in a countdown to turn on the holiday lights. Plus, an ugly sweater contest will take place leading up to the event! Participants can post a photo in an ugly sweater on Instagram, tag @downtownbrooklyn, and bring their post to the DTBK tent between 6-7pm on the day of the event to receive a gift card for a local business, while supplies last.
Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting | Boerum Hill
Tuesday, November 25 | 6pm
Save the date for Atlantic Avenue’s annual tree lighting outside St. Cyril of Turov Belarusian Church. In past years the festivities in Boerum Hill have included caroling, goodie bags, and more holiday cheer!
WEDNESDAY
Donate a Thanksgiving Pie | Downtown Brooklyn & Park Slope
Wednesday, November 26
The Service Collective is hosting a Thanksgiving pie drive for local Brooklyn organizations. Bake a Thanksgiving pie at home and choose from one of the options below. Make sure to tell the organization that you are from The Service Collective!
- Next Step Community Church | 360 Schermerhorn Street | Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, November 26 | Drop off from 10am-4pm | No sign up required
Support the hundreds of neighbors with disabilities and experiencing homelessness or food insecurity who will dine at Next Step on Thanksgiving Day. - Heights and Hills | 463A 7th Street | Park Slope
Wednesday, November 26 | Drop off from 12-4pm | Sign up here
Support homebound seniors this holiday season by donating a Thanksgiving pie! Note: Limited pies can be dropped off at Heights and Hills’ Downtown Brooklyn office on Tuesday, November 25, 12 pm to 4 pm, 81 Willoughby Street, Suite 302.Â
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays* (*except Thanksgiving Day) | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
Free Admission at New York Aquarium | Coney Island
Wednesdays | 3-6pm | Reserve tickets here; free tickets are made available at 3pm the Monday before
Take advantage of free admission hours at the New York Aquarium form 3-6pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.
THURSDAY
Deliver Thanksgiving Meals with God’s Love We Deliver | Various Locations
Thursday, November 27 | All ages | Sign up here
Every Thanksgiving morning, volunteers with God’s Love We Deliver bring festive Thanksgiving meals and gift totes to homebound clients. Families who have their own vehicle can sign up to deliver meals to clients, typically 6-8 households. On the morning November 27, volunteers will pick up meals from Brooklyn distribution centers and drive to various homes to deliver them.
Deliver Thanksgiving Meals with Heights and Hills | Various Locations
Thursday, November 27 | All ages | Sign up here
Heights and Hills is preparing to once again deliver Thanksgiving meals to vulnerable homebound seniors. They need volunteers to deliver on foot, by car (preferred), bike and other modes of transportation. Sign up here and learn more about how you can help here!
FRIDAYÂ
Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: Salt Marsh Nature Trail | Marine Park
Friday, November 28 | 12-2pm
Work off your Thanksgiving feast while enjoying the great outdoors. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a hike! This hike will take you on a scenic, lengthy walk on the Salt Marsh Nature Trail.
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Fridays | 12:30-2:30pm, 3-5pm, 5:30-7:30pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions two, three, four on Fridays. (Session 2: 12:30-2:30pm, Session 3: 3-5pm, Session 4: 5:30-7:30pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency. Note: Session 1 on Fridays (10am-12pm) is reserved for field trips. If not booked, will be opened for general public purchase.
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Fridays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fridays | 3-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
SATURDAY
parkrun | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 9am | Sign up here
parkrun is a free, worldwide, weekly event where people of all ages and abilities walk, jog, run, or volunteer in a 5k event on Saturday mornings–in Brooklyn, you can join every week in Brooklyn Bridge Park! Families register online and receive a barcode which will record their time. All ages are welcome, and there is a coffee and catch-up after each run!
