Fun Brooklyn Holiday Activities For The Whole Family
With Thanksgiving behind us, it seems everything has gone full-tilt into sugar cookies, lights, music, and more! Which means a lot of fun activities to stave off those early-sunset and can’t-play-much-in-the-cold blues. We’ve rounded up a few family-friendly fairs that are taking place in Brooklyn this month — let us know if you hear of any others!
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
When: Saturday, December 5, 3pm
Where: Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Avenue, Flatbush
What: The Christmas classic performed by the Moscow Ballet features 40 world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life, with larger than-life-puppets, a growing Christmas tree, and super-sized Matrushka dolls.
How Much: Tickets currently available are $44 and up, and may be purchased here.
Chanukah Extravaganza
When: Sunday, December 6, 11am-2pm
Where: Kings Bay Y, 3495 Nostrand Avenue, Sheepshead Bay
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.
How Much: Free admission.
St Luke & St Matthew Holiday Fair
When: Sunday, December 6, 12-5pm
Where: St Luke & St Matthew Episcopal Church, 520 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill
What: Shop for gifts from local vendors while the kids decorate (and, we’re guessing, eat a few) gingerbread cookies!
How Much: Free admission, with suggested $3 contribution for cookie decorating.
French & Chinese Book Fair & Winter Festival
When: Sunday, December 6, 12-5pm
Where: Science, Language & Arts @ The Brooklyn Music School, 126 St Felix Street, Fort Greene
What: Look out for free performances in the theater, including a Manhattan Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration at 12pm; Haitian folktales and songs at 2pm; and David Engel’s Pirate School at 3pm. Plus, there will be a French and Chinese book fair, holiday gifts for sale, and crafts, games, raffles prizes, a bake sale, and a silent auction with items from local shops.
How Much: Free admission.
Sinterklaas at The Wyckoff House Museum
When: Sunday, December 6, 1-4pm
Where: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie
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.
How Much: Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Kids 2 and under are free.
Lighting Of The World’s Largest Menorah
When: Daily at 6pm from Sunday, December 6-Sunday, December 13
Where: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
What: Chabad of Park Slope sets up their annual menorah, which they claim is the “world’s largest.” Look out for a free concert starting at 5pm on the first night, plus free latkes and children’s entertainment.
How Much: Free admission.
Holiday Train Show
When: Friday, December 11, 3:30-6:30pm
Where: Brooklyn Free School, 372 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill
What: The annual event (recommended for kids from birth to 12 years old) returns with eight types of electric trains weaving in and out of four hand-made scenes. The second floor will house a play space for the younger visitors where they can watch a film and play with wooden tracks and trains.
How Much: Admission is by donation; suggested amount is $2 for kids and $3 for adults.
The Colonial Nutcracker
When: Sunday, December 13, 2pm
Where: Walt Whitman Theatre, Campus Road at Nostrand Avenue, Midwood
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.
How Much: Tickets are $18 and may be purchased here.
Know of any other fun holiday events that are coming up? Let us know in the comments below, or feel free to add them to our calendar!