Our overview features the best events for Brooklyn families in December! Celebrate the season with tree lightings, holiday caroling, kid-friendly concerts, and performances of The Nutcracker. Shop locally at Brooklyn holiday markets, snap a photo with Santa, and take a ride on a vintage holiday train. Plus, celebrate Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve!
1. Holiday tree lighting celebrations
- Sunset Park Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6 | 3-6pm | 60th Street and 5th Ave. | FREE
Sunset Park’s tree lighting will take place in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There will be free goodie bags for the first 200 children! The event will feature a historic trolly, clown performances, music, and of course, Santa! - Carroll Park Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6 | 5-7pm | Carroll Park | FREE
Join Friends of Carroll Park and the Court Street Merchants for music and refreshments. Music and entertainment from 5-6pm. Tree lighting and Santa at 6pm, followed by St. Paul’s Choir and refreshments outside the Park House! - Dekalb Market Hall Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6 | 5-6pm | City Point | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
Join us for DeKalb Market Hall’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6 at the Flatbush entrance. Bring your friends and family for a magical evening filled with festive cheer, free hot chocolate and cookies, and the sparkle of the season! - Fort Greene Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7 | 4-6pm | Myrtle Ave. & St. Edwards Street | FREE
Join for the 10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in partnership with Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Meet us at Myrtle Ave and St Edwards Street entrance on Saturday, December 7 from 4:00–6:00pm for a magical evening as we illuminate the park. Rain Date: Sunday, December 8. - Greenwood Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7 | 4-6pm | FREE
Join for the annual tree lighting at Greenwood Park with Greg’s Trees! There will be wreath-making, seasonal treats, photos with Santa, and Christmas carols! The festivities will start at 4pm, and the tree will be lit at 6pm. - Diocese of Brooklyn Christmas Tree Lighting
Friday, December 13 | 5-7pm | Grand Army Plaza | FREE
The Diocese of Brooklyn’s Christmas Tree will be lit beneath the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch. The tree will remain lit 24/7 in red lights—the only such tree in NYC—until January. - DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting
Rescheduled for Wednesday, December 18 | 4-7pm | DUMBO Archway Plaza | FREE
Join for carols, calypso and cocoa in the Dumbo Archway Plaza. The tree will be lit at 5:30pm sharp. Enjoy Santa in a photo booth, holiday music and performances. 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! - Brooklyn Heights Holiday Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 18 | 5:30pm | Montague St. and the Promenade | FREE
Mark your calendar for the Brooklyn Heights Garden Club’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting. The tree will be lit at 5:30pm on the Promenade, at Montague Street. - See our full round-up of holiday tree lightings here!
2. Shop local at Brooklyn holiday markets
- Winter Wonderland Market | Sunset Park Waterfront
Friday, December 6 @ 3-7pm | Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 @ 10am-5pm | FREE
South Brooklyn Mutual Aid’s first-ever Winter Wonderland Market will feature 30+ local vendors plus food, drink, family-friendly activities, and entertainment that showcases the incredible diversity of Brooklyn’s immigrant communities. - FAD Holiday Markets | DUMBO, Cobble Hill & Boerum Hill
December 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 | 11am-6pm | FREE
FAD Holiday Markets are coming to The Invisible Dog Center in Boerum Hill, St. Paul’s in Cobble Hill, and Empire Stores in DUMBO, featuring a weekly lineup of 150 talented makers and 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. - Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market | Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 | 12-5pm | FREE | RSVP here
The 7th annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market with 200+ vendors will feature handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces, and rare fashion finds from local artisans and designers, including a section of next generation youth vendors. Stop by the Family Corner presented by Brooklyn Bridge Parents, with free magic shows, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, story times, LEGO adventures, and book giveaways. Learn more about the market and kid-friendly activities here.