Free Kids Workshop: Teddy Bear Ornament at Home Depot | Bed-Stuy
Saturday, November 29 | 9am-12pm | Ages 5+ | Sign up here
Come by your local Home Depot on the first Saturday of each month for a free kids workshop! All tools and materials needed to complete the Workshop will be available, and a Home Depot Associate will be there to assist families as necessary. Kids in attendance will receive a kid-sized Home Depot Apron, collectible pin, and certificate of project completion for participation.
Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market | DUMBO Archway
Saturdays and Sundays | 10am-5pm | November 15 through December 21
The Brooklyn Flea brings 40+ vintage and handmade vendors to this curated Holiday Market under the DUMBO Archway.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturdays | 10am-12pm | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Walks begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration required. Children under 12 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars if available.
November Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Saturday, November 29 | 10am-1pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
- Leaf Art | 10am–12pm | Create nature-inspired art while exploring tree leaves.
- Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm | Learn about the Audubon Center’s animals with Alliance Naturalists.
- Fall Nature Walk | 12–1 pm | Discover how insects and plants, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter.
Magnetic Archery and Rope Skills at Bowling Green Cottage | Prospect Park
Saturday, November 29 | 11am-12:30pm
Our free archery class is a bullseye! Learn the art of archery with free lessons taught by our expert Urban Park Rangers. This program uses safe equipment with magnetic arrows and targets. Participants will also try their hand at crafting bowstrings with natural fibers.
Wildlife Viewing: City Squirrels at Herbert Von King Park | Bed-Stuy
Saturday, November 29 | 12pm
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Learn all about squirrels in New York City and how they play an important role in our parks.
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Saturdays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
Smile + Breathe Free Yoga Events Sponsored by Leaf Dental | DUMBO
Saturday, November 29 | 1:15-2:15pm
Join us for Smile + Breathe, a feel-good, all-levels yoga class focused on whole-body wellness. This 60-minute is led by Abhaya’s skilled instructors and hosted in partnership with Leaf Dental. After class, stick around for free goodie bags curated by Leaf Dental. All levels welcome. Mats and props provided.
Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 2pm
After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free!
Park Slope Tree Lighting | Park Slope
Saturday, November 29 | 4:30-5:30pm
Park Slope’s annual tree lighting on Small Business Saturday will feature live music, photos with Santa, bubbles by BubbleDad, Mexican hot chocolate from Chela, and more. The tree will be lit at 5:15pm!
SUNDAY
November Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Sunday, November 30 | 10am-1pm
Join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
- Leaf Art | 10am–12pm | Create nature-inspired art while exploring tree leaves.
- Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm | Learn about the Audubon Center’s animals with Alliance Naturalists.
- Fall Nature Walk | 12–1 pm | Discover how insects and plants, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter.
Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market | DUMBO Archway
Saturdays and Sundays | 10am-5pm | November 15 through December 21
The Brooklyn Flea brings 40+ vintage and handmade vendors to this curated Holiday Market under the DUMBO Archway.
Creative Storytelling and Movement Workshop | Prospect Park
Sunday, November 30 | 10:30am-12:00pm | RSVP here
Join for a hands-on storytelling workshop where children use mask-making, guided play, and group story circles to explore feelings, create characters, and share their own stories.
Gather Around the Campfire at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center | Fort Greene
Sunday, November 30 | 11am-12:30pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers for an afternoon of learning fire-building skills and activities such as stories, songs, and more.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Sundays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 1-5pm
Starting this week, the Environmental Education Center will have Open Hours on Sundays from 1-5pm! Stop in to learn about the Park and local ecology, including a 10’ model of the Park, visit our tank critters include fish, turtles, and frogs, and enjoy rotating monthly themes with crafts and activities!
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Sundays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
Astronomy: Autumn Sky at Salt Marsh Nature Center | Marine Park
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a survey of the November night sky. Rangers will provide an overview of the science, history, and folklore of astronomy and our universe, followed by guided observations through telescopes and binoculars.
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Updated: November 25, 2025. Main Image: Downtown Brooklyn Gets Lit!
