The ultimate 2023 guide to ringing in the holidays with your family in Brooklyn is here! Go-to Brooklyn parent resources Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW and Brooklyn Bridge Parents have teamed up to bring you some of the best family events for Brooklyn families in December:
1. Holiday tree lighting celebrations:
- Sunset Park Tree Lighting
Friday, December 1 | 3-6pm | FREE | Sunset Park
Ride the Historic Trolley on 5th Avenue, enjoy music, and pictures with Santa. Santa will be giving out goodie bags for the first 200 children. - 22nd Annual Sinterklaas Day at Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
Saturday, December 2 | 2-4pm | FREE | East Flatbush
St. Nicholas will arrive on horseback around 2:30pm to tell the traditional tale of The Baker's Dozen and children are invited to sign the Red Book. Sip hot cider, try your hand at colonial games, create a holiday pomander, decorate a Dutch clog for Sinterklaas, and dress the tree for the tree lighting that will close the day at 4pm as the sun goes down. - 9th Annual Fort Greene Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 3 | 4-5pm | FREE | Fort Greene Park (Myrtle Ave & St Edwards St entrance)
Fort Greene Park and Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership present a magical evening as they illuminate the park. Enjoy free hot chocolate and write letters to Santa while listening to festive songs! Feel free to bring a gift to contribute to their toy drive. - The DUMBO Holiday Lighting
Thursday, December 7 | 4-7pm | FREE | DUMBO Archway
Join DUMBO BID to ignite some holiday cheer with loads of festive activities: tree lighting, menorah lighting, Santa photobooth, holiday concert, PS307 & Dock St Middle School performances, free hot cocoa and sweet treats, holiday projections, toy drive for the 84th Precinct's Operation Sleigh Ride, New York Cares Coat Drive, and food drive for Vinegar Hill Pantry. - Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 8 | 5-7pm | FREE | Carroll Park
Join Friends of Carroll Park and the Court Street Merchants for music and refreshments at 5pm. Tree lighting and Santa visit at 6pm! They'll also be collecting goods for their City Harvest holiday food drive, so please grab a can or box (no glass!) of non-perishable food en route. - Brooklyn Heights Promenade Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 13 | 5:30pm | Brooklyn Heights
The Brooklyn Heights Garden Club's annual tree lighting is scheduled! Join them on the Promenade at Montague Street for a tree lighting ceremony including a visit from Santa and singing from the always wonderful Grace Chorale.
- Plus, more expected to be announced! Check back for details. Borough Hall, Grand Army Plaza (Diocese of Brooklyn)
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2. Join the community for holiday caroling
- Caroling in the Plaza at Bed-Stuy Gateway BID's Winter Wonderland
Fridays December 1-22 | 12-6pm | FREE | Marcy Plaza/Bed-Stuy
Join the Bed-Stuy BID as they team up with local houses of worship to make a joyful noise in celebration of the holiday season. - Caroling at Time Out Market New York
Sundays December 3-23 | 2-5pm | FREE | DUMBO
Sing along with live performances by "The Other Reindeer" Christmas carolers, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Stop by to and mail your letter to Santa using their North Pole mailbox to receive a Special Goodie Bag (December 1-23). - Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Holiday Caroling
Saturday, December 16 | 2-3:30pm | FREE
A beloved Brooklyn Conservatory tradition — holiday caroling! Please join BKCM as they spread cheer throughout the neighborhood, culminating in a reception in their garden. All ages, voices, faiths welcome. This year they will be updating their lyric books to include new popular tunes and gospel traditional songs written for four-part harmony. 2pm warm up will be followed by 2:30-3:30pm caroling. - Cobble Hill Holiday Gather and Sing
Wednesday, December 20 | 5:30-7:30pm | FREE | Cobble Hill Park
Embrace the holiday spirit in the heart of Cobble Hill Park, surrounded by the warmth of community and the enchanting melodies of the season with the Cobble Hill Association and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The event starts with refreshments and background music followed by a 6pm group sing-a-long of classic holiday tunes and festive songs. No singing experience or skill required — they’ll have the ringers from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus there to help keep us in tune! - Ukulele Caroling with Make Music Winter
Thursday, December 21 | 7-8pm | FREE | Central Library, Grand Army Plaza
In a celebratory program led by local singer/songwriter and ukelele whiz Gwendolyn Fitz, players of all skill levels are welcomed to participate in this group play-along. Song selections will include classic holiday and repertoire tunes for the ukulele.