- UniFair at First Unitarian Chapel | Brooklyn Heights
Saturday, December 7 | 10am-3pm | FREE
UniFair is back at the First Unitarian Chapel! On December 7, come out and shop for great clothing, jewelry, baked goods, and beautifully decorated wreaths. All are welcome! Lunch is served at mid-day for a nominal cost. All proceeds support the mission of First Unitarian. - The Old Stone House Holiday Bazaar | Park Slope
Saturday, December 7 | 10am-4pm | FREE
Located adjacent to the Old Stone House in Washington Park, this seasonal Old Stone House Holiday Artisan Market brings together 50+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses. There will be free family activities curtesy of the Textile Arts Center and Private Picasso, as well as mulled wine for purchase, and visits from Santa Claus! - PS 321 Holiday Shop | Park Slope
Saturday, December 7 | 10am-5pm | FREE
Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! The P.S. 321 Holiday Shop at 180 7th Avenue will feature unique, handmade treasures from over 90 local artisans. From jewelry and ceramics to clothing, soap, toys, and much more, you’re sure to find something special. PLUS, there will be a craft room for kids, a bake sale and caroling! Explore this year’s talented artists here and follow the Holiday Shop’s Instagram for updates. - Shop the Studios | DUMBO
Saturday, December 7 | 1-6pm | FREE
On December 7, 50+ artists all around DUMBO will open their buildings and studios to the public with holiday-ready artworks and gifts available for purchase. Holiday shoppers can pick up a map of participating artists at the Brooklyn Flea (operating in the Dumbo Archway, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm). Join us for a magical weekend of holiday art! - Park Slope Holiday Bazaar | Park Slope
Saturday, December 8 | 11am-2pm | FREE
At this family-friendly holiday market, children will get to do their own shopping for the people they love. The Holiday Bazaar will take place at Park Slope’s Wise Wonder Enrichment at 58 Garfield Place. Browse local vendors, enjoy a sweet street or warm drink, and make your own wrapping paper! - BRIC’s Winter Wonderland | Downtown Brooklyn
Sunday, December 8 | 12-4pm | FREE
Step into BRIC’s Winter Wonderland on December 8! BRIC House unveils a wintry realm brimming with family fun, where art, music, dance, and interactive media weave a magical tapestry. Come join us for a cozy cup of hot chocolate, live musical performances, and festive artmaking activities. Design a luminous snowflake lantern, write a special holiday message or paint a wintery watercolor landscape to give someone special, and test your building skills in our family Gingerbread House Competition. - Red Hook Holiday Market | Red Hook
December 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 | 1-6pm | FREE
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! - PS 133 Holiday Bazaar, Kids Carnival & Holiday Concert | Gowanus
Saturday, December 14 | 10am-4pm | $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. The event open to the public and you do not have to be a student of the school to attend! - Powerhouse Arts x Brooklyn Pop-up Holiday Market | Gowanus
Saturday, December 14 | 11am-6pm | FREE
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. - Holiday Market with Brooklyn Pop-Up at The Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Saturday, December 21 & Sunday, December 22 | 11am-5pm | Free with museum admission
Stop by our holiday market, copresented with Brooklyn Pop-Up, to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans and vendors. Selections include artwork, jewelry, fashion, and home and apothecary goods. On December 21–22, 2:30–3 pm, shop to the sounds of caroling by acapella group VocalSouL. - Night Market One-Year Anniversary at Dekalb Market | Downtown Brooklyn
Friday, December 27 | 4-11pm | FREE
Celebrate with us on Friday, December 27, featuring live music, handcrafted goods from Brooklyn Pop-Up, and beats by Soul Summit (7-11pm)! - And more ongoing holiday markets, including: The Makers Show at City Point, Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market in the DUMBO Archway, Fort Greene Park Artisans Bazaar, The Lay Out Market at Atlantic Terminal Mall, A Night with The Makers: Holiday Edition at Industry City, plus Holiday Market Pop-Up at Industry City. On the Lower East Side, check out the Hester Street Fair Holiday Market at Essex Market. See our full round-up of holiday markets here!
3. Holiday caroling in our neighborhoods
- Caroling Extravaganza at Black Forest Brooklyn | Boerum Hill & Fort Greene
Saturdays & Sundays through December 22 | $15 tickets, FREE for kids under 5
Black Forest Brooklyn will once again host their Christmas Concerts & Caroling Extravaganza on December weekends. Each event will feature live Christmas music and caroling performance by a festive five piece band (brass & piano). There will be caroling in English & German, with the option to sing along. Prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweaters! Learn more here. - Caroling at Time Out Market | DUMBO
Sundays, 2-5pm | December 8, 15 & 22 | FREE
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. - Caroling on Atlantic Avenue | Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill
Friday, December 13, 4-5pm | Saturday, December 14, 3-4pm | Saturday, December 21, 11am-12pm | FREE
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. - Christmas Caroling at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music | Park Slope
Sunday, December 15 | 3-5pm | RSVP required | Pay as you wish
BKCM is hosting their first Holiday Extravaganza, a multicultural, inclusive winter celebration. In addition to Christmas caroling on their stoop for adults and kids, there will be musical performances ranging from Hanukkah music to Calypso to Handel’s Messiah, plus instrument exploration and holiday crafts for kids. - Cobble Hill Gather & Sing | Cobble Hill
Wednesday, December 18 | 5:30-7:00pm | LOCATION CHANGE: Christ Church, 326 Clinton Street | RSVP here | FREE
Cobble Hill’s Holiday Gather and Sing is a community event co-sponsored by the Cobble Hill Association and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Come join us from 5:30 to 7:30pm for singing (6-6:30), community, cookies, cocoa, and cider. And don’t forget to bring your Men’s Winter Coats for donation to the Gowanus Mutual Aid Coat Drive! - Caroling around the Neighborhood | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, December 20 | 6pm
Join St. Ann’s Church to sing carols and bring joy to the neighborhood! The group will gather in front of the church, then go walking and singing together. - VocalSouL Carolers at The Brooklyn Museum | Prospect Heights
Saturday, December 21 | 2:30-4:00pm | Free with museum admission
Don’t miss VocalSouL as the acapella group brings its signature Motown stylings to the Museum. Enjoy a range of holiday classics set to soulful melodies. At 2:30–3 pm, listen while shopping at the Holiday Market in the Beaux-Arts Court. At 3–4 pm, catch a tune while taking in the dramatic reinstallation of the American Art Galleries. - Christmas Caroling with Brooklyn Conservatory of Music | Park Slope
Saturday, December 21 | 2:00-3:15pm | RSVP here
Come join us for Christmas Caroling with the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music! We will meet at 5th Avenue and the corner of 4th street. We will plan to start moving around 2:20pm and going down 5th Avenue towards Union Street. Music will lean mostly four part harmony pieces with some classic children tunes thrown in. All ages and voice parts welcome. Digital Sheet music will be sent to people who RSVP, limited number of printed books will be available there. Spots may be limited, please RSVP. - Christmas Caroling with Plymouth Church | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, December 22 | 1-2pm
Caroling, caroling now we go, Christmas bells are ringing! Calling for carolers of all ages. Join us as we spread Christmas cheer through the Brooklyn Heights community. Meet us in Beecher Garden at 1:00 PM for an hour of singing through the neighborhood. Come prepared to lift your voice and share the joy of Christmas. Music will be provided.
4. Indoor holiday celebrations with kid-friendly activities
- City Maze Christmas Experience
Open 7 days a week | 11am-11pm, Santa visits from 1-9pm | $25/adult, $10/children 10 and under | DUMBO
City Maze offers guests the chance to get lost and explore an indoor life-sized maze made entirely of Christmas lights. From the hours of 1pm-9pm, Santa makes a special appearance! At no additional cost, guests can get their photos taken with Santa in front of the city skyline and Brooklyn Bridge! - Holiday Character Meet & Greet at Time Out Market
Saturdays, 2-5pm | December 7, 14 & 21 | FREE | DUMBO
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! - Celebrate the Holidays at City Point
Saturdays and Sundays in December | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Bring the family to City Point this December for a FREE Santa Photo Studio, Holiday Balloon Drop, and The Makers Show annual crafts and gift market. The Santa Photo Studio will be open on December 7, 8, 14 & 15, 11am-3pm. (December 15 only: Mama and Papa Claus!) Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy from Brooklyn’s own Nutcracker on Saturday, December 7 from 10-11am. Visit the December Balloon Drop from December 5 through January 2 and get a selfie in front of the life-size gingerbread house, North Pole, and Menorah. Plus, get some shopping done at The Makers Show! - SantaLand at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Through December 24 | $5 | Downtown Brooklyn
