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!
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.
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1. Holiday tree lighting celebrations
- John Paul Jones Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Tuesday, December 2 | 6pm | Bay Ridge | FREE
John Paul Jones Park’s annual tree lighting will include Santa, musical performances, and refreshments. - DUMBO Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 4 | 4-7pm | DUMBO | FREE
DUMBO’s Holiday Tree Lighting will features photos with Santa, live music and performances, hot cocoa, sweet treats, mulled cider, and holiday projections on the side of the Manhattan Bridge. - Sunset Park Tree Lighting
| FREE
Sunset Park’s tree lighting takes place on 5th Avenue & 60th Street, in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. There will be gift bags for kids, pictures with Santa on the trolley, music, games, candy, and toys! - Fort Greene Park Tree Lighting
| FREE
Meet at Myrtle Ave. and St. Edwards Street for Fort Greene Park’s annual holiday tree lighting. - Carroll Park Tree Lighting
| FREE
Join Friends of Carroll Park for a festive tree lighting, featuring music, refreshments, caroling, and a visit from Santa! - Smith Street Sparkle Tree Lighting
| FREE
The Merchants of Smith St. (MOSS) will be holding a tree lighting ceremony that includes sips, snacks, and carolers. - Coffey Park Holiday Celebration in Red Hook
| FREE
Join for Coffey Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting, Menorah Lighting, and Kinara Lighting ceremonies. There will be treats, hot chocolate, caroling, and music. - Brooklyn Heights Tree Lighting
FREE
The Brooklyn Heights tree lighting will take place at the entrance to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade at Montague Street. There will be caroling and an appearance from Santa! - And many more! See our full round-up of holiday tree lightings here!
2. Shop local at Brooklyn holiday markets
- Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market with FREE Family Corner
Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7 | 12-4pm | Brooklyn Navy Yard | FREE
The Brooklyn Navy Yard will host its annual pop-up holiday market, Wallabout Wonderland, with 150+ local vendors, plus Brooklyn Bridge Parents’ FREE Family Corner with a puppet show and workshop, cookie decorating, and holiday crafts. Learn more here! - The Lay Out Holiday Pop Up Market at Atlantic Terminal Mall
November 29-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 & 23-24 | 1-6pm | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
Atlantic Terminal will host The Lay Out’s Holiday Market at Atlantic Terminal, showcasing 70+ Black-owned brands selling handmade goods. - FAD Holiday Market at Empire Stores
Daily, December 1–21 | 11am-6pm | DUMBO | FREE
FAD Market is back at Empire Stores seven days a week this December! There will be 35+ rotating makers every weekend, along with a mini weekday market featuring 12 makers. - The Old Stone House Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 6 | 10am-4pm | Park Slope | FREE
The Old Stone House Holiday Bazaar will feature 50+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses. There will be free family activities, as well as hot and spiked cider for purchase, and a visit from Santa Claus! - Williamsburg Winter Village
Every weekend in December | Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays | Williamsburg | $15 admission
Williamsburg’s first Winter Village is popping up at Bk Backyard (151 Banker Street) every weekend in December. Shop from local makers, taste festive treats from local food vendors, plus enjoy live music, performances, and family-friendly events. - FAD Holiday Market at 51 Bergen Street
December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21 | 11am-6pm | Boerum Hill | FREE
FAD Market’s Holiday Market will pop up at 51 Bergen Street, with 50+ makers, designers, and artisanal food brands each weekend, ranging from jewelry and apparel to bath and body care, home décor, and handmade food items. - FAD Holiday Market at St. Paul’s
December 6-7, 13-14 & 20-21 | 11am-6pm | Cobble Hill | FREE
FAD’s Holiday Market will pop up at St. Paul’s on Court Street in December, with 60+ makers each weekend. - Holiday Artisans Bazaar
Sundays in December | December 7 through December 21 | 10-4pm | Fort Greene Park | FREE
The Fort Greene Holiday Bazaar will feature 25+ artisans, designers, and makers selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, jewelry and more. - Holiday Market at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
Sunday, December 7 | 12-5pm | Gowanus | FREE
Brooklyn Pop-Up is hosting a holiday market at Royal Palms Shuffleboard. This spot is usually 21+, except for Sundays when all ages are welcome! There will be music, drinks, and 25 local makers within the artisans’ market. - Red Hook Holiday Market at Hook Studios
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14 | 12-6pm | Red Hook | FREE
Red Hook’s Holiday Maker’s Market will take place at Hook Studios on Dikeman Street. Made in NYC will be joining along with 65+ artists, artisans, and makers. There will also be crafts, a DJ, and ornament making. - DUMBO Holiday Market at Smack Mellon
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 | 11am-6pm | DUMBO | FREE
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a Holiday Market art Smack Mellon Gallery at 92 Plymouth Street in DUMBO. They’ll have have 35+ artisans, designers, and makers representing all 5 boroughs selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, and jewelry. - Red Hook Holiday Market at Vivid Kid
Saturday, December 20 & Sunday, December 21 | 12-6pm | Red Hook | FREE
Brooklyn Pop-Up will host a second Holiday Market in Red Hook, located at Vivid Kid at 71 Commerce Street, with 40 local artisans. - And many more! See our full round-up of holiday markets here!