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3. Indoor holiday celebrations with kid-friendly activities
- Holiday Hub at CityPoint
Saturdays & Sundays December 2-17 | 11am-3pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn | For ages 1-10
Holiday Hub is a December family experience co-hosted by Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents where families can make holiday memories. The three weekends of programming will include Santa portraits, Menorah making, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, Elf selfies, and more. - Santaland at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Saturday, December 2-Sunday, December 24 | $5 for reservation, $20+ photo packages | 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 December 2nd. Capture precious memories with your family, friends and pets at various Santa Land events! Click link for the full schedule. - Holiday Fun at Time Out Market New York
Saturdays & Sundays December 2-23 | 1-4pm/2-5pm | FREE | DUMBO
From enchanting holiday decorations to surprise visits from beloved holiday characters (Saturdays 1-4pm), and even live performances by "The Other Reindeer" Christmas carolers (Sundays 2-5pm), there's something for everyone to enjoy. Stop by to mail your letter to Santa using their North Pole mailbox to receive a Special Goodie Bag (December 1-23).
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4. Outdoor holiday celebrations
- Bed-Stuy Gateway BID's Winter Wonderland
Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun December 1-23 | 12-6pm | FREE | Marcy Plaza/Bed-Stuy
Join them for a month long family-friendly holiday tradition that includes live entertainment, fashion showcases and live music from local DJs. - 3rd Annual Children’s Party with Santa on Atlantic Avenue
Saturday, December 2 | 12-3pm | FREE | Hoyt St Garden/Boerum Hill
Parents and guardians are invited to bring their kids for arts, crafts and Santa. Decorate and color ornaments shaped like snowmen and holiday trees or BYO ornaments to be displayed on the fences of the vibrant Brooklyn garden. Santa and Olaf will be there for photo opps and local musicians will provide joyous tunes. - TownSquare presents Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 2 | 10am-3pm | $12 tickets | Williamsburg
Santa's coming to Greenpoint/Wiliamsburg for a fun time at FourFiveSix! So ready your list with all your wishes, to whisper to Santa with all your kisses! Delicious hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, holiday music on their beautiful patio, and, of-course, precious moments and photos with Santa!
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Saturdays, December 2nd-30 | 10am-6pm | Cost of one subway ride | Lower Manhattan
This holiday season, the annual NYTM tradition of Holiday Nostalgia Rides continues on the Museum’s 1930s R1/9 train cars! Departing from the F line’s 2nd Avenue station in lower Manhattan, the Holiday Nostalgia Train will transport straphangers back in time every Saturday in December.
6. Shop local at Brooklyn Holiday Markets
- Brooklyn Navy Yard's 6th Annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2-Sunday, December 3 | 12-5pm | FREE entry | Brooklyn Navy Yard
This year, the market debuts a new location and expands to 200 vendors, community partners, and Brooklyn-based businesses. Each day will be filled with activities for all ages, including their highly coveted kid's zone, which will be available for both days this year! - UniFair Holiday Market at First Unitarian Church
Saturday, December 2 | 10am-3pm | Brooklyn Heights
UniFair sells beautifully decorated wreaths, jewelry, and baked goods. They will have their famous fruit cakes using Connie Newsom's delicious recipe (thanks to Vonda Brunsting and her team of bakers for keeping that tradition going!) and plenty of delicious holiday treats baked by us for us. - The Holiday Market at Brooklyn Museum
Saturdays & Sundays December 2-December 10 | 11am-5:30pm | Prospect Heights
Located in the Brooklyn Museum's gorgeous glass pavilion, this two day holiday market will be held on two consecutive weekends this year.
