The holiday season is in full swing, with the last of the tree lightings in our neighborhoods, tons of opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, free ice skating, caroling, and more holiday parties! Highlight of the week include City Point’s Santa Portrait Studio featuring Mama & Papa Klaus, DUMBO Tree Lighting, holiday festivities on Atlantic Avenue with caroling, a brass quartet, and Santa, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Holiday Extravaganza!, a Tree to Tree Holiday Trolley between Park Slope and Sunset Park, the first Chanukah events of the season, and more!
Plus, don’t forget to check out our overviews of the best holiday markets, neighborhood tree lightings, where to meet Santa, where to ice skate this winter, and our roundup of family-friendly holiday experiences this season in Brooklyn and beyond.
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mondays | 5-6pm
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents: Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am. Tickets for the free sessions are first-come, first-served and must be booked in person with a valid Brooklyn address on your ID.
Tiny Storytime @ Books Are Magic | Cobble Hill
Tuesdays | 11am
Join Book Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, every Tuesday in Cobble Hill and Thursday in Brooklyn Heights!
Free Storytime at Private Picassos | Clinton Hill
Tuesdays | 11:00-11:30am
Join us each Tuesday at 11am and select Saturdays at 10am for a special storytime – perfect for babies and toddlers. Private Picassos Founder Valeen Bhat will read a favorite kid’s book in our cozy reading nook. Hang out after for coloring, toys and exploring all of the books we have at our Studio.
Tiny Storytime @ Books Are Magic | Brooklyn Heights
Thursdays | 11am
Join Book Are Magic for Tiny Storytime for ages 6-36 months, every Tuesday in Cobble Hill and Thursday in Brooklyn Heights!
Paint the Holidays: Star/Snowflake at Walt Whitman Library | Fort Greene
Tuesday, December 10 | 3:15-4:30pm
Calling all artists! Join us for an acrylic paint class, led by the talented Christopher McIntyre, on select Tuesdays at the Walt Whitman Library in Brooklyn! Perfect for children of all ages, this fun and creative class will have you painting on canvas with exciting fall-themed designs.Choose a pre-sketched canvas to paint or let your imagination run wild by sketching your own design. All materials are provided! Grab your brushes, let’s paint the season!
Jack and Friends Presents: Suzi Shelton at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Join us for Jack and Friends Presents: Suzi Shelton! Join us for Suzi Shelton’s fun-filled musical performance! Local performer Suzi Shelton has been recognized as a voice in independent family music for over a decade. She has four solo albums under her belt, and a popular livestream show called Sing with Suzi featuring special guests from around the globe. This program will have registration that will open 24 hours before the program begins. Please only one registration per family.
Anime Afternoon at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Take a midweek break and try an anime and manga sampler! Chat with friends about the latest releases while enjoying some clips of new and favorite series. We’ll also have art supplies available to create your own fan art or draw your OCs. Open to Grades 5-12.
Note: The Adams Street Library in DUMBO will temporarily close for essential repairs on December 18, 2024 and is anticipated to reopen in April 2025. Come enjoy free programming before the closure begins! The Adams Street Annex nearby at 1 John Street will continue to serve the community with returns, picking up holds, creating or renewing library cards, and borrowing board games starting January 2. The Annex will be open weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm. The branch is also planning additional off-site programming. More details to come, stay tuned!
Teen Time: GSA and More! at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Join us for our Gay/Straight Alliance Meetup! Come on, come all to the Game Room upstairs in the Teen Mezzanine. We will provide a space for open topics expressing appreciations and concerns related to the LGBTQ+ community while we munch on snacks and paint! GSAs provide a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming (LGBTQ) students, as well as those who are perceived by others to be LGBTQ, are questioning their identity, have LGBTQ friends or family members, or just care about LGBTQ issues.
Teen DIY: Holiday Cards & Ornaments at Greenpoint Library | Greenpoint
Stop by Eco Lab 3 to create and write a holiday card for a loved one and to make a holiday ornament!
POSTPONED: DUMBO Annual Holiday Tree Lighting | DUMBO
POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN | Rescheduled for Wednesday, December 18 | 4-7pm
Join for carols, calypso and cocoa in the Dumbo Archway Plaza. The tree will be lit at 5:30 pm sharp with a countdown led by Alexandria Sica, President of the Dumbo Improvement District. Enjoy Santa in a photo booth, holiday covers by Curtis J. Social, and performances PS307 and Dock Street Middle School students, and holiday projections by DUMBO-based animation studio Augenblick Studios. Bring an unwrapped toy, coat, or non-perishables for the toy drive, coat drive, and food drive. Plus, there will be hot cocoa, sweet treats, and mulled cider (for sale at The Archway Bar). Learn more here!
Free Community Playdate at mi Centro BK | Bed Stuy
Thursdays | 11:30am-12:30pm | Ages 0-3
Free playspace for the community! Come discover a new stimulating setup each week with an ever-fresh variety of playthings, books, and activities. Meet and connect with other families, children, and caregivers in our sunny, temperature controlled space.
Bed-Stuy Gateway BID’s Winter Wonderland | Bed Stuy
Thursdays–Sundays | 12-6pm | Through December 22
Bed Stuy Gateway BID’s Winter Wonderland is back at Marcy Plaza in Bed Stuy and better than ever! Shop for the holidays and enjoy local eats at this pop-up marketplace. It’s a month-long family-friendly holiday tradition that includes live entertainment, fashion showcases and live music from local DJs. See the full schedule of events here, including visits with Santa!
Amazon Free Hours at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Visit ColorLab & STEM Makerspace from 2:30-4:30pm
Join us during Amazon Free Hours, every Thursday afternoon from 2-5pm! Explore some of our most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, the new ”
“In the Works” play space that is modeled after NYC scaffolding, and more. Then check out ColorLab, the family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum. During Amazon Free Hours, there is also Animal Encounters with live animals at 3:00 and 3:45pm. And finally, check out Nature’s Engineers, the museum’s STEM makerspace, from 2:30 to 4:30pm. This month’s project is “Sink or Swim”: Build your own floating structures, and test their buoyancy and stability. Can you create a boat that holds more marbles than your friend’s?
Drag Story Hour at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, December 12 | 3:00-3:45pm | RSVP here
Join us for a storytelling session that celebrates the uniqueness of all kids and families. Drag Story Hour NYC programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.
Sounds of the Season with Brooklyn Music School at Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, December 12 | 5:00-6:30pm
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with Brooklyn Music School’s talented musicians bringing classic holiday tunes to life. From heartwarming carols to soulful renditions of your favorite festive melodies, experience the joy of the holidays through the power of music. The performances will take place on the ground floor at Atlantic Terminal near Rumi on Thursday, December 12th from 5-6:30PM. See you there to celebrate the magic of the holiday season with some festive spirit.
Storytime with Santa & Friends at Santa Land Atlantic Terminal Mall | Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, December 12 | 5-8pm | Everyone must register with Ms. Claus: 646-852-4466
This is a fun evening filled with Holiday Storytelling, Dancing, Singing, and Holiday Treats! Please note that this event is free but space is limited. Children experiencing hardship are a priority at this event. Any remaining slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Santa Land operates throughout December! Capture precious memories with your family, friends, and pets at various Santa Land events.
Holiday Concert by Suzi Shelton at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Friday, December 13 | 10am | RSVP here
With over a decade of experience, Suzi Shelton creates music that is both uplifting and fun, encouraging little ones to sing, dance, and explore the world around them. Join for this holiday-themed show at Time Out Market in DUMBO!
Grand Opening of Little Scholars Childcare Center | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, December 13 | 3-5pm | Featuring a Surprise Character! | RSVP here
Saturday, December 15 |12-2pm | Featuring Santa! | RSVP here
Celebrate with us at our new Downtown Brooklyn daycare center! The Grand Opening of Little Scholars Childcare Center will feature exciting activities for kids including face painting, balloon twisting, and more! Parents can meet our dedicated team and take a tour of our beautiful, new space, located at 345 Adams Street. Special Offer: Join our Grand Opening event and get 10% off for the first month if you enroll by January 31, 2025!
Family Movie: Polar Express (G) at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Come enjoy Polar Express and warm up with some hot cocoa!
Family Movie Night: Smallfoot (PG) at Park Slope Library | Park Slope
Friday, December 13 | 3:30-5:30pm
Come and join us as we turn our auditorium into a mini movie theater for our interactive movie program when we watch Smallfoot! Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed — a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community. Rated PG, 96 minute runtime. All ages are welcome, no registration is required!
Caroling on Atlantic Avenue | Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill
Friday, December 13 @ 4-5pm | Saturday, December 14 @ 3-4pm
Join the Atlantic Avenue BID and the Mistle-tones for holiday caroling down Atlantic Avenue. Complimentary treats will be served by select Atlantic Avenue businesses to help you enjoy the gifting season! There are three chances to catch them: December 13 at Misha and Puff, December 14 at Written by Forest, M. Patmos and Jao Social Club, and Saturday, December 21 at Salter House and Earth Speaks.
Diocese of Brooklyn Christmas Tree Lighting | Grand Army Plaza
Friday, December 13 | 5-7pm
This year, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Christmas Tree will be lit on Friday, December 13 at 5 pm at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. The public is invited to join Diocesan officials and parishioners from all over Brooklyn and Queens for this special occasion. The tree will remain lit 24/7 in red lights—the only such tree in NYC—until January. This annual tradition of displaying the Christmas Tree and Nativity Creche brings the spirit and joy of the Christmas season to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn community.
Community Toy Drive at Borough Hall Greenmarket | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, December 14 | 9am-12pm
Lincoln Restler, The Service Collective, and Spread Love Brooklyn is hosting a Community Toy Drive on Saturday, December 14 from 9am-12pm at Borough Hall Greenmarket in Brooklyn. Please bring an unwrapped, new toy or book for kids ages 5-13 to the drive, or drop-off December 2-13 (weekdays, 8am-5pm) at St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn Heights (157 Montague Street).
Vivvi Dumbo Winter Story Hour with Powerhouse Arena | DUMBO
Saturday, December 14 | 10-11am
Celebrate the joy of the season with a wintery read-aloud in partnership with Dumbo’s famous powerHouse Arena. Little ones will also explore the magic of winter with sensory bottle crafts, hands-on activities, and playful nods to the season. Experience Vivvi Dumbo’s welcoming, airy, and bright spaces, while meeting other local families.
Volunteer Day: Leaf No Trace at Fort Greene Park | Fort Greene
It’s that time again! Fall is upon us and with it all of the leaves! Join us for 1 of our annual leaf raking events, Leaf No Trace, to collect leaves en masse. Leaves will be bagged and stored in a leaf corral in the park where they will be allowed to slowly break down over the winter and early Spring months to turn into a nutrient-rich leaf mould. Leaf mould, similar to compost, is a nutrient-rich soil amendment that provides the park’s trees with several benefits.
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.
Family Holiday Bird Count | Prospect Park
Saturday, December 14 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for the Family Holiday Bird Count! Blooming Naturalists of all ages can join a tradition more than 100 years in the making. The Holiday Bird Count is a nationwide bird census that helps conservation researchers track the long-term health of bird populations.
Bird counts leave promptly at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Free Inclusive Enrichment Programs POW! Power Of We! Kids at McCarren Park | Williamsburg
Saturday, December 14 | 10am-1:45pm | RSVP here
Power Of We! (POW!) provides enrichment programs to kids of all abilities in a safe and nourishing environment. Inclusion is our mission! POW! meets on Saturdays to celebrate each other and otherness with dance moves, brain gymnastics, sometimes yoga, art, story, music, and open play. Occasionally we have a therapy dog visiting or hold a grownups chat. Our nonprofit organization provides volunteer-based programs and emphasizes the inclusion of all. This is not a drop-off program. We are encouraging the participation of grownups to experience some quality time.
Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market | DUMBO
Saturdays and Sundays | 10am-5pm | Through December 22
The Brooklyn Flea brings 40+ vintage and handmade vendors to this curated Holiday Market under the DUMBO Archway.
PS 133 Holiday Bazaar, Kids Carnival & Holiday Concert | Gowanus
Saturday, December 14 | 10am-4pm | FREE bazaar, $5 tickets for Holiday Concert at 11am
The PS 133 Holiday Bazaar and Kids Carnival features local vendors, a holiday concert for kids, crafts and games, and a pay-what-you-wish bookstore. Get some holiday shopping done, enjoy some holiday tunes, and celebrate the season! Renowned Brooklyn performer Mr. Evan will hit the stage in the auditorium for a Kids Holiday Concert at 11:00am for (doors open at 10:30AM). Tickets are $5. There will be an hour of singing and dancing to holiday favorites that will delight kids and parents. The event open to the public and you do not have to be a student of the school to attend!