Need pics with Santa? Santa Land has been a holiday family tradition with a for over 15 years! The month kicks off with a Parade at 12pm on Saturday, December 7. Capture precious memories with your family, friends and pets at various Santa Land events! Click the link above for the month’s full schedule. - Town Square’s Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 7 | Sessions at 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm | $20/child online, $30 at the door | $10/adult online, $15 at the door | Williamsburg
Santa’s coming to Greenpoint/Williamsburg for a fun time at FourFiveSix! There will be hot chocolate, holiday cookie decorating, live music, and photos with Santa! - Santa at Essex Market
Sunday, December 8 | 11am-3pm | FREE | Lower East Side
Across the river on the Lower East Side, Santa is touching down at Essex Market! Bring your family and friends to meet Santa, take photos, enjoy some festive music, and share your holiday wishes. - The Black Santa Experience at Dekalb Market
December 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22 | 1-8pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
There is so much happening in December at Dekalb Market, including The Black Santa Experience, with a dancing Santa Claus, an interactive 360-degree camera, and a friendly elf assistant. While you’re at Dekalb, don’t miss their Vendor Christmas Decorations Contest from December 10-23, as well as their Night Market One-Year Anniversary on Friday, December 27. - Photos with Santa at Peanut and Honey
Friday, December 20 @1-6pm | Saturday, December 21 @9am-5pm | Sunday, December 22 @9am-2pm | FREE | Williamsburg
Come meet Santa at Peanut and Honey! Join our complimentary event to snap photos with Santa, captured by our pro photographer. Appointments first, Walk-ins welcome! Come on by or book online! - Santa Claus at Good Day Play Cafe
Friday, December 20 | 3:30-5:30pm |$50/child | Reservations required | Park Slope
Kick off your holiday break with Santa! Come meet Santa, take pictures, and play! Your ticket includes a picture with Santa, snowman stocking foam ornament craft kit, hot cocoa, pizza for kids, goodie bag to take home, and open play until 5:30pm! - Holiday Meet & Greet with Old Saint Nick at 333 Lounge
Saturday, December 21 | 11:30am-1:30pm | FREE | Prospect Heights
Join us for a Holiday Meet & Greet with Old Saint Nick at 333 Lounge, hosted by Lips Cafe. Photo-op fun for the whole family. Pets are welcome! - Skate with Santa at Domino Park
Sunday, December 22 | 9am-1pm | $22 admission, $12 skate rental | Tickets here | Williamsburg
Join Santa on the ice at Skate at Domino Park! Grab your crew, enjoy the views, and make some holiday memories at SKATE at Domino Park, NYC’s newest ice rink! Purchase a regular admission ticket between 9AM and 1PM to skate with the big guy himself. And yes, it’s the real Santa—he’s making an early stop in Williamsburg. - Santa’s Stop at Station 88
Monday, December 23 | 2-4pm | FREE | Clinton Hill
Jump on the Santa Express Train on Monday, December 23rd and head over to the 88th Precinct! Enjoy some snacks and refreshments with a DJ spinning all of your favorite holiday hits. Bring the kids out, and you may get a surprise gift from Santa! - See our full round-up of where to meet Santa in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan here!
5. Outdoor holiday celebrations with kid-friendly activities
- Bed-Stuy Gateway BID’s Winter Wonderland
Thursdays–Sundays | 12-6pm | FREE | Marcy Plaza in Bed Stuy
Bed Stuy Gateway BID’s Winter Wonderland is back and better than ever! Join us for a month long family friendly holiday tradition that includes live entertainment, fashion showcases and live music from local DJs. - Holiday Festivities on Atlantic Avenue
Walk the Windows December 7 & 8 | Festivity Weekends December 14-15 & 21-22
Kick off the holiday season on Atlantic Avenue on December 7 & 8 by touring the festive windows between Fourth Avenue and the waterfront. There will be special events, sales, and treats! Save the date for Festivity Weekends, with Santa and music on Atlantic Avenue, giveaways, and more! - Children’s Party with Santa & Olaf at Hoyt Street Garden
Saturday, December 7 | 12-3pm | FREE | Boerum Hill
Don’t miss Santa and Olaf at the Hoyt Street Garden (98 Hoyt Street). Children are invited to create DIY ornaments to decorate the fences of the local garden! - Tree to Tree Holiday Trolley from Park Slope to Sunset Park
Saturday, December 14 | 3-7pm | FREE | Runs along 5th Ave. from 4th St. to 60th St. | First pick-up will be 5th Ave. and 60th St. at 3pm
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. - Singing Tree-Angles at 6th Avenue Triangle
Tuesday, December 17 | 5pm | FREE | Prospect Heights
Come to the 6th Avenue Triangle (Flatbush Ave & 6th Ave) for the Singing Tree-Angles – an unforgettable evening of music and lights! Enjoy a special live piano performance by Karl Larson, featuring his original piece Canopy. Watch as our holiday lights come alive as they interact with the sound of music, creating a magical, interactive experience! Bring your friends, family, & furry pals, and celebrate the holidays with us under the lights!
