Gogol Bordello will perform at Brooklyn Bowl (Photo by Allison Clarke)
Goodbye to all that: 17 ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Brooklyn
Patti Smith and Gogol Bordello host end-of-year residencies and Kwanzaa comes to a close
The new year starts on a Monday which feels both fitting and somehow unkind. But pay no mind, there are plenty of ways to close out 2023 with a bang across the borough this weekend.
Holiday offerings such as “Lightscape” at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and seasonal projections in Dumbo come to a close this weekend, so catch them while they’re still lighting up the night.
Patti Smith and her band perform Friday and Saturday nights at Brooklyn Steel, and Gogol Bordello continues their four-night residency at Brooklyn Bowl. The Dekalb Mark Hall Night Market arrives for one night only on Friday for you to graze and do a little New Year’s shopping.
Sunday brings a plethora of New Year’s Eve celebrations. If midnights aren’t your thing, a fireworks and drone show happens at 8 p.m. (details below). But if raging against the dying of the light is what you’re into, Prospect Park hosts their annual fireworks in the park at 10 p.m. Plus, The Reverend Vince Anderson will stomp and holler his way into 2024 at Union Pool.
And if that’s not enough for you, the Polar Bear Plunge happens at Coney Island on Monday morning.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024, no matter what you end up doing.
Friday and Saturday, December 29 and 30
Final weekend of ‘Lightscape’
Runs through Monday
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show has been reimagined for 2023 with brand-new installations. With “Lightscape,” the garden comes to life with illuminated sculptures, bright colors projected on the garden’s trees, seasonally decorated architecture water fountains and more. Check out our review of this year’s show. 150 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $12 for children and $24 for adults.
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Friday and Saturday
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is partnering with Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation for their 16th annual Celebrate Kwanzaa festival beginning on Tuesday. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, this year’s theme is “Hip-Hop Kwanzaa,” featuring special activities and tributes that showcase the genre’s enduring impact and allow families to explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa through a hip-hop lens. 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Tickets are $15 or free for BCM members.
Industry City Ice Rink
12 to 8 p.m., weekends through March 3
The IC Ice Rink in Industry City is open for the season and they’re fully equipped with a heating system to keep you toasty. Complete with an outdoor bar serving hot drinks and snacks, the rink is open from now until March 3. All tickets are available for a single entry at any time, on the day of your choice, and will grant you access to the rink for one session between 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Industry City Courtyard 5/6 at 51 35th Street. Tickets are $15 to $25.
Holiday projections in Dumbo
Projecting daily, 4 to 10 p.m., through Sunday
There’s a twist on traditional holiday fare in Dumbo this season as gigantic animated holiday projections portraying a pizza rat on a holiday train, haunted holiday trees, monsters masquerading as gifts and more take over the BQE and Manhattan Bridge Anchorages in Dumbo. See the website linked above for the five viewing locations.
Frost Fest at Luna Park
Weekends through January 7
Coney Island hosts the ultimate beachfront winter experience at its first annual Frost Fest at Luna Park. Visitors can take full advantage of the skating rink, select rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and festive food options to fulfill your holiday cravings. 1000 Surf Avenue. Ticket prices vary.
Patti Smith and her Band
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Patti Smith’s two-night residency begins tonight at Brooklyn Steel. Come out to celebrate Smith’s 51st year as an artist — because the night belongs to us. 319 Frost St. Tickets are $90.
Gogol Bordello’s Brooklyn Bowl residency
8 p.m., nightly through Sunday
The legendary Gogol Bordello kicked off their 4-night New Year’s extravaganza at Brooklyn Bowl last night and keep the party going through Sunday night. Boogie with the hardcore gypsy punk and global party music institution this weekend as they ring in 2024 in Williamsburg. 61 Wythe Avenue. Tickets are $50.
