The holidays are winding down and 2024 is coming to a close, but this week is still packed with family-friendly events! Highlights include Chanukah celebrations and menorah lightings, a New Year’s Eve light show in Prospect Park, the Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge, Japanese New Year at Japan Village in Industry City, and a New Year’s Day Super Hike in Prospect Park.
Don’t forget to also check out our overview of all the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in our Brooklyn neighborhoods!
Winter Recess in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Monday, December 30 & Tuesday, December 31 | 12-4pm
Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess through 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.
Recycle your Christmas Trees at Mulchfest | Various Locations
Through Wednesday, January 12, 2025 | Save the date for Chipping Weekend on January 11 & 12 | See all Mulchfest 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. Everything you need to know here!
Book Adventures: New Years Countdown at Sunset Park Library | Sunset Park
Join us at the Sunset Park branch for a story and a related activity to ring in the new year!
Hanukkah Fest at Atlantic Terminal | Downtown Brooklyn
Monday, December 30 | 4-6pm
Enjoy an evening of Chanukah traditions and fun! Bring your loved ones and experience the warmth of Chanukah through a lively menorah lighting, traditional songs, and delicious treats, including sufganiyot and chocolate gelt. There will be games and activities for all ages, from dreidel spinning to Chanukah crafts, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
- Indoor Family Activities: 4:00–5:30 PM, Ground Floor near Rumi
- Menorah Lighting: 5:30–6:00 PM, Outdoor Plaza
This event is free and open to everyone, so bring friends, family, and neighbors to share in the joy of Chanukah. Make memories, celebrate tradition, and embrace the festive spirit at Atlantic Terminal Mall!
Chanukah on Ice with Chabad of DUMBO | DUMBO
Monday, December 30 | 4:30-5:30pm | Free RSVP; $10 tickets for ice skating
Join the Chabad of DUMBO for Chanukah on Ice at Roebling Rink under the Brooklyn Bridge! Enjoy an hour of ice skating with the community followed by the lighting of the Menorah and Chanukah donuts and hot cocoa!
Brooklyn Borough Hall Menorah Lighting | Brooklyn Heights
Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31 & Wednesday, January 1 | 5pm
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. On New Year’s Eve, the lighting will be paired with a concert by Matisyahu at 5pm!
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am.
Lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah | Grand Army Plaza
Monday, December 30, Tuesday, December 31 & Wednesday, January 1 | 6pm
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.
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.
Upcycling Nature Crafts 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. Upcycling can be fun and resourceful for nature and ecology. Make bird feeders, bee hotels, and more! Bring clean used food containers to the visitors center and use them to create fun crafts.
New Year’s Ease at Randolph Beer | DUMBO
Tuesday, December 31 | 12-8pm | No reservations needed
Bring the kids to Randolph on New Year’s Eve for brunch all day, pitcher specials for adults, games, and TV! Randolph will be open 12-8pm both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. All are welcome, just walk in!
3rd Street Block Association New Year’s Eve Block Party | Park Slope
Tuesday, December 31 | 1:30pm-12:00am
Ring in the new year at a Park Slope neighborhood block party! The festivities will be happening between 1:30pm and midnight on 3rd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues. Come one, come all! Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
- 1:30pm | Gingerbread Bounce Castle
- 3:00pm | S’mores and Hot Chocolate
- 5:00pm | Food truck arrives ($15 per plate)
- 6:50pm | NYE Countdown (small kids)
- 11:50pm | NYE Countdown (local stoops)
Threes Brewing’s Family-Friendly Balloon Drop | Gowanus
Tuesday, December 31 | Bar and kitchen open at 2pm | Balloon drop at 4pm | No RSVP necessary
Threes Brewing will host their Second Annual Family-Friendly Balloon Drop on New Year’s Eve. They’ll have a sparkling cider toast and food specials from our friends at Grand Army. Bar and kitchen open at 2pm, balloon drop at 4pm. No tickets needed. Bring the kids, bring the family, have everyone home and tucked into bed (including yourself, if you want) by 5pm! Then, for the later crowd, DJ Henry James will start at 9pm and go into the wee hours. Free entry and a complimentary beer toast at midnight, and food by Grand Army South.
Brooklyn Borough Hall Menorah Lighting + New Year’s Eve Concert by Matisyahu | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, December 31 | 5pm
Start your New Year’s Eve with music, celebration, and light, with a special performance by Matisyahu! Celebrate Chanukah with a lighting ceremony at the giant menorah at Borough Hall, in front of the Kings County Supreme Court building.
Family Karaoke & Ball Drop at Vineapple | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, December 31 | 5-8pm | Reservations on Resy
Join us for a fun & family-friendly New Year’s Eve! Our full dinner menu will be available and we will have kid-friendly dishes too! Karaoke will be from 5pm until the “Ball Drop” at 8pm. Then, grown-ups are welcome from 9pm-1pm for trivia, music, the live televised ball drop, plus drink and food specials. Adults reserve on Resy as well.
NYRR Open Run | Brooklyn Bridge Park
NYRR Open Run brings free, weekly community-led, approximately 3-mile runs to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. The Open Run route offers views of the Brooklyn Bridge on the way out, the Statue of Liberty on the way back, and the Lower Manhattan skyline the whole way. Fornino is a great spot to get drinks and pizza after the run.
CANCELED: New Year’s Eve Light Show in Prospect Park | Grand Army Plaza
Note: Due to the weather forecast of high winds and expected lightning, the New Year’s Eve celebration in Prospect Park has been canceled.
