This week is packed with holiday festivities in Brooklyn–from Santa photo ops to Chanukah celebrations, tree lightings, caroling, holiday markets, and more! Plus, don’t miss Festivities Weekend on Atlantic Avenue, a Family Holiday Bird Count in Prospect Park, and music and dancing at Flatfoot Flatbush in Park Slope and Prospect Heights.
For all our holiday guides in one place, check out Brooklyn Holiday 101 for Families!
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
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 | 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.
A Rosie Day Winter Workshops at Domino Park Ice Rink | Williamsburg
Monday, December 15 | 2:30-4:30pm
Join A Rosie Day in the Domino Park Ice Rink hospitality tent for cozy crafts, skating, and all the winter vibes. All ages welcome, come create with us! The workshop is free and open to all, even if you don’t want to skate!
Spread Love Brooklyn: Winter Clothing Drive at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Ongoing through Friday, December 26
Kindly drop off your new or gently-used winter coats and accessories for neighbors in need to designated drop boxes at Time Out Market NY on the 1st and 5th floor. We are looking for winter jackets (puffy, no dress coats), hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for all ages and sizes! Donations must be washed and free of rips, stains, and other visible damage.
Chanukah Party at Little Things Toy Store | Park Slope
Monday, December 15 | 4pm
Free for the whole family, come to Little Things Toy Store for donuts, a menorah lighting, juggling show, cotton candy, and more Chanukah fun!
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting & Musical Performance at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Monday, December 15 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting and musical performance by Zusha!
Chanukah at Carroll Park | Carroll Gardens
Monday, December 15 | 5:30pm
Join hundreds of neighbors at the Menorah lighting with live music, entertainment, donuts + latkes, and community!
Family Chanukah Celebration with Chabad of DUMBO at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Monday, December 15 | 5-7pm | RSVP here
Join Chabad of Dumbo at Time Out Market with a menorah lighting, live entertainment, face painting, Chanukah arts and crafts, dreidel games, gelt, giveaways, and more!
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Monday, December 15 | 6pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
TUESDAY
Free Music Show with Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods | Gowanus
Tuesdays | 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.
Stomp, Clap and Sing with Miss Sara and the Bodega Cats at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Tuesday, December 16 | 10:30-11:30am
Step into the joyful world of Miss Sara’s Music Room! With over 270,000 views in its debut season on YouTube Kids, this vibrant children’s music project has captured the hearts of families through engaging songs, playful storytelling, and interactive performances. Joined by her puppet friend Max and her band, The Bodega Cats, Miss Sara creates a magical, hands-on experience that inspires kiddos and grownups to sing, dance, and connect.
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 | 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.
Newkirk Plaza Holiday Celebration | Flatbush
Tuesday, December 16 | 10:30-11:30am
Join us on Tuesday, December 16 for our annual Newkirk Plaza Holiday Celebration, with a menorah lighting, tree lighting, pictures with Santa, and more.
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, December 16 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Columbia St. Waterfront Association Tree Lighting | Columbia St. Waterfront
Tuesday, December 16 | 5pm
Join Columbia Street Waterfront Association for a tree lighting at Human Compass Garden, corner of Sackett and Columbia Streets. There will be music, goodies and Santa at the garden. Then join us at Jalopy Tavern, 317 Columbia St for the afterparty!
Chanukah Concert at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, December 16 | 5:30pm
Join BHS for an uplifting Chanukah concert with award-winning singer/songwriter Michelle Citrin!
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Tuesday, December 16 | 6pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
WEDNESDAY
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 | 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.
Kids Create: Baker’s Clay at Carroll Gardens Pop-Up Library | Carroll Gardens
Wednesday, December 17 | 3:30-4:15pm | Ages 4-12
Come make a baker’s clay creation and enjoy a book about Artist Ruth Asawa with us at The Carroll Gardens Pop-Up Library. Asawa forumlated baker’s clay with everyday materials to make art more accessible to all people, especially children. Unlike typical clay, which must bake in a kiln, baker’s clay can be baked in a typical oven.