- FAD Market Pop-Up in at the Invisible Dog Art Center
Saturdays & Sundays December 2-17 | 11am-6pm | Boerum Hill
Held on the first three weekends of December, each holiday market will feature a rotating roster of over 50 of the region’s most talented makers, designers and artisanal food brands offering a highly curated selection of impeccably crafted jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, handmade food items, home furnishings and more. - Red Hook Holiday Market
Saturdays & Sundays December 2-17 | 1-6pm | Red Hook
Find one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for your loved ones this holiday season while supporting local artisans, makers, and crafters on the 2nd floor of Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition. - Old Stone House Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 9th (rain date 12/10) | 10am – 4pm | Park Slope
The seasonal Old Stone House Holiday Artisan Market brings together 40+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses. There will be free family activities courtesy of the Textile Arts Center and Private Picasso, as well as mulled wine for purchase. - Greenpointers Holiday Market
Sunday, December 10th | 1-7pm | Greenpoint
Back for its 10th year in Greenpoint Loft, the seasonal Greenpointers market is pulling out all the stops to make this landmark year extra special – You can expect music, art installation, cozy cocktails, and of course unique high quality shopping, plus more. - Sutton Pop-Up Holiday Market
Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17 | 12-7pm | Greenpoint
A place where art, community, and music come together! The market features local makers, food vendors, vintage clothing, jewelry designers, ceramicists, and more. - More ongoing holiday markets: The Makers Show at CityPoint, Brooklyn Flea Holiday Market, DUMBO Loft Holiday Market, The Artisans Bazaar at Fort Greene Park
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7. Celebrate Hanukkah:
- Hanukkah Menorah Crafting Workshop at The Craft Studio Brooklyn
Sunday, December 3 | 10am | $50 | Boerum Hill
Design, paint, and brush on a glaze on a beautiful full-size ceramic menorah. Your family will cherish it for Hanukkahs to come.
- Kane Street Family Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 3 | 10:30am-12pm | $10/family | Cobble Hill | For ages 1-6
Featuring crafts, cookie decorating, games, and a sing-along with Landon. All are welcome so tell your friends!
- Hannah Senesh Hanukkah Community Arts Festival
Sunday, December 3 | 1-3pm | $5 per child ages 2+, free for adults | Carroll Gardens
Enjoy step-by-step art stations for projects such as cookie decorating, dreidel painting, menorah crafting, along with music, storytime, yummy snacks, and so much more! This event is open to the greater Brooklyn Jewish community—invite your friends and family!
- Hanukkah Kosher Chocolate Lollipop Workshop at The Craft Studio Brooklyn
Tuesday, December 5 | 4pm | $50 | Boerum Hill
Using the finest kosher chocolate and delicious kosher candies and sprinkles crafters will design three beautiful Hanukkah-themed chocolate lollis. Wrapped at the end in cello and ribbons, they make a great Hanukkah gift or treat!
- Hanukkah Cookie Decorating Workshop at The Play Lab
Wednesday, December 6 | 3:30pm | $45 | Williamsburg | For ages 2-5
Decorating Hanukkah cookies is a great way for children and caregivers to come & enjoy time together! There will be different colors of icing, tasty toppings, Hanukkah-themed cookies, and much more. It's that time of the year again, tune in and have fun with us!
- Chanukah Donut Decorating at Jewish Children's Museum
Thursday-Thursday, December 7-14 | 11:30am-5pm | $14-17, free for under 2 | Crown Heights
Get into the Chanukah spirit and decorate your own one-of-a-kind Chanukah treat at their make your own donut bar!
- Holiday Lighting at the DUMBO Archway
Thursday, December 7 | 4-7pm | FREE | DUMBO
The Dumbo Improvement District is thrilled to sponsor our 17th Holiday Lighting including a 5:30pm countdown to a menorah and tree lighting. The event will also feature Calypso carols, holiday covers, performances by Dumbo’s middle and elementary school students, and sweet treats from neighborhood restaurants.
- Chabad of Dumbo Chanukah on Ice at Glide BK
Thursday, December 7 | 4:30-5:30pm | DUMBO
Light up the nights of Chanukah! Join Chabad of Dumbo as they celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with an ice skating session at new rink Glide BK. Email jewishdumbo@gmail.com for tickets.
- Chabad of North Brooklyn Kids Chanukah Party at Ferox
Thursday, December 7 | 4:30-6:30pm | $25 per child 3+, $15 for 2 and under | Greenpoint
Join Chabad of North Brooklyn for a grand menorah lighting, latkes, donuts, Chanukah crafts, trampolines, ninja activities, and more! RSVP to chabadnb@gmail.com
- Chabad of Park Slope's Grand Army Plaza Chanukah Kickoff Concert + Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 7 | 5pm | FREE | Park Slope
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with a lighting ceremony at the largest menorah in Brooklyn at Grand Army Plaza complete with a Moshe Reuven concert, hot latkes and gifts. 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.
- Chabad of Brooklyn Heights' Borough Hall Chanukah Kickoff Concert + Menorah Lighting
Thursday, December 7 | 5pm | FREE | Brooklyn Heights
Celebrate the first night of Chanukah with a lighting ceremony at the giant menorah at Borough Hall complete with Gad Elbaz 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.