3. Snap a photo with Santa
- Bklyn Holiday-Topia at City Point with FREE Santa Studio
December 6 & 7 and 13 & 14, 11am-3pm | Special Pet Night on December 11, 6-8pm | FREE | RSVP here | Downtown Brooklyn
BKLYN Holiday-Topia will feature free Santa family photos by a professional photographer, holiday crafts, dreidel decorating, and merry moments for everyone—including your furry friends. - SantaLand at Atlantic Terminal Mall
November 30 through December 24 | See full calendar here | tarts at $5, with some free events | Downtown Brooklyn
SantaLand will be set up at Atlantic Terminal Mall all month long, including a Pet Night, Storytime with Santa, and more! - Cookies with Santa at FourFiveSix
Saturday, December 6 | 10am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm sessions | Tickets for kids are $25 online and $30 at the door | Parent tickets (for 2 parents) are $10 online and $15 at the door | Williamsburg
Cookies with Santa at FourFiveSix features Santa photo time (with a pro photographer or your own free photos), homemade cookie decorating, hot chocolate, live music, and a cash bar for parents. - Photos with Santa at the Old Stone House
Saturday, December 6 | 10am-12:30pm | Tickets are $33.85/family | Park Slope
Take your own photos with Santa at the Old Stone House, or get professional shots, available for purchase. - Mrs. Claus at Brooklyn Heights Women’s Exchange
Saturday, December 6 | 11am-4pm | $35 | Sign up here | Brooklyn Heights
Meet Mrs. Claus for a family or pet photo. Ticket includes a digital photo and homemade cookies. - Skate with Santa at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 | Sessions at 1pm & 3pm | $15 admission, $10 skate rentals | Prospect Park
Skate with Santa at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park! - Sinterklaas Day at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
Saturday, December 6 | 2-4pm | FREE | RSVP here | East Flatbush
Join for the annual Sinterklaas–St. Nicholas Day Celebration, with crafts, a tree lighting, and a special visit from St. Nick, who arrives on horseback. Kids can sign the Red Book, sip hot cider, play colonial games, and decorate the tree. - Betances Health Center Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 13 | Begins at 11am | FREE | RSVP here | Bushwick
Join for the annual Sinterklaas–St. Nicholas Day Celebration, with crafts, a tree lighting, and a special visit from St. Nick, who arrives on horseback. Kids can sign the Red Book, sip hot cider, play colonial games, and decorate the tree. - Brunch with Santa at Chela
December 14, 20 & 21 | 10am-2pm | $40/adult, $25/kid, and free for 2 and under | Reserve here | Park Slope
Snap photos with Santa during this festive Mexican brunch, complete with tacos, enchiladas, and a kids menu. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are included with ticket! - And many more! See our full round-up of Santa meet-and-greets here!