Dog Man Party at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, December 17 | 4-5pm | Ages 6+
Get out your capes! We’re celebrating Dav Pilkey’s newest Dog Man adventure, Dog Man: Big Jim Believes. Join us for an event filled with games, giveaways, and more!
Teens DIY: Make a Winter Magnet at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Wednesday, December 17 | 4:00-5:30pm | For teens
Stop by the Teen Zone to make magnets!
Spin & Shine: Chanukah Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, December 17 | 4-6pm
Join us for a festive Chanukah Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall! The menorah will be lit from 5:30–6:00pm at the outdoor plaza, and there will be Chanukah games, dreidel spinning, and crafts indoors on the ground floor from 4:00–5:30pm. There will also be sufganiyot, chocolate gelt, and other Chanukah treats!
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, December 17 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Chanukah Menorah Parade with Chabad of Park Slope | Park Slope
Wednesday, December 17 | 5-6pm
Join our Chanukah Menorah Parade on the 4th night of Chanukah as we spread light, joy, and Jewish pride through the neighborhood. Have a car but not a menorah? We’ve got you covered! We’ll supply one!
Brooklyn Heights Tree Lighting | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, December 17 | 5:30pm
Mark your calendar for the Brooklyn Heights Garden Club’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting, which takes place annually at the entrance to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade at Montague Street. The tree will be lit at 5:30pm, with caroling and appearance from Santa!
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Wednesday, December 17 | 6pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
THURSDAY
Emily in Paris Popup at L’Appartement 4F | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, December 18 | 8am-4pm
Emily in Paris is coming to Brooklyn with Planet Oat. Enjoy a complimentary Raspberet Latte made with their new White Chocolate Raspberry Oatmilk Creamer and complimentary Raspberet Croissants (aka Le Framboise). While supplies last!
Prospect Park Stroller Walk | Prospect Park
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways.
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 | 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.
Nature Storytime at Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, December 18 | 3:00-3:30pm
Held at 3pm on the third Thursday of every month (during Open Hours), Nature Storytime is led by librarians from the Adams Street Library. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours! Walk-ups only.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays | 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.
Community Access Thursdays at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Explore some of the museum’s most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more. Then check out ColorLab, the family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum, where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. Plus, say hello to BCM’s live animals at Animal Encounters, which repeats twice, first from 3:00-3:20pm and again from 3:45-4:05 pm. It’s recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome.
Flex Olympics at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, December 18 | 3:30-4:15pm | RSVP here
Show off your moves at the monthly Flex Olympics dance workshop! Learn the basics of street dance, build your own style, and join fun dance challenges. Flex is a high-energy street dance born in Brooklyn in the 1990s and inspired by Jamaican dancehall.
After School Movie: The Grinch (2018) at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, December 18 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 5+
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! This week’s movie: “The Grinch” (2018), rated PG. Run time: 1 hour and 30 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Tot Singalong & Chanukah Candle Lighting at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue | Brooklyn Heights
Thursday, December 18 | 4-5pm | Ages 0-5 | RSVP here | FREE
Join for a special tot singalong and Chanukah candle lighting. Bring your favorite menorah! Latkes & donuts to follow. And stay afterwards for the BHS Latke vs. Hamantash Debate at 7pm, as six zany panelists from the BHS community argue the relative merits of the latke and hamantaschen.
Family Chanukah Celebration with Chabad of Park Slope | Park Slope
Thursday, December 18 | Doors at 4:15pm | Show at 4:30pm | RSVP here | FREE, donations accepted
Join for a Chanukah family celebration filled with latkes, music, refreshments, and an entertaining children’s puppet show!
Story Time at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm
Come to Fontainhas every Thursday at 4:30pm for a free story time and singing! Open to all. Bring your little ones for a fun story, enjoy a glass of chai or wine, and meet other parents!
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, December 18 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Chabad Sunset Park Presents Chanukah at Industry City | Sunset Park
Thursday, December 18 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Sunset Park as they celebrate with the light of the Menorah, featuring music, delicious food, and fun times for all ages.