Free Santa Portrait Studio, Balloon Drop & Holiday Market at City Point | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15
City Point is bringing the holidays to life with a free Santa Photo Studio, Holiday Balloon Drop and The Makers Show annual craft and gift market. Learn more here!
- Santa Portrait Studio | December 14-15 | 11am-3pm | RSVP here | Capture the joy of the season with a free portrait at the Santa Studio, featuring the jolly man himself in a red suit and a holiday-inspired backdrop. On December 15 only, meet Mama and Papa Klaus! One ticket per family. One free portrait per family. Additional photos for purchase.
- 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!
Winter Wonderland Pawty at Prospect Bark Daycare & Spa | Park Slope
Saturday, December 14 | 11am-5pm
Pups and their families are invited to join for this free Winter Wonderland Pawty, featuring a holiday booth, refreshments, a holiday treat bar for dogs, a crafting table for kids, mini tours of the facility, and more! This event is FREE, just stop in between 11AM and 5PM on Saturday, Dec 14th! (Children & well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome to attend!)
Powerhouse Arts x Brooklyn Pop-up Holiday Market | Gowanus
Saturday, December 14 | 11am-6pm
A curated selection of more than 100 vendors selling clothes, jewelry, candles, ceramics, prints and much more. Plus craft-making activities, gift wrapping, DJ and raffles.
FAD Holiday Markets in Brooklyn | DUMBO, Cobble Hill & Boerum Hill
Saturdays and Sundays in December | 11am-6pm | Through December 22
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!
Storytime at The Center for Fiction Bookstore | Fort Greene
Saturdays | 12pm
Join us every Saturday at noon for Story Time at The Center for Fiction Bookstore, where each week we read from some of our favorite books for young people! Led by our booksellers, this is a free community event open to people of all ages.
Holiday Festivities on Atlantic Avenue | Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill
Saturday, December 14 | 12-3pm
Tour the festive windows between Fourth Avenue and the waterfront, check out special holiday deals and events from local businesses, enjoy a brass quartet, and meet Santa! It’s all part of the Holiday Festivity Weekends on Atlantic Avenue.
Holiday Storytime: The Nutcracker (with special guest Miss Phoebe of Tutu School) at Powerhouse Arena | DUMBO
Saturday, December 14 | 1pm | RSVP here
Join us for a festive event at Powerhouse Arena bookstore. We will read the beloved ballet story, The Nutcracker, listen to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score, dance like the characters in the story, and finish with a Nutcracker coloring sheet to top it all off! RSVPs accepted, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Events for Youth & Family: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Saturday, December 14 | 1-2pm
When all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait! A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say “Merry Christmas!”, we’re off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer. Don’t miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season!
Music for Autism Concert: Pianist Wynona Wang at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Join us for a free, interactive, in-person, autism-friendly concert! Born in Beijing, Wynona Wang learned to play piano at age four and has played with symphonies around the world. Her solo career features European classical pieces as well as modern and contemporary work by American and Chinese composers. We are thrilled to welcome Wynona to Brooklyn! We are thrilled to welcome WHCO to Music for Autism for the first time! You must RSVP in advance for this in-person event. You must RSVP in advance for this in-person event. Register here or email [email protected].
Red Hook Holiday Market | Red Hook
December 14-15 & 21-22 | 1-6pm
Join us for the 5th annual Red Hook Holiday Market! Find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for your loved ones this holiday season while supporting local artisans, makers, and crafters! Visit us each weekend in December on the 1st floor of Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition at 481 Van Brunt St, Door 7A. Come see the display of decorated holiday windows and cast your vote for the best holiday windows decoration. Shop Red Hook local stores and eat, drink, & shop local for the holidays!
Holiday Character Meet & Greet at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Saturdays, 2-5pm | December 14 & 21
Come meet your favorite holiday characters up close and personal Every Saturday! Meet Gingerbread Man & Frosty on December 7 & 14, and Santa, The Grinch & Rudolph on December 21!