- Chabad of Downtown Brooklyn Menorah Lighting at Albee Square
Thurs, December 7 6pm, Sun, December 10 5pm, Mon -Thurs Dec 11-14, 6pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Join us along with the entire community as we light up the giant Menorah on Albee Square, sharing the light and joy of Chanukah with our entire neighborhood.
- CBE BK Hanukkah Sing Along + Sensory Sensitive Celebration
Saturday, December 9 | 3-5pm | FREE with RSVP | Park Slope
CBE's 3rd annual Youth and Family Great Hanukkah Sing-Along returns with favorite Hanukkah songs followed by menorah lighting and yummy sufganiyot! For children with special needs, disabilities, and sensory sensitivities, CBE is also hosting "A Playground of Light," thoughtfully designed with this population of children in mind, and all ages are welcome to join!
- JCC Brooklyn Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 10 | 11am-1pm | FREE with RSVP | Williamsburg
Join JCC Brooklyn for facepainting, games, and dancing. Refreshments will be served. Musical performance by Yonatan.
- Chabad of Park Slope's Chanukah on 5th Avenue
Sunday, December 10 | 3-3:45pm | FREE, RSVP appreciated | Park Slope
Chanukah crafts, giant games, latkes and donuts, donut decorating, menorah lighting, music and fun at JJ Byrne Park!
- Chabad of Brooklyn Heights' Light Up the Night Family Chanukah Glow Party
Sunday, December 10 | 4-5pm | FREE with RSVP | Brooklyn Heights
Come dressed in white or neon to light up the night at a Glow Party featuring donuts, games, dancing, prizes & more!
- Chabad of Sunset Park Ice Menorah Lighting at Industry City Ice Rink
Sunday, December 10 | 4-6pm | FREE, $12 for ice skating | Sunset Park
Join with family and friends for a beautiful holiday celebration. Feel the warmth of a giant Ice Menorah and enjoy holiday treats, games, gifts for the kids, and activities.
- Chabad of Greenpoint Menorah Lighting
Sunday, December 10 | 5pm | FREE | Greenpoint
A Chanukah celebration with latkes, dreidels, and candles on Greenpoint Avenue at Franklin Street.
- Chabad of Clinton Hill's Chanukah Celebration at Myrtle Plaza
Sunday, December 10 | 5:30-6:30pm | FREE | Clinton Hill
8-foot Menorah chainsaw carving, music, kids activities and treats will begin at 5:30pm followed by a grand menorah lighting at 6pm!
- Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Hanukkah Celebration
Sunday, December 10 | 7-10pm | $20 adults, $10 kids | Park Slope
In partnership with The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life, BKCM's annual Hanukkah party will feature the Klezmer Big Band of Light, a Vocal trio INDIGA, Hanukkah karaoke, latkes, a coloring room for kids, and a cash bar with adult beverages.
- Chanukah Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall
Monday, December 11 | 4-6pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as we light the Chanukah menorah and sing traditional songs. Indulge in delicious sufganiyot, chocolate gelt and traditional Chanukah treats. Experience the excitement of Chanukah games and activities for all ages. From dreidel spinning to crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Family friendly indoor activities will take plae from 4-5:30PM on the ground floor at Atlantic Terminal near Rumi. A menorah lighting will take place from 5:30-6PM on Atlantic Terminal's outdoor plaza.
- Chabad of Dumbo's Chanukah at the Carousel
Monday, December 11 | 4:30-6:30pm | Suggested donation $40 cash/family | DUMBO
Families are invited to join the Chanukah party at Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park hosted by the Chabad of DUMBO and DUMBO Gan preschool. Ice Menorah Lighting at 5:30pm. Free rides, Hanukkah crafts, face painting and more.
- Chabad of Downtown Brooklyn Menorah Lighting at Hoyt St. Garden
Monday, December 11 | 5pm | FREE | Boerum Hill
Join Chabad of Downtown Brooklyn for a menorah Lighting, latkes and donuts at Hoyt Street Garden.
- Chabad of Downtown Brooklyn Chanukah Party
Monday, December 11 | 7-9pm | FREE | Downtown Brooklyn
Join friends and neighbors from around Downtown Brooklyn at Chabad Downtown Brooklyn, for Menorah, light dinner buffet, doughnuts, latkes, drinks, dreidels, and fun!