4. Holiday caroling in our neighborhoods
- Christmas Concerts and Caroling Extravaganza at Black Forest Brooklyn
Saturdays & Sundays from November 29–December 21 | Boerum Hill & Fort Greene | $15 tickets, FREE for kids under 5
Join Black Forest’s Christmas Concerts & Caroling Extravaganza, with live Christmas music and caroling performance by a festive five piece band (brass & piano). There will be caroling in English & German. Prizes for the ugliest Christmas sweaters! - Merry Melodies: Live Holiday Music at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Tuesday, December 9 | 5:00-6:30pm | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
Celebrate the season with live performances from the Brooklyn Music School’s Youth Orchestra. - Holiday Caroling on Atlantic Avenue
December 13 & 20 | 11am-12pm | Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill | FREE
Stroll, shop, and enjoy music from a quartet of carolers at local businesses. - Holiday Caroling at Fowler Square
Saturday, December 13 | 12-3pm | Fort Greene | FREE
Come spread holiday cheer at Fowler Square (Fulton & Lafayette). There will be treats, plus bring a warm coat to donate to New York Cares! - Smith Street Sparkle Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 13 | 4-6pm | FREE | Boerum Hill
The Merchants of Smith St. (MOSS) will be holding a tree lighting ceremony that includes sips, snacks, and carolers strolling down Smith Street. - Pop-Up Performance: VocalSouL Carolers at the Brooklyn Museum
Sunday, December 14 (12:30-2pm) & Sunday, December 21 (2:30-4pm) | Free with museum admission ($20/adult, free for children) | Prospect Heights
The acapella group VocalSouL will bring its Motown stylings to the Brooklyn Museum. - Caroling on Clinton with St. Ann’s Church
Saturday, December 20 | 6-7pm | Brooklyn Heights | FREE
Join St. Ann’s to sing Christmas carols, share cookies and hot beverages, and invite neighbors into St. Ann’s sanctuary. - Christmas Caroling with Plymouth Church
Sunday, December 21 | 1pm | FREE | Brooklyn Heights
Join Plymouth Church as they spread Christmas cheer through the Brooklyn Heights community. Meet in Beecher Garden at 1pm. Music will be provided! - Neighborhood Caroling with The Church of the Holy Apostles
Sunday, December 21 | 4pm | FREE | Windsor Terrace
Spread cheer, joy, and music throughout the neighborhood. Meet at 4pm on the church steps, located at 612 Greenwood Avenue. - Cobble Hill Gather & Sing with Brooklyn Youth Chorus at Cobble Hill Park
Monday, December 22 | 5:30-7:00pm | Cobble Hill | RSVP here | FREE
Join for singing, 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. - And many more! See our full round-up of holiday caroling here!
5. Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026 | Tickets start at $39/adult and $22/child during off-peak hours, free for children 2 and under | Prospect Heights
Lightscape is a winter light show that takes advantage of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s landscapes, trees, water features, architectural details, and paths to create a magical, otherworldly experience in the winter Garden. Along the trail, kids can enjoy hot chocolate and treats, and there will be mulled wine and hot cider for adults. Check out special Value Nights with discounted tickets: $29/adult, $15/child, and free for children 2 and under. There will also be Sensory-Friendly early entry on December 5 and December 30 for those with sensory sensitivity to enjoy reduced capacity. Learn more and see the full calendar here.
6. Catch a kid-friendly holiday performance
- The Brooklyn Nutcracker
December 6, 7, 13 & 14 | Shows at 3pm & 7pm | Tickets start at $37 | Downtown Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nutcracker is back at The Theater at City Tech, 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! - Brooklyn Brandenburgers 2025 Family Holiday Concert at The Old Stone House
Saturday, December 13 | 3pm & 7pm | $28.52/adult | FREE for 16 and under | Park Slope
Join The Old Stone House for a festive Family Holiday Concert by the Brooklyn Brandenburgers. - Mozart for Munchkins: Jingle Bell Swing at St. Paul’s
Saturday, December 13 | 4:00-4:45pm | $40/adult, FREE for children 13 and under | Carroll Gardens
Get ready to jingle, jazz, and jam at Jingle Bell Swing, an interactive winter concert with Mozart for Munchkins. - Free Kid’s Holiday Concert with Suzi Shelton and Special Guest Esther Crow at Time Out Market
Sunday, December 14 | 10:15-11:00am | FREE | DUMBO
Come boogie at this free concert for toddlers and babies featuring the one and only Suzi Shelton with Special Guest Esther Crow. - Rolie Polie Guacamole Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 14 | 3:30pm | FREE | Park Slope
Rolie Polie Guacamole will perform a holiday concert by Park Slope’s 30-foot tree at 4th Street Plaza! - Mozart for Munchkins: Nutcracker Notes, a Musical Adventure at St. Ann’s
Saturday, December 20 | 11:00-11:45am | 1:00-1:45pm | $40/adult, FREE for children 13 and under | Brooklyn Heights
Sing along to familiar melodies from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, move to the rhythm, and see a ballerina bring the music to life. - Mozart for Munchkins: Winter Wonderland and Ballet Magic at The Old Stone House
Sunday, December 21 | 10:30-11:15am | $40/adult, FREE for children 13 and under | Park Slope
This interactive concert for the whole family will feature classical and jazz favorites, plus Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, with a ballerina bringing the music to life.