Winter Wonderland at Bed-Stuy YMCA | Bed Stuy
Saturday, December 14 | 3-6pm
Our annual FREE Community Holiday Party tradition continues in partnership with the Brooklyn Phi Beta Sigmas. Families enjoy a day of fun, games and making holiday memories. There will be4 Cotton Candy, a Photo Booth, Inflatables, and a DJ. Story time provided by Dekalb Branch Brooklyn Library. Each kid is guaranteed a gift upon leaving. Free & open to the community!
Tree to Tree Holiday Trolley | Park Slope to Sunset Park
Saturday, December 14 | 3-7pm |Runs along 5th Ave. from 4th St. to 60th St.
The first Tree to Tree Trolley will run between two holiday trees, in Park Slope and Sunset Park! DJ Eddie will be entertaining along the way, and there will be goodie bags for the first 20 kids on the trolley! Plus, an appearance from Santa. Two stops only! See the full schedule here. The first pick-up will be 5th Ave. and 60th St. at 3pm.
A Night with The Makers: Holiday Edition | Industry City
Saturdays, 4-7pm | December 14 & 21
Industry City’s Makers Guild welcomes you for a unique, immersive shopping experience this holiday season. The series “A Night with the Makers: Holiday Edition” will kick off on Small Business Saturday, November 30, and take place each Saturday until December 21. While listening to live electronic music beats, customers will be able to browse the floor, sipping complimentary drinks and participating in immersive free brand activations. A digital Gifting Concierge will also be available, for one-on-one personalized shopping guidance. Our goal is to make your gifting season seamless by starting with a gift to you: a unique experience filled with great memories.
Japanese Holiday Market | Industry City
Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15 | 12-6pm
Explore unique creations from over 20 Japanese craft vendors, offering jewelry, apparel, stationery, and more. Plus, enjoy a special Kendama event on the same floor!
The Black Santa Experience at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays & Sundays | 1-8pm | Through December 22
The Black Santa Experience is a family-friendly experience bringing in the holiday spirit to DeKalb Market Hall! Interactive 360-Degree Camera, Dancing Santa Claus, and Friendly Elf Assistant, located in front of Essex Squeeze & The Showroom Bakehouse.
Humbug Bash with The Winter Social | Cobble Hill Park
Saturday, December 14 | 4-6pm
Bring your Tiny Tims and Scroogiest friends and head down to the park for a toast to Socials Past, Present, and Future. Let’s light up the park and celebrate the magic we’ve created the last four years! There will also be a coat drive box. Please bring coats/warm clothes to donate!
Visit from Santa | Sunset Park
Saturday, December 14 | 5-7pm
Visit the Sunset Park Christmas Tree (4th Street and 5th Avenue) for a chance to meet Santa and snap a photo!
Free Skating for Brooklyn Residents at Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 10-11am
Take advantage of free skating sessions for Brooklyn residents: Mondays from 5-6pm and Sundays from 10-11am. Tickets for the free sessions are first-come, first-served and must be booked in person with a valid Brooklyn address on your ID. If you’re skating this weekend, grab some hot chocolate and treats for sale by Kith treats!
Chanukah Jam at Brooklyn Brewery | Williamsburg
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-12pm | Ages 0-6
Join The Neighborhood, Tkiya, and friends for a warm and festive Chanukah celebration at Brooklyn Brewery! Together we’ll enjoy music, movement, a puppet show, latkes, crafts and more! This program is presented in partnership with PJ Library, B’nai Brooklyn, and The Greenpoint Shul. Tkiya will lead their signature blend of songs and interactive Jewish learning, alongside Shabbi and Alyssa, two veteran NYC puppeteers of the Central Park Swedish Cottage, bringing a silly puppet-filled story-time performance of the classic Chanukah children’s book, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. This program is best-suited for kids age 0-6 and their families.
Hanukkah Celebration at JCC Brooklyn | Windsor Terrace
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-12pm
Celebrate Hanukkah at JCC Brooklyn! Join us for a free, family-friendly event on December 15, 10 am to 12 pm, with music, activities, and holiday treats.
Christmas Bird Count | Governors Island
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-2pm | Register here
The 125th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count — the nation’s longest-running Community-Science bird project — will soon be underway nationwide, and in all five boroughs of New York City. Anyone can participate, even beginner birders! The data collected over the past century by volunteer observers, ranging from experienced ornithologists to casual nature enthusiasts, allow researchers to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. This family-friendly activity is a great way to explore our City’s natural areas while contributing to valuable scientific research, and we encourage all to participate!