- Dirah Brooklyn Chanukah Celebration in Carroll Park
Tuesday, December 12 | 5:30pm | FREE | Carroll Gardens
Join the community for an evening of light and joy at the Menorah lighting celebration. The festivities include hot latkes and donuts, live music, exciting entertainment, and a special program for Israel.
- Chabad of Dumbo Menorah Lighting at DUMBO Archway
Wednesday, December 13 | 5-6pm | FREE | DUMBO
Light up the nights of Chanukah! Join Chabad of Dumbo as they celebrate the seventh night of Hanukkah at the Dumbo Archway with a menorah lighting and festivities. Email jewishdumbo@gmail.com for more information.
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8. Catch a kid-friendly holiday performance
- Magical Christmas Ballet at Kings Theatre
Wednesday, December 6 | 7pm (Doors open 6pm) | $45+ tickets | Flatbush
Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. - JingleFest Holiday Concert + Cookie Swap at Brooklyn Conservatory
Saturday, December 9 | 3pm | $12, free for 2 and under | Park Slope
Join the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for a joyful holiday family concert and interactive singalong. Come belt out kid-friendly classics and enjoy beautiful sacred carols. They’ll close out the concert with a visit from Santa, and continue the fun with cookies and hot chocolate. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to exchange and get one FREE ticket per family! - Jingle Bell Swing at Old Stone House
Sunday, December 10 | 11am-12pm | Adults $40, free for 12 and under | Park Slope
Step into Jingle Bell Swing, a musical journey where jazzy winter tunes meets family-friendly fun! Join Mozart for Munchkins for an interactive concert featuring Ric Becker and band, blending classical elegance with toe-tapping jazz favorites. - Winter Wonderland Concert at St. Ann's Church
Saturday, December 16 | 11-11:45am | Adults $40, free for 12 and under | Brooklyn Heights
Embark on a musical adventure for the whole family! This concert brings together the enchanting sounds that weave a delightful tapestry of classical and jazz favorites including tunes from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Join the excitement with sing-alongs and be mesmerized as a graceful ballerina adds an extra layer of magic, making it a truly interactive and family friendly performance for all to enjoy! - Brooklyn Brandenburgers Family concert at Old Stone House
Saturday, December 16 | 3pm & 7pm | $25, free for under 16 | Park Slope
Join the Brooklyn Brandenburgers for their annual Family Holiday Concert featuring music by Beethoven, Vivian Fine, Grieg, Telemann, Bach, & Mozart. - Suzi Shelton's Holiday Show at Jalopy Theatre
Saturday, December 16 | 11am-12pm | $10 Adults/$5 Kids | Red Hook | For ages 0-10
Suzi Shelton's Holiday Show returns to Jalopy Theatre! From award-winning folk musicians to rock-n-rollers, puppeteers and pop stars, this family concert series is sure to engage, entertain and educate your entire family! Enjoy a coffee, mimosa or juice box during the show. - The Brooklyn Nutcracker at Kings Theatre
Saturday, December 16 | 2pm & 7pm | $39+ tickets | Flatbush
The Brooklyn Nutcracker fuses ballet, hip-hop and a rich tapestry of global dance genres to create a new family tradition for the modern era. Culturally immersive, The Brooklyn Nutcracker transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the heart of Brooklyn's cultural mosaic. - Rock & Roll Playhouse Holiday Celebration at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg
Sunday, December 17 | 12pm | $16 tickets | Williamsburg | For ages 0-10
The Rock & Roll Playhouse celebrates the holidays with a concert featuring the music of The Beatles. - FunikiJam Holiday Beat Concert at Central Library
Tuesday, December 19 | 10:30-11:30am | Grand Army Plaza
This one-of-a-kind Off-Broadway show promises to take you on a cultural adventure like no other, celebrating an array of holiday traditions, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Shichigosan, all specially curated for kids and families.
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Tuesday, December 26 – Saturday, December 30 | 10am-5pm | $14-15 admission | Crown Heights
Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum for its 16th annual lively celebration of Kwanzaa at the largest family Kwanzaa event in NYC, presented in partnership with Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation. Guests can learn all about the cultural backgrounds and significance of the holiday and learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa through workshops, live performances, art projects, candle lighting and more! This year, they celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with special activities and tributes that showcase its enduring impact.
Sunday, December 31 | 10pm-12:30am | FREE | Grand Army Plaza
Join Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Prospect Park Alliance for Brooklyn’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. The event will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist who will perform live music at 10pm before the fireworks begin.
There's more in the calendar – check it out, and happy December!!