Albee Square Menorah Lighting | Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30pm
Join Chabad Downtown Brooklyn for a public lighting of the Chanukah menorah located at Albee Square.
Kane Street Dreidel Fest | Cobble Hill
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30pm
Join Kane Streeters of all ages to celebrate Hanukkah with sweet treats, singing, lighting of the fifth candle, and a mega dreidel tournament with prizes!
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Thursday, December 18 | 6pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
FRIDAY
Free Kids’ Puppet Show with Puppetsburg at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Friday, December 19 | 10:00-10:45pm | 4 months–4 years
Puppetsburg will bring their puppet show to Time Out Market! The shows are 45 minutes long and feature a different story each week that involves different activities to go with the unique show each time: dancing, instruments, dress-up “photo-ops,” one on one time with handmade puppets, bubble time, and more!
Meet & Greet with Santa at Peanut & Honey | Williamsburg
December 19, 20 & 21 | 10am-4pm | Reserve online here
Come meet Santa at Peanut and Honey! Join this free event to snap photos with Santa, captured by our pro photographer. Reserve your spot online in advance, no walk-ins!
Kids and Coffee with the Mommy Archives at Artful Souls | Williamsburg
Friday, December 19 | 10:30-11:30am | RSVP required
Grab a coffee and join us for a cozy Kids & Coffee Meet-Up at Artful Souls and Wellness. Connect with fellow parents and caregivers while the little ones enjoy open play with books, toys, and Legos.
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 | 12:30-2:30, 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!
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, December 19 | 2pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
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.
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Friday, December 19 | 3:30pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
Christmas with the Brooklyn Tabernacle | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, December 19 | 7:30pm
Join for Christmas with The Brooklyn Tabernacle, a free musical production for the whole family! Come celebrate at 17 Smith Street or online on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m., or Sunday, December 21 at either 12:00 or 3:00 p.m. All services will have translation available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Korean.
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 onlineand receive a barcode which will record their time. All ages are welcome, and there is a coffee and catch-up after each run!
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.
Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Saturdays | 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.
Holiday Caroling on Atlantic Avenue | Boerum Hill
Saturday, December 20 | 11am-12pm
Stroll, shop, and enjoy music from a quartet of carolers at local businesses. On December 13, caroling will take place at Page Sargisson, Misha & Puff, M. PATMOS, and Assembly Line.
Holiday Weekend Festivity: See Santa & The Triad Brass on Atlantic Avenue | Boerum Hill & Cobble Hill
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 | 12-3pm
Santa will walk down Atlantic Avenue to take pictures and spread holiday cheer. Enjoy live performances from Triad Bass throughout the day, enjoy the festive window displays, and get a free reusable ‘Shop & Dine Atlantic Ave’ tote bag!
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.
DUMBO Holiday Market at Smack Mellon | DUMBO
Saturday, December 20 | 11am-6pm
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a Holiday Market art Smack Mellon Gallery at 92 Plymouth Street in DUMBO. They’ll have have 35+ artisans, designers, and makers representing all 5 boroughs selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, jewelry and more!
Urban Park Rangers: It’s A Horse of Course Hike and Greet | Prospect Park
Saturday, December 20 | 12-1pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers along with the Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit to learn about the Mounted Unit’s role in the agency along with observing their enforcement tactics during a guided hike through the park.
Red Hook Holiday Market at Vivid Kid | Red Hook
Saturday, December 20 | 12-6pm
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a second Holiday Market in Red Hook, located at Vivid Kid at 71 Commerce Street. Vivid Kid’s studio space is located off of Van Brunt Street. Just a couple doors down from Pearl Street Caviar, and a couple blocks from Red Hook Lobster Pound, this market will host 40 local artisans this holiday season. Come explore this iconic Brooklyn neighborhood and shop local artisans, designers, and makers selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, jewelry and more!
Saturday Ornament Painting at Michaels | Cobble Hill
Saturday, December 20 | 1-3pm
Join us in store for a fun painting event! Paint and wooden ornament and enjoy sweet treats.