Take a ride on New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Nostalgia Trains | Lower Manhattan
Sundays in December | 10am-6pm | Cost of one subway ride
This holiday season, we continue the annual tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides on the New York Transit Museum’s 1930s R1/9 train cars! Operating between 2nd Avenue – Houston Street on the uptown F line and 96th Street – 2nd Avenue on the Q line, the Holiday Nostalgia Train will transport straphangers back in time every Sunday in December. Don’t miss your chance to travel through time – for just the cost of a MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap!
Chanukah Sunday Funday | DUMBO
Sunday, December 15 | 10:30am-12pm
Join the Chabad of DUMBO for a morning of family fun: make your own menorah and dreidel, discover how to press olive oil, and learn all about the Chanukah story!
Hanukkah Community Event at JCC Brooklyn | Williamsburg
Sunday, December 15 | 11am-1pm | RSVP required
Join us for a joyful community-wide Hanukkah event featuring music, arts and crafts, and face painting! Enjoy festive treats and activities for all ages at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 275 North 8th Street, Lower Floor. RSVP is required, and all ages are welcome!
Share the Toy: Fifth Annual Toy Drive and Giveaway at the Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Sunday, December 15 | 11am-2pm
’Tis the season! To help spread the holiday cheer, we’re hosting our fifth annual toy drive. From November 21 through December 15, stop by the Admissions Desk to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–14 in the designated bins. On Sunday, December 15, 11 am–2 pm, pick up gifts for your little loved ones while supplies last. After the giveaway, any remaining toys will be donated to local family shelters. This program is free and open to the public!
Guided Artist-Led Sensory Walk at Naval Cemetery Landscape | Williamsburg
Sunday, December 15 | 12-2pm
Join us as the winter solstice approaches and at the turning of the seasons for an artist-led walk with resident artist Farah Marie Velten. A multi-sensory stroll at NCL and will be an invitation for participants to connect with the environment that the sanctuary of NCL offers and connect with each other. This activity will be a glimpse into some of the things Farah is working on during her residency at the Naval Cemetery Landscape. Farah will guide us to be present for the changing of seasons and a marker of time on the winter solstice with a collective experience. BGI will provide small journals to use and take home but please feel free to bring your own journal and writing/art supplies if desired to note observations. Dress with warm layers as this is an outdoor only event.
Brooklyn Night Market | Industry City
Sundays, 12-6pm | December 15, 22 & 29
Join us every Sunday in December at Industry City for the Brooklyn Holiday Market, where the spirit of the season comes alive! Explore a festive community of local artisans, craftspeople, and food vendors offering unique handmade goods, delicious treats, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, indulging in seasonal delights, or spending quality time with family and friends, this vibrant market has something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to support local businesses and experience the magic of the holidays in Brooklyn!
Caroling at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Sundays, 2-5pm | December 15 & 22
The Other Reindeer Carolers will be spreading joy with classic holiday tunes at Time Out Market this December! Join for festive Sunday afternoons on December 8th, 15th and 22nd from 2-5pm. Get into the holiday spirit with friends and family as you enjoy delicious food and drinks from the market’s vendors.
Holiday Extravaganza! at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music | Park Slope
Sunday, December 15 | 3-5pm | RSVP required | Pay as you wish
On Sunday December 15th, from 3-5pm, BKCM’s brownstone will transform to celebrate the holiday season! We are thrilled to be hosting our first Holiday Extravaganza, a multicultural, inclusive winter celebration! For those members of our community that have enjoyed our holiday events in past years – this will be our singular holiday celebration this year so make sure you don’t miss our inaugural Extravaganza! Throughout our building and outside in our garden guests can enjoy: -BKCM’s Klezmer Hanukkah Ensemble, Christmas caroling on our stoop for kids and adults, David Bertrand’s Calypso holiday band, an all-levels-welcome sing-along of Handel’s Messiah, dance lessons from Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, celebrating Kuumba, the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, a delicious Tea Station from Tea Arts & Culture, anstrument exploration for kids through holiday music, holiday crafts from around the world, photos with Santa, and more.
Updated: December 14, 2024. Main Image: Holiday Festivities on Atlantic Avenue.
