The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Scott Lynch)
Out of Office: 22 Things to do in Brooklyn this Christmas weekend
Or take a break from the holidays and see the wildly innovative puppetry of 'Life & Times of Michael K'
This is it. The home stretch. Brooklyn is pulling out all the stops with holiday-themed markets, drag, lights, puppets and more.
But first! If you need a break from the holiday cheer, St. Ann’s Warehouse has their winter show “Life & Times of Michael K,” based on the book by J.M. Coetzee. There are various showtimes Thursday through Saturday.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Holiday Makers Market at Japan Village hosts some of the most unique artisan goods in Brooklyn this holiday season. Also on Saturday and Sunday, you can see “The Polar Express” at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum if only to get the kids out of the house for a few hours.
St. John’s Park Slope has two Christmas Eve services to choose from — plus Christmas Mass on Monday morning. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” comes to Nitehawk Williamsburg on Sunday morning for brunch.
That’s not all. After Monday, Kwanzaa kicks off Tuesday with a Kwanzaa Crawl across the borough followed by a week of events at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
And if you can’t make it to Dyker Heights to see their world-class lights, watch this “mom” journey through the neighborhood.
Thursday, December 21
Photos with Santa at Kings Plaza
Thursday through Sunday
Santa visits Kings Plaza through Christmas Eve. A visit with Santa is always free, though photo packages are available for purchase. 5100 Kings Plaza, Level 2, near Zara.
‘Life & Times of Michael K’
Performances are Thursday through Saturday
Handspring Puppet Company joins Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre to transform J.M. Coetzee’s Booker Prize-winning novel “Life & Times of Michael K” into soul-stirring puppet theater at St. Ann’s Warehouse. “Michael K” is the story of a humble man, who, in search of his mother’s ancestral home, finds strength in his humanity, a profound connection to the earth and his own path.
The Makers Show Holiday Market at City Point
Open through December 23
For the fourth holiday season, The Makers Show Holiday Market will feature over 60 local vendors, dance parties for kids, cookie decorating and workshops like ugly sweater-making, with visits from Santa. The Makers Show is rooted in social justice with a commitment to promoting equity and community investment through local marketplaces. Enjoy the festive environment created by TMS and buy local. 445 Albee Square West.
Donate to St. Nick Fridge for Christmas
Anytime
Consider donating fresh, uncooked food and canned items to the St. Nick Fridge in Bushwick in time for Christmas. The fridge is community-run and operated all year and needs extra hands and donations through the holidays. Find more information on their Instagram. You can bring food to 176 St. Nicholas Ave.
Bed-Stuy’s Winter Wonderland Market
12 to 5 p.m., runs through December 23
Bed-Stuy’s Winter Wonderland Market is back for a month of shopping, live entertainment, fashion showcases and live music from local DJs. Marcy Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street.
Holiday projections in Dumbo
Projecting daily, 4 to 10 p.m., through December 31
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.
Candlelight: Holiday Soul and Jazz Classics
6:30 and 9 p.m.
Puresoul will perform two sets of holiday classics at Arlo Williamsburg on Thursday, one at 6:30 and 9 p.m., promising the quintessential NYC holiday evening with holiday soul and jazz classics among enchanting candlelight. 96 Wythe Avenue.
Friday, December 22
Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Dyker Heights turns into an over-the-top homage to Christmas this time of year with lights, life-sized Santas, sleighs, snowmen and Christmas carols blasting from loudspeakers. Tours by foot, bus and even limos are available are offered at various price points. Check out our tour of this year’s light show here.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Lightscape’
Runs through January 1
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show has been reimagined for 2023 with brand-new installations. During “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 preview of this year’s show. 150 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $12 for children and $24 for adults.
Frost Fest at Luna Park
Weekends through January 7
Get ready for the ultimate beachfront winter experience as Coney Island hosts 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.
Industry City Ice Rink
12 to 8 p.m., every Friday through Sunday until 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.