Dekalb Market Hall Night Market
9 p.m. to midnight, Friday only
Didn’t buy enough stuff during the holidays? Then the Dekalb Market is here for you to spend the rest of your holiday budget on bites from food vendors, while renowned DJ collective Soul Summit ensures the dance floor stays vibrant until the stroke of midnight. You won’t want to miss this electrifying night of culinary delights and groovy beats. 445 Albee Square West.
Sunday, December 31
Bargemusic’s New Year’s Eve concert
6 p.m.
Classical music on a boat! Come for an evening of elevated music featuring cellist Julian Schwarz and pianist Marika Bournaki performing eight classics composed by J.S. Bach. Fulton Ferry Landing at 1 Water Street in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. $50.
Hatch New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Drone Show
8 to 9 p.m.
This year Hatch hosts the first-ever early bird fireworks and drone show on the Brooklyn Waterfront. The early start means you won’t have to stay up until midnight to have a fun NYE celebration. 1200 Kent Avenue. Free.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Ring in the New Year with Ray’s Hometown Bar and experience Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular like never before. The night features the telecast of the iconic ball drop with Ryan Seacrest and a midnight bagpiper to add a little phoomph. Enjoy a midnight champagne toast, fries and two complimentary drinks. 905 Lorimer Street. Tickets are $40.
NYE with Rev. Vince Anderson and his Love Choir
9 p.m.
Rev. Vince Anderson brings his usual Monday night show at Union Pool to Sunday night to ring in 2024 with whichever Lord you worship. Guest artists include DJ Josh Wildman, MGSP New York, and DJ Kidtronix. Come out for one of the most vibrant (and affordable) ways to close out 2023. 484 Union Avenue. Tickets are $20.
NYE! Gala Galactica
9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
House of Yes hosts their night-long celebration of 2023 on Sunday night and promises you will experience no less than a intergalactic midnight moment magic, starship surprises, and so much more. Release your inhibitions and shine your stardust soul on the deepspace dance floor at House of Yes on Sunday. 2 Wyckoff Avenue. Tickets are $69.
Dance into 2024 at Mr. Melo Bar
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Williamsburg listening bar Mr. Melo is keeping is chic and easy for New Year’s Eve with vinyl DJs spinning the best sounds to keep you cruising into the new year. Melo will be serving up cocktail specials, pizza from Mo’s General, and champagne to toast at midnight. No reservations, no tickets, just good drinks and great music. 61 Withers Street.
Brooklyn Brewery New Year’s Eve with A Place to Bury Strangers
9:30 p.m.
Join the Brooklyn Brewery for their annual New Year’s Eve party in the Tasting Room, where the Brooklyn-based sonic architects A Place to Bury Strangers will be spinning vinyl all night. Tickets are 21+ and all-inclusive, including beers, bubbly, and small bites by Stuf’d Gourmet to ring in 2024. 79 North 11th Street. $135.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Prospect Park
10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Prospect Park will light up the night sky at Grand Army Plaza on Sunday night with NYE fireworks. Presented by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, NYC Parks and Prospect Park Alliance, Quintessential Playlist will perform live music at 10 p.m. before fireworks begin. Ring in 2024 at Brooklyn’s four-decade tradition! Grand Army Plaza on Flatbush Avenue. Free.
Elsewhere’s NYE Party
10 p.m.
Join Elsewhere for NYE celebrations featuring The Blessed Madonna and other artists who will keep you dancing until the sun comes up. Other performers include Heidy P, Kandylion, JADALAREIGN, and DJ Boring. 599 Johnson Avenue. Tickets are $85.
Monday, January 1
Coney Island’s 2024 Polar Bear Plunge
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Temperatures will be in the 40s, which is warmer than it could be, but this dip still isn’t for the faint of heart. The plunge is free but donations go to help Coney Island institutions like the New York Aquarium, Alliance for Coney Island, and the Coney Island History Project. What’s more, everyone who takes the dip can visit the New York Aquarium for free. Changing stations will be available for all swimmers and anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed and a parent or guardian present. Stillwell Avenue and Boardwalk in Coney Island.