6. Take a ride on New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Nostalgia Trains
Sundays in December | 10am-6pm | Cost of one subway ride | Lower Manhattan
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!
7. Catch a kid-friendly holiday performance
- Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra Winter Concert at The Brooklyn Museum
Saturday, December 7 | 3-5pm | $25/adult, $15/child | Prospect Heights
The BCCO returns to the Brooklyn Museum for a winter concert anchored by Tchaikovsky’s towering Symphony No. 5 in E Minor. Tickets include admission to the Brooklyn Museum, and all ages are welcome. - Mark Morris Dance Group’s The Hard Nut at BAM
December 12–22, 2024 | Tickets start at $45 | Fort Greene
Mark Morris Dance Group’s boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker is at BAM for the holidays! And join for a special Family Party on December 15, following the matinee performance of The Hard Nut ($30 for families of 2-3, $40 for families of 4-6). The party will feature cookies, cocoa, arts and crafts, and photo opportunities with characters from the show. - The Brooklyn Nutcracker at City Tech
December 12–15, 2024 | Tickets start at $35 | Downtown Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker is New York’s only culturally authentic and inclusive production, featuring artists from all over the globe, blending ballet with hip hop, African dance, belly dance, traditional Native American Hoop Dance, Chinese dance, flamenco, traditional Ukrainian Hopak, and even a krumping Rat King in an epic street dance battle! - Free Holiday Concert by Suzi Shelton at Time Out Market
Friday, December 13 | 10am | FREE | RSVP here | DUMBO
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! - Mozart for Munchkins: The Nutcracker at St. Ann’s Church
Saturday, December 14 | 11am & 1pm | $40/adult, FREE for kids | Brooklyn Heights
The Nutcracker as you’ve never heard it before, featuring tap dance virtuoso Demi Remick, the sweet tones of Steve Whipple on the upright bass & Blanca González and Jesse Elder of Musiquita on violin and piano. The ensemble will also perform some holiday favorites, some Latin folk music & and a handful of children’s classics. - Brooklyn Brandenburgers Family Holiday Concert at the Old Stone House
Sunday, December 15 | 3pm & 7pm | $25/adult, FREE for kids 16 and under | Park Slope
Join the Brooklyn Brandenburgers for their annual Family Holiday Concert featuring music by Schubert, Eslava, Bach, Mozart, Cherubini, and more. - Suzi Shelton’s Merry Little Holiday Show at Jalopy Theatre
Saturday, December 21 | 11am | $10/adult, $5/kid | Red Hook
Suzi will be celebrating the holiday season with joyful songs along with musicians Jeff Litman and Andi Rae Healy as well as a host of special guests. Get ready to shake some jingle bells and sing along! This concert is geared for families with children 0-8 years, however everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be available for sale and there might even be a visit from a special jolly fellow in a red suit! - The Hip-Hop Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
Monday, December 23 | 7pm | Tickets start at $40 | Downtown Brooklyn
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
8. Celebrate Chanukah with a family-friendly event
- Chanukah Jam at Brooklyn Brewery
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-12pm | FREE | RSVP here | Williamsburg
Bring your little ones for latkes, crafts, snacks, singing, movement, stories, a puppet show, bubbles, and more. - Hanukkah Celebration at JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-12pm | FREE | Windsor Terrace
Celebrate Hanukkah at JCC Brooklyn! Join us for a free, family-friendly event with music, activities, and holiday treats. - Hanukkah Celebration at JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill
Sunday, December 15 | 10am-12pm | FREE | Clinton Hill
Celebrate Hanukkah at JCC Brooklyn! Join us for a free, family-friendly event with music, activities, and holiday treats. - Family Hanukkah Party at Kane Street Synagogue
Sunday, December 15 | 10:30am: families with kids age 0–3 | 11:30am: families with kids age 4–8 | $15-35 | Register here | Cobble Hill
Infant and toddler programming features stories, simple crafts, singing, and dancing at 10:30am. Older kid programming features art and Ḥanukkah cards, Ḥanukkah games, Lego dreidels, and menorah-shaped cookies in addition to song and dance at 11:30am. - Chanukah Sunday Funday with Chabad of DUMBO
Sunday, December 15 | 10:30am-12pm | FREE | DUMBO
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! - JCC Brooklyn Hanukkah Community Event at Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Sunday, December 15 | 11am-1pm | FREE | RSVP here | Williamsburg
Join for a joyful community-wide Hanukkah event featuring music, crafts, face painting, and treats for all ages!