7. Celebrate Chanukah with a family-friendly event
- Dreidel Making and Chanukah Crafts at Bklyn Holiday-Topia at City Point
Sunday, December 14 | 11am-3pm | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE | RSVP here
Enjoy free dreidel decorating, Chanukah crafts, photos with Diverse Santa, face painting, LEGO building, and more. - Chanukah Festival Of Books at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Preschool
Sunday, December 7 | 10:00am-1:30pm | Brooklyn Heights | FREE
Explore a bouncy castle, a Chanukah-themed photo booth, author readings, arts and crafts, a pizza lunch, and a holiday book sale. - Light It Up Brooklyn! Family Hanukkah Arts Festival & Shuk
Sunday, December 14 | 1:30-4:00pm | $10/child | FREE for infants under 1 and all grownups | Register here | Carroll Gardens
Take part in hands-on Hanukkah art stations, music and dance, and a pop-up market featuring local Jewish and Israeli vendors. - Chanukah Jam 2025 at Brooklyn Brewery
Sunday, December 14 | 10am-12pm | Ages 0-6 | $20/family | Williamsburg
Join in music and movement, a puppet show, festive crafts, a menorah lighting, and holiday treats like latkes and sufganiyot. - Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza
Sunday, December 14–Sunday, December 21 | Times vary (see full schedule here) | Prospect Heights | FREE
Watch the nightly lighting of Brooklyn’s largest menorah, with live music, hot latkes, children’s gifts, and a kickoff concert o 12/14 at 4pm. - Chanukah Family Fest at Jewish Children’s Museum
Sunday, December 14–Monday, December 22 | 10:00am-5:30pm (Closed Fridays & Saturdays) | $16-$19 admission (ages 2+) | Crown Heights
Decorate holiday donuts, explore olive oil making, create a Chanukah picture at a giant mural, and enjoy a new sensory play space. - Kids Hanukkah Party at Greenpoint Shul
Sunday, December 14 | 10:30am-12pm | $10 | Registration required | Greenpooint
Enjoy Chanukah games, songs, stories, treats, and plenty of light-filled fun. - Chabad of Brooklyn Heights Menorah Lighting & Musical Performance at Brooklyn Borough Hall
Monday, December 15 | 5pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Join Chabad of Brooklyn Heights for a Menorah lighting and musical performance by Zusha! - Family Chanukah Celebration with Chabad of DUMBO at Time Out Market
Monday, December 15 | 5-7pm | RSVP here | FREE | DUMBO
Take part in a menorah lighting, live entertainment, face painting, arts and crafts, dreidel games, gelt, giveaways, and more. - Chanukah Concert at Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Tuesday, December 16 | 5:30pm | FREE | Brooklyn Heights
Join BHS for an uplifting Chanukah concert with award-winning singer/songwriter Michelle Citrin! - Spin & Shine: Chanukah Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Wednesday, December 17 | 4-6pm | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
Join a festive celebration with a menorah lighting, games, dreidel spinning, crafts, and treats like sufganiyot and chocolate gelt. - Chanukah at the Carousel with Chabad of DUMBO and Ice Menorah Carving & Lighting
Wednesday, December 17 | 5:30-7:30pm | Suggested donation $40/family | DUMBO
Ride the carousel, enjoy arts and crafts, watch an ice menorah carving, and join a menorah lighting. - Tot Singalong & Chanukah Candle Lighting
Thursday, December 18 | 4-5pm | Ages 0-5 | Brooklyn Heights | RSVP here | FREE
Sing along at a tot-friendly gathering with a candle lighting, plus latkes and donuts—feel free to bring your favorite menorah. - Family Chanukah Celebration with Chabad of Park Slope
Thursday, December 18 | Doors at 4:15pm | Show at 4:30pm | RSVP here | FREE, donations accepted | Park Slope
Enjoy a family celebration with latkes, music, refreshments, and a children’s puppet show. - Chanukah at Industry City