Holiday Market Pop-Up and Gingerbread Decorating at Moore Street Market | Williamsburg
Saturday, December 20 | 1-5pm
Visit Moore Street Market for holiday fun all month long, including a holiday market pop-up, photo ops with Santa, and a gingerbread decorating workshop.
Holiday Character Meet and Greet at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Saturday, December 20 | 1-5pm
Bring the family and snap photos with kids’ characters. Perfect for families, little ones, and anyone ready for holiday cheer! Characters appearing throughout December include the Gingerbread Man, Olaf/Frozen Snowman, Holiday Mickey Mouse, Bluey, the full Paw Patrol cast, Charlie Brown, a Minion, a Reindeer, a Giant Festive Snowman, Santa, a Mascot Handler Elf, an Elf (not a mascot costume), and the Grinch (with staggered appearances and a full-day upgrade available).
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!
Christmas with the Brooklyn Tabernacle | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, December 20 | 2pm
Join for Christmas with The Brooklyn Tabernacle, a free musical production for the whole family! Come celebrate at 17 Smith Street or online on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m., or Sunday, December 21 at either 12:00 or 3:00 p.m. All services will have translation available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Korean.
Holiday Concert: Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 2pm
Join for a free holiday concert at Bargemusic, located at Pier 5!
Family Holiday Bird Count | Prospect Park
Saturday, December 20 | 4:30-10:00pm | To join a team email Bobbi Manian at ro************@***il.com | Deadline for team registration is December 17
Join Prospect Park Alliance for the 126th annual Family Holiday Bird Count! Naturalists of all ages are invited to take part in a beloved tradition more than 100 years in the making. Plan for four to eight hours of birding, rain or shine, followed by a potluck dinner and a live compilation of the day’s sightings.
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, December 20 | 2pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Caroling on Clinton with St. Ann’s Church | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, December 20 | 6-7pm
Join St. Ann’s at their Clinton Street entrance on December 20 to sing Christmas carols, share cookies and hot beverages, and invite neighbors into St. Ann’s sanctuary.
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Saturday, December 20 | 7:15pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
SUNDAY
Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Sundays | 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.
New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Nostalgia Rides | Manhattan
Every Sunday in December from 10am-5pm | FREE with subway fare
This holiday season, the New York Transit Museum and MTA New York City Transit continue the annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides aboard our vintage 1930s train cars. Hop aboard and celebrate the magic of New York City during the holidays. Find departure times and station stops here.
Hanukkah Celebration at Our Lady of Mount Carmel | Williamsburg
Sunday, December 21 | 11am-1pm
Celebrate Hanukkah together at this Community-Wide Hanukkah Celebration! Enjoy music with Yonatan, arts and crafts, face painting, and yummy treats.
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.
DUMBO Holiday Market at Smack Mellon | DUMBO
Sunday, December 21 | 11am-6pm
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a Holiday Market art Smack Mellon Gallery at 92 Plymouth Street in DUMBO. They’ll have have 35+ artisans, designers, and makers representing all 5 boroughs selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, jewelry and more!
Holiday Weekend Festivity: See Santa & The Triad Brass on Atlantic Avenue | Boerum Hill & Cobble Hill
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 | 12-3pm
Santa will walk down Atlantic Avenue to take pictures and spread holiday cheer. Enjoy live performances from Triad Bass throughout the day, enjoy the festive window displays, and get a free reusable ‘Shop & Dine Atlantic Ave’ tote bag!
Red Hook Holiday Market at Vivid Kid | Red Hook
Sunday, December 21 | 12-6pm
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a second Holiday Market in Red Hook, located at Vivid Kid at 71 Commerce Street. Vivid Kid’s studio space is located off of Van Brunt Street. Just a couple doors down from Pearl Street Caviar, and a couple blocks from Red Hook Lobster Pound, this market will host 40 local artisans this holiday season. Come explore this iconic Brooklyn neighborhood and shop local artisans, designers, and makers selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, jewelry and more!