- Light it Up! Brooklyn Family Hanukkah Arts Festival & Shuk
Sunday, December 15 | 1-3pm | $10 per child (2 and older), FREE for adults and children under 2 | Register here | Carroll Gardens
Kick off your Hanukkah celebrations at our annual Brooklyn Family Hanukkah Arts Festival with lots of kids’ arts and craft activities, music, dance and special pop-up holiday Shuk (market) featuring local Jewish and Israeli vendors. - Youth & Family Hanukkah Celebration at Congregation Beth Elohim
Sunday, December 15 | 3-5pm | FREE | RSVP here | Park Slope
Congregation Beth Elohim is offering with two simultaneous Hanukkah programs: The Fourth Annual Great Hanukkah Sing-Along with Debbie Brukman and Friends and A Playground of Light, a sensory-sensitive Handkkah celebration for children with special needs, disabilities, and sensory sensitivities. - FamilyLab: This Little Light
Sunday, December 15 | 4-6pm | Starts at $50/family | For ages 2-7 | Register here | Boerum Hill
FamilyLab is open to those who identify as Jewish, Jew-ish, and everything in between. Whether it’s your first time lighting up a menorah or you are a dreidel gold coin champion, all are welcome! Spiritual Leader Shira Kline, along with teaching artist Emet (Ari L. Monts) and Stephanie Kane, gathers us around for the tastes, sounds and feels of Hanukkah. Fees include dinner and programming for up to 5 people. - Hanukkah Celebration at the Kings Bay Y
Sunday, December 22 | 11am-2pm | FREE | RSVP here | Sheepshead Bay
Enjoy a day full of fun with inflatable rides, live performances, raffles, carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts stations, photo booths, and some exciting surprises that are sure to light up the Festival of Lights!
- Chanukah Fest at Jewish Children’s Museum
December 22, 2024–January 2, 2025 | Mondays–Thursdays 10am-5pm & Sundays 10am-5:30pm | $17/adult, $19/child (ages 2-15), $1/65 and older, $3 per workshop after the first one | Crown Heights
Decorate a mouth-watering holiday donut, discover the art of olive oil making in a fascinating and interactive workshop, make a bath bomb in the science lab, and step into a world of wonder as you explore the museum’s unique Jewish, and Chanukah exhibits. - Pre-Chanukah Social Brunch with Dirah
Wednesday, December 25 | 10:15-11:45am | $30/family, $10/person | RSVP by December 22 | Park Slope
JNot sure what to do with the kids on December 25? Come an enjoy a Chanukah brunch with fun entertainment for the whole family! There will be a Chanukah buffet, schmoozing, and The David Fun Show with a live rabbit, mind reading, and Chanukah-themed mysteries! - Kids Chanukah Party at Ferox
Wednesday, December 25 | 4-6pm | $25/child | RSVP at chabadofnorthbrooklyn.com|
Greenpoint
Join Chabad of North Brooklyn at Ferox for a grand menorah lighting, pizza, latkes, donuts, Chanukah crafts, and more! Each ticket includes food, crafts, and a Ferox ticket.
- Lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza
Kick-off lighting on December 25 at 4pm | Lightings continue December 26–January 1, see all times here | FREE | Park Slope
Every night of Chanukah will be celebrated with the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza, plus live music, hot latkes and gifts for the kids! The first night will feature a Kickoff Concert Event beginning at 4pm. - Brooklyn Borough Hall Menorah Lighting
Wednesday, December 25, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | All lightings at 5pm, except for Friday 12/27 @ 2pm and Saturday 12/28 @ 6pm | FREE | Brooklyn Heights
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. - Chanukah at Industry City with Chabad Sunset Park
Thursday, December 26 | 5pm | FREE, $10 ice skating tickets | RSVP here
Enjoy the magic of the holiday with a dazzling LED menorah lighting, delicious donuts, holiday gifts and crafts for the kids, crispy latkes, and holiday music that will have the whole family smiling! Ice skating tickets are available at a discounted price.
