Things To Do In Southern Brooklyn: Meteor Shower, Polar Bear Plunge, New Year’s In Coney Island

Things To Do In Southern Brooklyn: Meteor Shower, Polar Bear Plunge, New Year’s In Coney Island
The 2015 Polar Bear Plunge.
The 2015 Polar Bear Plunge. (Photo by Albin Lohr-Jones)

Lots to do in southern Brooklyn this week. Ring in the New Year by watching the ball drop on the Parachute Jump in Coney Island. Then take a brisk dip with the Polar Bear’s the next day and finish the weekend by watching nature’s most spectacular fireworks display, the Quadrantids meteor shower, with the park rangers in Marine Park. There are also poetry jams, free ice skating, and exercise opportunities.

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Friends Book Sale!
When: Daily, 1 – 6pm
Where: Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street (Near Avenue Z)
What: Support your local library by purchasing a book. There is a large selection of books from all genres. Proceeds go to support the Sheepshead Bay Library.
How much: Prices are $1 – $3.
More info: 718-368-1815

Free Ice Skating At Abe Stark
When: Tuesday, December 29, and Wednesday, December 30, 9:30 – 11:30am
Where: Abe Stark Skating Rink, 1902 West 19th Street
What: Come out for two hours of ice skating and enjoy some cookies and hot cocoa.
How much: Free

Chess Club
When: Tuesday, December 29, 3 – 5pm
Where: Kings Highway Library, 2115 Ocean Avenue (Near Kings Highway)
What: Sharpen your chess skills with other players. Open to all skill levels.
How much: Free
More info: 718-375-3037

Poetry & Percussion
When: Tuesday, December 29, 4 – 5pm
Where: Coney Island Library, 1901 Mermaid Avenue (Near West 19th Street)
What: Play the drums and rap to your own beat at this poetry jam session for teens.
How Much: Free
More info: 718-265-3220

Learn About Health Insurance Plans
When: Wednesday, December 30, 10am – 6pm
Where: Kings Highway Library, 2115 Ocean Avenue (Near Kings Highway)
What: Learn about qualified health insurance plans from trained and certified navigator.
How much: Free
More info: 718-375-3037

Falun Dafa Exercise
When: Wednesday, December 30, 11am – 12pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street (Near Bay 17th Street)
What: Are you looking to relieve stress and find peace of mind? Participate in this meditation exercise.
How much: Free
More info: 718-236-4086

Guitar Workshop
When: Wednesday, December 30, 4 – 5pm
Where: Brighton Beach Library, 16 Brighton First Road
What: All ages are welcome at this free guitar lesson.
How much: Free
More info: 718-946-2917

Nutrition and Emotional Wellness Club
When: Wednesday, December 30, 6 – 7pm
Where: Sheepshead Bay Library, 2636 East 14th Street (Near Avenue Z)
What: Holistic health counselor Leona Sokolova will be giving a workshop about how to achieve a strong body and mind through physical activity, a balanced diet, and having a positive attitude.
How much: Free
More info: 718-368-1815

New Year’s Eve In Coney Island
When: Thursday, December 31, 9pm
Where: Coney Island Boardwalk, Surf Avenue and Stillwell Avenue
What: Coney Island is throwing a New Year’s Eve bash to rival the festivities in Times Square. Check out the fireworks and countdown to the digital ball drop on the Parachute Jump. There will also be live music, food and free admission to some of the rides.
How much: Free
More info: Check out this article.

Polar Bear Plunge
When: Friday, January 1, 1pm
Where: Coney Island Beach and Boardway, near Stillwell Avenue
What: Get a fresh start to 2016 by joining the Polar Bear Club in their annual New Year’s Day plunge into the frigid Atlantic waters. Proceeds benefit Camp Sunshine.
How much: $20 suggested donation
More info: Contact the Polar Bear Club at buell@rcn.com or call 917-533-3568

Watch the Quadrantids Meteor Shower
When: Sunday, January 3, 7pm – 8:30pm
Where: Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, Near East 33rd Street and Avenue U
What: Herald in the New Year with the sky’s natural fireworks. Park rangers will be on hand Sunday evening to help sky gazers located the Quadrantids meteor shower.
How much: Free
More info: 718-421-2021