Grinchy’s Holiday Pop Up at Roberta’s Tiki Bar
5 to 11 p.m.
For the second year, the tiki bar in Roberta’s Bushwick location becomes Whoville with its over-the-top Christmas décor. Grinchy’s holiday menu includes Grinchy’s Old Fashioned, Double Dog Dare hot buttered rum and Cousin Eddy frozen eggnog. Then you can nosh on some spiced nuts, popcorn, cookie plates and house made pretzels with beer cheese. Keep an eye on Roberta’s Instagram for festive programming to keep the holiday vibes rolling. 263 Moore Street.
Saturday, December 23
Children’s screenings of ‘The Polar Express‘
Various showtimes on Saturday and Sunday
Need a break from the holiday stress? Bring your kids to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum on Saturday and Sunday for screenings of “The Polar Express.” There are various showtimes, and museum members are invited to watch the movie for free at 3 p.m. on Saturday. 145 Brooklyn Avenue.
Japan Village Holiday Makers Market
Various times on Saturday and Sunday
This holiday market at Japan Village features collaborations with more than 10 Japanese handmade artists. Explore handmade jewelry, apparel, ceramics, handbags and more on sale just in time for Christmas. 934 3rd Avenue.
Christmas puppet show
12:30 and 2:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through December 23
A Park Slope holiday tradition returns with performances of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” in which a one-legged toy soldier falls in love with a paper ballerina, at Puppet Works. The second show during their performance is “Nutcracker Sweets,” based on E.T A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which inspired “The Nutcracker” ballet. The show is suggested for ages 2 and up and lasts 55 minutes. Registration is strongly suggested as walk-in admission is not guaranteed. 338 Sixth Avenue (at 4th Street). Tickets are $10 for children and $11 for adults.
Josh Gondelman: What’s New?
7:30 p.m.
Friend of the podcast Josh Gondelman (Last Week Tonight, Desus & Mero, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me) has written a bunch of new jokes he’s excited to tell all at once at Union Hall (“the best comedy venue in the country,” per Jesse David Fox). He’s invited a few of his friends to tell some new jokes too. Namely: Alison Leiby, Rojo Perez, Meredith Casey and Danish Maqbool. 7o2 Union Street. From $15.64
Naughty or Nice *A Filthy Holiday Show*
10:30 p.m.
Ginger Von Snap brings you a sticky sweet holiday show on Saturday night at C’mon Everybody. This night of Christmas burlesque, drag features performers Didi Opulence, Heroine Wintour, Miz Jade, Pink Pancake and Vena Cava. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $12.
Sunday, December 24
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ at Nitehawk Williamsburg
11:15 a.m.
Have brunch at Nitehawk Williamsburg on Christmas Eve while watching “The Muppets Christmas Carol.” In the movie, The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (a deadly serious Michael Caine). Tickets are $14.
Christmas services at St. John’s Park Slope
Sunday and Monday
Join St. John’s Park Slope, an Episcopal Parish, for a Christmas Eve service at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. There’s also a Carols and Choral prelude to their evening Christmas Eve service beginning at 4:30 and the service begins at 5 p.m. On Christmas Day, they will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m. 139 St Johns Place.
Monday, December 25
Ice Skating at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Open now through March 1
The first-ever ice rink beneath the Brooklyn Bridge is open to the public until March. Glide offers scenic views of Manhattan, food and drink selections, and a new spot for ice skating this holiday season and beyond. Discounts and free tickets are available for residents. See Glide’s website for details. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza 11201. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults
Tuesday, December 26
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Tuesday through 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.
Kwanzaa Crawl
On Tuesday, the Kwanzaa Crawl brings people together to support the Black-owned bars and restaurants across Brooklyn. Crawlers will be dressed in whatever makes them feel Black and beautiful for a day of unity, fellowship, and fun. The crawl is focused on the social aspect of building community and facilitates the creation of economic empowerment within the community. See the Eventbrite link above for locations and pricing.