Christmas Caroling with Plymouth Church | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, December 21 | 1pm
Calling carolers of all ages! Join Plymouth Church as they spread Christmas cheer through the Brooklyn Heights community. Meet in Beecher Garden at 1pm. Music will be provided!
Holiday Character Meet and Greet at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Sunday, December 21 | 1-5pm
Bring the family and snap photos with kids’ characters. Perfect for families, little ones, and anyone ready for holiday cheer! Characters appearing throughout December include the Gingerbread Man, Olaf/Frozen Snowman, Holiday Mickey Mouse, Bluey, the full Paw Patrol cast, Charlie Brown, a Minion, a Reindeer, a Giant Festive Snowman, Santa, a Mascot Handler Elf, an Elf (not a mascot costume), and the Grinch (with staggered appearances and a full-day upgrade available).
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!
Menorah Lighting at Hoyt Street Garden | Boerum Hill
Sunday, December 21 | 1pm
Come light up Atlantic Avenue! There will be a giant menorah lighting, dreidels, candles, gelt, music, and fun for all ages.
12th Annual Flatfoot Flatbush on Flatbush Avenue | Park Slope & Prospect Heights
Sunday, December 21 | 1:00-3:30pm
For the twelfth consecutive season, the North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) teams up with Make Music New York and Porch Stomp for another year of music and dancing on Flatbush Avenue. During Flatfoot Flatbush, dancers, fiddlers, and pickers parade down the sidewalks of Flatbush Avenue (Dean Street to Sterling Place) playing old-time tunes while flatfooting, a form of percussive dancing from Appalachia. The event will begin with a flatfooting workshop, followed by a parade down Flatbush Avenue, finishing at the 6th Avenue Triangle (intersection of Flatbush, 6th, and St Marks Avenues), with percussive dance performances and participatory group dances led City Stompers.
Holiday Concert: Bargemusic at The Boathouse at Pier 5 | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 2pm
Join for a free holiday concert at Bargemusic, located at Pier 5!
Christmas with the Brooklyn Tabernacle | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, December 21 | 3pm
Join for Christmas with The Brooklyn Tabernacle, a free musical production for the whole family! Come celebrate at 17 Smith Street or online on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m., or Sunday, December 21 at either 12:00 or 3:00 p.m. All services will have translation available in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Korean.
Tropicalfete Inc. Presents: THE FINALE – A Cultural Gift for the Community! at BMS Playhouse Theatre | Fort Greene
Sunday, December 21 | 3:00-7:30pm | FREE, RSVP here
Celebrate the season with Tropicalfete Inc.’s annual cultural showcase, THE FINALE, a vibrant holiday spectacular featuring music, dance, theatre, and Caribbean artistry. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of steel pan, stilt walking, live vocals, dance, theatre, carnival arts, traditional parang, and more.
Sunday, December 21 | 3:45-4:30pm | RSVP here
Join for Chabad of Park Slope’s annual menorah lighting with Chanukah crafts, latkes and donuts, donut decorating, music, and more!
Neighborhood Caroling with The Church of the Holy Apostles | Windsor Terrace
Sunday, December 21 | 4pm
Spread cheer, joy, and music throughout the neighborhood. Meet at 4pm on the church steps, located at 612 Greenwood Avenue.
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah Lighting at Grand Army Plaza | Park Slope
Sunday, December 21 | 5pm | See full schedule here
Join Chabad of Park Slope as they light Brooklyn’s largest menorah every night of Chanukah, with live music, hot latkes and gifts for the children.
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, December 21 | 5pm
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Festival of Lights: Winter Solstice at Seba Playground | Marine Park
Sunday, December 21 | 5-7pm
Celebrate when our hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, making the shortest day of the year. Dress warm in layers. Bring binoculars and a telescope if you have them to view the Geminid and Ursid meteor showers, and the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.
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Updated: December 12, 2025. Main Image: 12th Annual Flatfoot Flatbush on Flatbush Avenue.