- Chanukah Menorah Lighting & Celebration at The Seaport
Sunday, December 29 | 3-5pm | FREE, RSVP encouraged | The Seaport
Latkes. Hot cocoa. Live music, arts and crafts and a six-foot-tall chocolate Menorah. The Seaport’s annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting is hosted by the Chabad Jewish Center of FiDi. All are welcome at this family-friendly holiday celebration, which will include face painting, popcorn, chocolate and other traditional treats, and a musical performance by the FiDi Hebrew School. The pinnacle of the afternoon will be the traditional Menorah lighting ceremony, featuring this year’s grand Menorah made from chocolate. - Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Party at Myrtle Plaza
Sunday, December 29 | 5:30-6:30pm | FREE | Clinton Hill
Celebrate with Chabad of Clinton Hill & Pratt and enjoy sufganiyot, live music & family fun at the Myrtle Plaza. - Hanukkah Fest at Atlantic Terminal
Monday, December 30 | 4-6pm | FREE
Join Atlantic Terminal for a festive Chanukah gathering filled with music, traditions, and community spirit. Bring your loved ones and experience the warmth of Chanukah with traditional songs, sufganiyot, chocolate gelt, dreidel-spinning, and Chanukah crafts, followed by a lively menorah lighting outside at 5:30pm in the Plaza. - Chanukah on Ice with Chabad of DUMBO
Monday, December 30 | 4:30-5:30pm | Free RSVP; $10 tickets will be purchased at ice rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
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! - Chanukah Concert with Matisyahu + Menorah Lighting at Brooklyn Borough Hall
Tuesday, December 31 | 5pm | FREE | Brooklyn Heights
Celebrate Chanukah with a lighting ceremony at the giant menorah at Borough Hall and free Matishayhu concert. Celebrations begin at 5pm and menorah lightings continue through all eight nights of the Jewish holiday with both Jews and non-Jews welcome to the celebration. - Chanukah at Carroll Park
Wednesday, January 1 | 4:30pm | FREE | Carroll Gardens
Chanukah at Carroll Park is back again! Join the community for an evening of light and joy at the Menorah lighting celebration. There will be live music, donuts and latkes, and family-friendly entertainment. - See our full Chanukah guide here!
9. Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Thursday, December 26–Monday, December 30 | $15 admission | Crown Heights
Celebrate Kwanzaa returns to Brooklyn Children’s Museum this December! Celebrate the traditions of Kwanzaa at New York City’s largest family Kwanzaa event, presented in partnership with Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation. Now in its 17th year, Celebrate Kwanzaa takes place over 5 days. Each day features a mix of repeating and unique programs designed for all ages. This year’s theme is “Our Children Enlighten the Community,” and we are excited to highlight professional youth performers who embody the Nguzo Saba (principles of Kwanzaa). Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa with daily candle celebrations led by Chinua Baraka Payne and the Asase Yaa Youth Ensemble, performances with the Kudo NYC, FIYAA (Forces of Nature Incredible Youth Arts Alliance), dance and drumming workshops, grafitti-inspired artwork in ColorLab and more!
10. Ring in the New Year at a kid-friendly party
- Threes Brewing’s Family-Friendly Balloon Drop
Tuesday, December 31 | 2pm, Balloon Drop at 4pm | No tickets needed | Gowanus
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! - Family Karaoke & Ball Drop at Vineapple
Tuesday, December 31 | 5-8pm | Reservations on Resy
Vineapple’s full dinner menu will be available, plus 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. - Early New Year’s Eve Celebration at Dave & Busters
Tuesday, December 31 | 4-7pm | Tickets start at $34.99
You don’t need to wait until Midnight to ring in the New Year! Celebrate early at D&B and get the kids to bed on time! Each Ticket Includes: a banquet including flatbreads, wings, burgers, pretzel dogs, and more, unlimited soft drinks, a $20 Power Card and unlimited video game play, access to exclusive party space, a video ball drop, ginger ale toast, and New Year’s Eve hats and noisemakers. Dave & Buster’s will also host a later party for adults starting at 9pm; learn more here! - CANCELED: New Year’s Eve Drone Light Show in Prospect Park
Tuesday, December 31 | 10pm | FREE | RSVP here | 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.
Due to the drought, the annual fireworks display in Prospect Park has been cancelled. Instead, there will be a light show created by drones this year. The show will represent New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty in the night sky, and will be accompanied by live music. - See our full New Year’s Eve guide for kids (and grown-ups) here!
Updated: December 31, 2024. Main Image: DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting.