Thursday, December 18 | 5pm | FREE
Celebrate with a Menorah lighting, music, delicious food, and activities for all ages. - Kane Street Dreidel Fest
Thursday, December 18 | 5:30pm | Cobble Hill | FREE
Join sweet treats, singing, a candle lighting, and a mega dreidel tournament with prizes. - Shabbos Party The Festival of Fire & Light at Greenpoint Shul
Saturday, December 20 | 4:30-6:00pm | $10 | For K-12 | Greenpoint
Show off dreidel skills, win chocolate coins, enjoy fresh latkes, attend a parent shiur, and conclude with Havdalah and a Chanukah candle lighting. - Chanukah on 5th Ave at The Old Stone House
Sunday, December 21 | 3:45-4:30pm | RSVP here | Park Slope
Join a menorah lighting with crafts, latkes and donuts, donut decorating, music, and more. - And many more! See our full round-up of Chanukah events here!
8. Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Friday, December 26–Tuesday, December 30 | 10am-5pm | $15 admission | Crown Heights
NYC’s largest Kwanzaa festival returns for its 18th year—a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture. Join daily candle lightings, watch youth performances, and take part in dance, drumming, and art workshops inspired by Kwanzaa’s seven principles.
9. New Year’s Eve fun
- Noon Years Eve Celebration at Brooklyn Bowl
Wednesday, December 31 | Doors at 11am | Show at 12pm | $21.45 tickets, FREE for kids under 1 | Williamsburg
Join for a Rock and Roll Playhouse family concert featuring Isa Bruder & Friends playing the music of Taylor Swift! - Family-Friendly NYE Balloon Drop at Threes Brewing
Wednesday, December 31 | 1-5pm | FREE | Gowanus
Join Threes for family-friendly daytime NYE celebration with DJ Dog Walker and a non-alcoholic sparkling cider toast at sunset. Grand Army South will be opening early with food for the whole family. - Early New Year’s Eve Celebration at Dave & Busters
Wednesday, December 31 | 11am-2pm & 4-7pm | $33.79 tickets | Downtown Brooklyn
Ring in 2026 with a family-friendly NYE party at Dave & Busters. There will be early celebrations at 11am-2pm and 4-7pm. Enjoy unlimited video game play, a $20 Power Card, and a banquet including mini pretzel dogs to churros. Raise a glass with a ginger ale toast count down to 2026 with a video ball drop. - New Years Ease at Randolph
Wednesday, December 31 & Thursday, January 1 | 12-8pm | FREE | DUMBO
Randolph will be welcoming families and kids on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with brunch all day, pitcher specials for the grown-ups, arcade games, feather bowling, and more family-friendly fun! - New Year’s Eve Fireworks over Prospect Park
Wednesday, December 31 | Music at 10pm | Fireworks at midnight | FREE | RSVP here | Prospect Park
Ring in the new year with a fireworks display at Grand Army Plaza. The 45-year tradition will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist starting at 10pm. Fireworks will begin at midnight! - And many more! See our full round-up of New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day events here!
Bonus for the grown-ups…
10. The Scenario 90s Dance Party: New Year’s Eve Edition | Cobble Hill
Wednesday, December 31 | 9:00pm-1:30pm | 21+ | $50
The Scenario 90s Dance Party is locked in with a New Year’s Eve takeover in Cobble Hill and a midnight dive into 90s and 2000s hip hop, pop, reggae and everything that moves the room! Headline DJ TY-Michelle joins DJ Marc Bars for the night. 21+ only. Tickets are $50 and include a glass of champagne at midnight. Space is limited at Le Boudoir on Atlantic Avenue, so get your tickets now.
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Updated: December 11, 2025. Main Image: Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
