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Kid-friendly events and activities in December

December is packed with events for families in Brooklyn including live ice carvings, light installations, ice skating, Santa visits, concerts, magic shows holiday markets and more!

Cosmic Camp | Camp Downtown Brooklyn | Starting 12/1 through December

Incoming message from Ground Control: Your mission is to answer the call of Cosmic Camp, a spaced-out experience that challenges you and your crew to have a total blast. Created by CAMP, the experts in all things family fun, our out-of-this-world play space takes you on an adventure through interactive games, physical challenges, and crazy cosmic-themed locations. Come as a family, leave as a crew! This Cosmic Camp Experience at Camp at CityPoint in Downtown Brooklyn costs $25 for children 3 to 12 years old. RSVP here.

Lightscape installation | Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Ongoing

This holiday season, explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden like never before at the after-dark, illuminated spectacular Lightscape animated with over one million lights. Lightscape takes visitors on an immersive trail where they encounter monumental light installations, colorful light displays highlighting the Garden’s trees, landscapes, and architecture, site-specific music and sounds. The family-friendly installations will be available to visit on select dates until January 9th, children 3 years and up pay $18, adults pay $34. Get tickets here.

Holiday markets | Various locations | Ongoing

Holiday markets with local vendors and fair-trade gifts will take place in DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, BoCoCa and Downtown Brooklyn – shop handmade goods locally this year. All details and locations here.

Magic shows | Carroll Gardens | Saturdays

“A Day of Magic in Brooklyn” is a 60-minute intimate Parlor Style Show for all ages taking place on select Saturdays at 2.30 pm at the new Brooklyn Magic Shop in Carroll Gardens. With a unique blend of magic, mentalism, and hypnosis you’ll begin to question your perception of reality. Limited to 20 seats per show, adults $45 and kids $25. Find out more here.

Ice skating | Various locations | Ongoing

The outdoor ice skating rinks in Prospect Park and at Industry City are open for a fun day with the kids. The rink at Brooklyn Commons in Downtown Brooklyn and Artrink at Brooklyn Children’s Museum will open mid December. All details here.

ArtRink | Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Opening December 10

ArtRink is a 3,200 square foot outdoor ice skating rink and art exhibition showcasing the work of sixteen local artists. Together with a number of winter-themed activations, ArtRink is a one-of-a-kind art & play experience for families and kids this holiday season. ArtRink is open to all BCM visitors during regular Museum hours beginning Friday, December 10 from 2pm–5pm. Skate & Play Sessions that include 60-minutes of skate time are available for $23 for the general public (includes general admission to the Museum and skate rental) and $8 for BCM Members. RSVP here.

Spot Santa on the Avenue | Atlantic Avenue | 12/11

Santa will be hanging on Atlantic Avenue on December 11th from 12 to 3 pm.

Tree Lighting | Brooklyn Heights | 12/15

The Brooklyn Heights Garden Club is hosting a tree lighting ceremony on the Promenade at the foot of Montague street on Wednesday, December 15 at 5:30 pm. Grace Chorale of Brooklyn and Santa Claus will be there.

Performance by Brooklyn United Marching Band | Brooklyn Commons | 12/15

Experience a series of joyful performances by Brooklyn United Marching Band at the Brooklyn Commons in Downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday December 15 from 5 to 7 pm. Find out more here.

African Drumming Make Music Winter Festival | Downtown Brooklyn | 12/21

On December 21 from 2 to 4 PM, join Mr. Fitz on the Plaza at 300 Ashland for a fun drumming session as part of Make Music New York’s Winter Festival, a free outdoor participatory musical event that turns audiences into music makers! 

Santaland | Downtown Brooklyn | Trough December

Santaland at Atlantic Terminal Mall runs throughout the month of December, you can take memorable pictures with SANTA, MRS. CLAUS and ELVES with your family, friends and pets at various events below. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments take priority. There is a non-refundable $5 booking fee for your slot, afterwards you can purchase digital photos from your session. Find out more and book your session here.

Santa Claus is coming in police car | Various neighborhoods | Dec 5 – Dec 19

Santa Claus will show up in a NYPD car by the 84th Precinct in various neighborhoods this year!

  • 12/12 @ 11.30 am 159 Bridge Park Drive
  • 12/12 @ 4 pm 195 Smith Street
  • 12/12 @ 6 pm Washington and Plymouth Street
  • 12/19 @12 pm 217 Court Street
  • 12/19 @ 3 pm 181 Smith Street
  • 12/19 @ 6 pm 1 John Street

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