Tuesday, December 31 | 10pm-12am | RSVP here
Join Brooklyn’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration at Grand Army Plaza presented by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Prospect Park Alliance, in partnership with NYU Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Public Library. This free event will take place on Tuesday, December 31, from 10 pm until 12 am, with live music and a grand light display. In light of the unprecedented drought conditions and recent fire, for the first time this year, this 44-year tradition will pivot from fireworks to a light show celebration in Brooklyn’s Backyard. The event will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist starting at 10 pm. A festive light show display will begin at midnight in the skies above Brooklyn’s Backyard, featuring beloved iconography including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Big Apple, the Statue of Liberty and more. Note the light show is pending FCC approvals and weather dependent. In the event of extreme weather, check prospectpark.org for updates.
Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge | Coney Island Beach
Wednesday, January 1 | 11am-1pm
Every New Year’s Day, brave swimmers plunge into the water at Coney Island Beach to symbolically wash away the prior year. The tradition goes back 122 years, and The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is the oldest winter bathing club in the United States, dating back to 1903! Come to watch the madness, or register to participate! You can sign up as an individual, join a team, or create your own team to fundraise. Registered swimmers who reach $50 in donations receive a limited edition beanie. Funds help support local organizations in Coney Island, including the Coney Island YMCA and the New York Aquarium.
New Year’s Day Super Hike | Prospect Park
If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, join the Urban Park Rangers on a lengthy hike. Dress warmly, put on your hiking shoes, and head to the park. Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. Explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, and unplug from the world to clear your head.
Japanese New Year at Japan Village | Industry City
- 1:30 pm | Koto Performance (Japanese national instrument)
- 2:00 pm | Kagami Break (Sake barrel breaking ceremony)
- 3:00 pm | Shi Shi Mai (Lion Dance Pt. 1)
- 3:30 pm | Mochi Pounding (Traditional mochi making)
- 4:30 pm | Shi Shi Mai (Lion Dance Pt. 2)
Chanukah in Carroll Park with Dirah | Carroll Gardens
Wednesday, January 1 | 4:30pm
Chanukah at Carroll Park is back again! Join the community for an evening of light and joy at the Menorah lighting celebration. The event features hot latkes and donuts, live music, exciting entertainment, and a special program for Israel.
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.
After School Movie: 101 Dalmations (1961) at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Kids Create: Art Nature Play at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Join our volunteer artist, Lee, in our craft room, for an hour of fun and creativity! In this craft session, we work with materials from nature to make beautiful and unique creations you can take home with you.
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, January 4 | 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, January 4 | 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, January 4 | 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.
Winter Tea in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Saturday, January 4 | 2-4pm | RSVP here
Join Tea Arts & Culture and Prospect Park Alliance to welcome 2025 at the Boathouse in Brooklyn’s Backyard! Take a moment to prioritize slowing down, reflecting, and appreciating the beauty of nature, tea, art and community as we step into the new year. Please bring your own cup and a cushion if you prefer to sit on the floor comfortably, as chairs and cushions may not be guaranteed. This is a free event with limited space, and registration is required.
Here’s what’s planned for the Winter Tea:
- Sound Performances by Ma, Testu Collective, and Dan Gorelick | Maria Takeuchi and Alec Fellman of Ma will start with a longform music performance in collaboration with Serena Stucke and Dan Tesene of Testu Collective. They will create an intricate soundscape through amplified objects and synthesized sounds. Artist and cello player Dan Gorelick will perform a solo cello set, and join in the collective soundscape with MA and Testu Collective to close the performance.
- Odes to Common Things Poetry Writing with Robin Lampman | Participate in our ongoing community art project, Odes to Common Things, through poetry writing to reflect on our shared experiences and this moment. To learn more about the project, check here.
- Ikebana Installation by Kristina Bajunaisgvili | Experience the beauty of nature through the flower arrangement created for this gathering.
- Fireside Conversations and Tea with our community members | Gather around the outdoor fire to enjoy tea, conversations, and the serenity of the winter park.
Three Kings Day Celebration with Poetry and Music of Puerto Rico | Battery Park City
Saturday, January 4 | 3pm
Enjoy Three Kings Day traditions with live music, poets, and an open mic for guest poets from the audience. Learn how children in Puerto Rico leave a box with hay or grass for the kings’ camels under their beds (like cookies for Santa) on the night before the holiday. Presented by Nuyorican Poets Café, rooted in the Puerto Rican/ Afro Caribbean legacy of spoken word and honoring history by creating forums for expression and experimentation. All ages welcome!
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 10-11am
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents at Roebling Rink on Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am.
Birdwatching: First Sunday Outings | Prospect Park
Sunday, January 5 | 10am-12pm
Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on the first Sunday of each month through June 2024 in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds. Please bring your own binoculars. Route Description: This outing is at an easy pace with stops to observe birds. A different route through the park may be taken each week. There may be steps, slight inclines, and grass and dirt paths with exposed roots on the route, which will cover approximately 1.5-2 miles.
Storytime with Shaina Feinberg & Julia Rothman at Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, January 5 | 11am
What do a playwright, a vegan butcher, and an alpaca farmer all have in common? Two popular columnists take us behind the scenes in interviews with twenty-eight workers doing something they love. With care and delight, New York Times columnists Shaina Feinberg and Julia Rothman take readers all over the world to explore the furthest reaches of passion and dedication in this collection of interviews. Meet a wildland firefighter, a surfer, a ferry captain, a designer of headscarves, an accessibility specialist, and many other real people doing the creative, fascinating, and often difficult jobs that make the world work. This ode to the wild and limitless range of job possibilities also includes thought-provoking questions designed to open conversations with young readers, as well as tips on how they might conduct an interview themselves. Featuring Julia Rothman’s captivating, detailed artwork drawn from real scenes and photos, Work is a work of inspiration and joy that honors people everywhere who love the work that they do.
Updated: December 31, 2024. Main Image: Hanukkah Fest at Atlantic Terminal.
