15 Things To Do With Kids & Families This Holiday Season In Brooklyn
The holiday season in Brooklyn is a great time to be a kid (and a parent!), with the flurry of tree and menorah lightings, abundance of hot chocolate, and, of course, strings and strings of dazzling lights. Here are 15 of our favorite upcoming events around the borough:
Sinterklaas at The Wyckoff House Museum
When: Saturday, December 6 from 1-4pm
Where: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road
What: Celebrate Sinterklaas (otherwise known as St. Nicholas Day) at the city’s oldest, and first, official landmark, where you can explore how the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas evolved into the American tradition of Santa Claus. There will be traditional music, treats, stories, crafts, and more. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Kids 2 and under are free.
Free Christmas Concert at New Utrecht Reformed Church
When: Saturday, December 6 at 7:30pm
Where: The Parish House of the New Utrecht Reformed Church, 18th Avenue between 83rd and 84th Streets
What: The Grand Street Community Band, led by its artistic director and conductor Brian Worsdale, will perform a free Christmas concert from members of the all-volunteer symphonic wind ensemble. Audience members will also have a chance to purchase holiday baked goods to benefit the church’s restoration fund, which will help to restore the church that was founded in 1677 and is in need of significant repairs.
Family Holiday Party & Tree Lighting at Greenwood Park
When: Saturday, December 6 from 3-6pm
Where: Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
What: While your kids see Santa, you can grab a beer (or hot chocolate!) at this free holiday soirée that includes music from Frank Gallo of Rolie Polie Guacamole, gift bags, and free face painting. Plus, powerHouse Books will be on hand with gifts, and there will be an outdoor market with trees, wreaths, and other decorations for sale.
Alden Moves Performs The Nutcracker
When: Sunday, December 7 at 5pm
Where: East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Avenue
What: Students and company dancers from the Alden Moves Dance Theater take on an immersive production of The Nutcracker, during which audience members will be guests at the Silberhaus holiday party, as well as courtiers in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Land of the Sweets. Advance tickets (which are available until December 5 and which you can buy here) are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets at the door will be $25 for adults and $18 for students.
A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Brooklyn Lyceum
When: Saturday, December 13; Sunday, December 14; Saturday, December 20; and Sunday, December 21 at 1pm and 4pm
Where: The Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Avenue
What: This may be your last chance to see this annual tradition at the former bath house,which was recently sold at auction. It’s a sweet adaptation of the animated classic featuring a live jazz trio. Tickets are $12 each, or $40 for four.
Free Performance of ‘Scrooge’ The Musical at Brooklyn Central Library
When: Saturday, December 13 at 1pm
Where: Brooklyn Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: You’ll be putting aside all bah-humbugs after you see this musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol,” presented by Plaza Theatrical. Free admission.
Jingle Bell Jamboree in Park Slope
When: Saturday, December 13 at 7pm
Where: Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place
What: This fun, festive and family-friendly concert will feature the PS 38 pop chorus, kid-favorite Rolie Polie Guacamole, and more. There will also be a Toys for Tots collection site, so bring any new and unwrapped presents you’d like to donate. There is a suggested admission donation of $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Children’s Book Fair at the Shorefront Y
When: Sunday, December 14 from 2-5pm
Where: Shorefront Y, 3300 Coney Island Avenue
What: Take care of your holiday shopping while your kids have a blast during the event that includes children’s book readings, face painting, menorah-making, a large selection of Scholastic books, raffle prizes, photo opportunities with book and movie characters, and more. Admission is free.
The Colonial Nutcracker at Brooklyn Center For The Performing Arts
When: Sunday, December 14 at 2pm
Where: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Campus Road at Nostrand Avenue
What: This annual holiday favorite features the Dance Theatre in Westchester performing its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. You’re also invited to a pre-show holiday card decorating workshop at 1pm. Tickets are $15 and may be purchasedhere.
Holiday Flea Market and Cookie & Latke Party at The Bensonhurst Jewish Center
When: Sunday, December 14 from 9am-4pm
Where: Shore Parkway Jewish Center, 8885 26th Avenue
What: Get some great holiday gifts at this flea market, which will include household items, jewelry, children’s items, and much more. The event will include kosher homemade latkes with apple sauce and will feature holiday cookie decorating for people of all ages. Vendors are wanted for the event, and you can rent a table for $35. For more information, call 718-449-6530 or email c.spjc@hotmail.com.
The Muppet Christmas Carol at BAM Rose Cinemas
When: Sunday, December 14 at 2pm
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 651 Fulton Street
What: This adaptation of Dickens’ Christmas classic includes the whole Muppet gang, who will perform alongside a scowling Michael Caine as Scrooge. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for cinema club members, and $7 for children 12 and under.
Chanukah Extravaganza at The Kings Bay Y
When: Sunday, December 21
Where: Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Avenue, between Avenue U and Avenue V
What: One of the largest holiday events in Sheepshead Bay, this Chanukah party features a huge array of activities for the entire family, including a symbolic menorah lighting ceremony, arts, crafts, rides, performances, and more.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets
When: Friday, December 26; Monday, December 29; Tuesday, December 30 at 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4:30pm, and on December 27 & 28 at 12:30&2:30pm
Where: Puppetworks, 338 6th Avenue
What: These two fun puppet shows (both are shown at each performance) are adaptations of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and Tchaikovsky’s Land of Sweets dances. Appropriate for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $8 for children and $9 for adults. Reservations are suggested; call 718-965-3391.
Holiday Lights Spectacular in South Slope
When: To be announced here; the shows typically start the second weekend in December.
Where: 310A 22nd Street
What: Several years ago, two friends rigged up some lights for a show outside their house, and now it has grown to be an incredibly popular interactive show that includes music. Plus, other neighbors on the block are getting involved with their own light extravaganzas!
Tour of the Dazzling Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
When: Any time before the New Year.
Where: Dyker Heights neighborhood (around 83rd through 86th Streets, between 11th through 13th Avenues)
What: If you haven’t checked out the Christmas lights bonanza that happens each year in Dyker Heights, you’re missing out. The neighborhood has drawn national attention for its wild holiday decorations, which include 30-foot tall toy soldiers, glowing nativity scenes, motorized displays and more. Grab a coat, a cup of hot chocolate and join the rest of the city as we all gawk at the displays.
Photo by Margarita Corporan, via Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts.