Christmas week is here, and there’s plenty of holiday fun for Brooklyn families, from Dyker Heights’ over-the-top light display to caroling, holiday markets, and so much more! Brooklyn families can ice skate for free at Roebling Rink, take part in winter nature programs in our local parks, and recycle their Christmas trees at Mulchfest beginning on December 26.
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.
Tween Time: Winter Solstice Party at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Monday, December 22 | 3:00-4:30 pm | Ages 9-12
Come hang out with other tweens for a Winter Solstice Party at the library!
Cobble Hill Gather & Sing with Brooklyn Youth Chorus at Cobble Hill Park | Cobble Hill
Monday, December 22 | 5:30-7:00pm | RSVP hereÂ
Come to Cobble Hill Park from 5:30 to 7:30pm for singing (6:00-6:30pm), community, cookies, cocoa, and cider. The music director from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus will lead a sing-a-long of classic holiday tunes and festive songs.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights | Dyker Heights
Through the 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.
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.
TUESDAY
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.
The Lay Out Holiday Pop Up Market at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
December 23-24 | 1-6pmÂ
Atlantic Terminal will host The Lay Out’s Holiday Market at Atlantic Terminal for four weekends throughout the holiday season. The market will take place on the ground floor of Atlantic Terminal. Over the course of the month, 70+ Black-owned brands will be showcased alongside national retailers at Atlantic Terminal. The market will kick off on November 29, Small Business Saturday, spotlighting Brooklyn’s own Black-owned small businesses—from handmade goods and artisanal treats to skincare, apparel, home essentials, and more.
WEDNESDAY
The Lay Out Holiday Pop Up Market at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
December 23-24 | 1-6pmÂ
Atlantic Terminal will host The Lay Out’s Holiday Market at Atlantic Terminal for four weekends throughout the holiday season. The market will take place on the ground floor of Atlantic Terminal. Over the course of the month, 70+ Black-owned brands will be showcased alongside national retailers at Atlantic Terminal. The market will kick off on November 29, Small Business Saturday, spotlighting Brooklyn’s own Black-owned small businesses—from handmade goods and artisanal treats to skincare, apparel, home essentials, and more.
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.
THURSDAY
Mulchfest | Citywide
Drop-off December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026 (Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11)
During Mulchfest, you can drop-off your tree to be recycled into mulch! Drop-offs will be accepted in parks across Brooklyn from December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026, and save the date for Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 10am-2pm each day. Drop-off locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cobble Hill Park, Fort Greene Park, Prospect Park, Coffey Park, Sunset Park, Owl’s Head Park, Domino Park, McCarren Park, McGolrick Park, and beyond. To see all locations, click here.
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.
FRIDAY
Mulchfest | Citywide
Drop-off December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026 (Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11)
During Mulchfest, you can drop-off your tree to be recycled into mulch! Drop-offs will be accepted in parks across Brooklyn from December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026, and save the date for Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 10am-2pm each day. Drop-off locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cobble Hill Park, Fort Greene Park, Prospect Park, Coffey Park, Sunset Park, Owl’s Head Park, Domino Park, McCarren Park, McGolrick Park, and beyond. To see all locations, click here.
Winter Recess in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Friday, December 26 | 10am-3pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess from Friday, December 26 – Wednesday, December 31.
- Nature Around Us | 10–3 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.
- Animal Encounter | 1–2 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning about the animals in the Center’s collection.
- Family Nature Walk | 2–3 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.
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!
Kids Create: New Years Wishing Wands at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, December 26 | 3:30-4:30 pm | Ages 5-12
Join us in our craft room to create your very own New Years Wishing Wand with library-provided crafting materials.
SATURDAY
Mulchfest | Citywide
Drop-off December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026 (Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11)
During Mulchfest, you can drop-off your tree to be recycled into mulch! Drop-offs will be accepted in parks across Brooklyn from December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026, and save the date for Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 10am-2pm each day. Drop-off locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cobble Hill Park, Fort Greene Park, Prospect Park, Coffey Park, Sunset Park, Owl’s Head Park, Domino Park, McCarren Park, McGolrick Park, and beyond. To see all locations, click here.
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.
Winter Recess in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Saturday, December 27 | 10am-3pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess from Friday, December 26 – Wednesday, December 31.
- Nature Around Us | 10–3 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.
- Animal Encounter | 1–2 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning about the animals in the Center’s collection.
- Family Nature Walk | 2–3 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.
Children’s Kwanzaa Village 2025 at Brownsville Heritage House | Brownsville
Saturday, December 27 | 11am-1pm
Join us at Brownsville Heritage House Inc. to honor African heritage and culture through various activities and performances. This event is a great opportunity for children to learn about the principles of Kwanzaa in a fun and interactive way!
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.
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!
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!
SUNDAY
Mulchfest | Citywide
Drop-off December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026 (Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11)
During Mulchfest, you can drop-off your tree to be recycled into mulch! Drop-offs will be accepted in parks across Brooklyn from December 26, 2025–January 11, 2026, and save the date for Chipping Weekend Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11, 10am-2pm each day. Drop-off locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cobble Hill Park, Fort Greene Park, Prospect Park, Coffey Park, Sunset Park, Owl’s Head Park, Domino Park, McCarren Park, McGolrick Park, and beyond. To see all locations, click here.
Winter Recess in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Sunday, December 28 | 10am-3pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess from Friday, December 26 – Wednesday, December 31.
- Nature Around Us | 10–3 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.
- Animal Encounter | 1–2 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning about the animals in the Center’s collection.
- Family Nature Walk | 2–3 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter now!
Updated: December 17, 2025. Main Image: Dyker Heights Christmas Lights.
