17 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend (that aren’t Santacon)

By Joshua Encinias

Santacon is, unfortunately, on Saturday. If that’s your bag, great. If not, we have plenty of other alternatives for you this weekend.

The largest menorah in Brooklyn comes to Grand Army Plaza on Thursday night for all eight nights of Hanukkah. The penultimate show of Dinosaur Jr.’s seven-night Music Hall of Williamsburg residency is also on Thursday, with their final show on Friday.

Big Freedia brings her New Orleans bounce to Brooklyn Bowl on Friday for a Christmas show you don’t want to miss. Get up early the next day to run the Frosty 5K on Saturday morning in Prospect Park, or see Park Slope’s annual holiday puppet show “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” at Puppet Works.

NYC’s Empire City Men’s Chorus bring their queer holiday concert “Incarnations” to the Church of Ascension on Sunday evening. The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music’s Hanukkah celebration returns.

Here are our picks of things to do around the borough (that don’t involve barfing Santas) this weekend.

Thursday, December 7

‘Poor Things’ Salon of Seduction experience
Various times through Sunday
Searchlight Pictures transforms Maison Premiere into the “Salon of Seduction” this week — an immersive experience to celebrate the release of the film “Poor Things,” starring and produced by Emma Stone. You enter the salon into a peep-show-style room where guests will be treated to a show filled with surprises inspired by the film. Once seated, guests will eat a curated three-course tasting menu. Each course will unfold as a distinct act, complemented by a thematic performance that ties to key moments from the film. 298 Bedford Ave. Free with reservations.

Dyker Heights Christmas lights
Nightly
They’re back! 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. See our roundup of a few highlights from this year’s lights and give yourself a little walking tour.

Lighting of the largest menorah in Brooklyn
Concert begins at 5 p.m., event ends at 7 p.m.
Every year, Chabad of Park Slope hosts the lighting Brooklyn’s largest menorah on all eight nights of Chanukah at Grand Army Plaza. Thursday’s celebration will kick off with a concert. Come back each night for more live music, hot latkes and gifts for the kids. All ages. Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park.

Final nights of Dinosaur Jr.’s Williamsburg residency
9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday
Thursday and Friday nights are your last chance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dinosaur Jr.’s landmark album “Where You Been” with the iconic band. The original lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph wrap up their seven-night residency at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday. The shows feature guests and friends each night to celebrate their music along with a set comprising the trio’s thunderous catalog each night. 66 North Sixth Street. Ticket prices vary.

Friday, December 8

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Lightscape’
Now through January 1
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show is back and reimagined for 2023 with brand-new works of art. 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.

The Old First Nursery School Tree Sale
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., every weekend through December 17
At The Old First Nursery School’s Tree Sale in Park Slope, you will be able to choose from trees of all sizes provided by a Brooklyn-based distributor. And 100 percent of proceeds go to The Old First Nursery School, the oldest cooperative nursery school in New York City. If a tree isn’t what you’re after, there are plenty of wreaths, garland and mistletoe too. 729 Carroll Street.

The Makers Show Holiday Market at City Point
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday until December 17
Reopening on December 20 through 23 for extended shopping days
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 their commitment to promoting equity and community investment through local marketplaces. Enjoy the festive environment created by TMS and buy local. 445 Albee Square West.

Big Freedia’s Christmas in Central City Tour
8 p.m.
Beyonce and RuPaul’s BFF Big Freedia brings her New Orleans bounce Christmas tour to the Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night. She’s partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold will go to The Ally Coalition’s work to support homeless and at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth. So get down with Freedia this Xmas and help the kids while you’re at it. 61 Wythe Avenue. Tickets start at $23.

Saturday, December 9

Frosty 5K
8 to 11 a.m.
The New York Road Runners hold their annual Frosty 5K in Prospect Park on Saturday, and entry fees from the adult race help fund free, year-round youth and community programs. Participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities are invited to participate in the free youth run, Rising New York Road Runners Frosty 5K. See the start location here.

Holiday 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” at Puppet Works. The story is about a one-legged toy soldier who falls in love with a paper ballerina. 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.

Grinchy’s Holiday Pop Up at Roberta’s Tiki Bar
5 to 11 p.m.
For the second year, Grinchy’s Pop Up at 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.

The Seventh Annual Chanukahstravaganza
8:30 to 10 p.m.
Lana Schwartz and Ilana Michelle Rubin are two Jewish (as you might’ve guessed), native New Yorkers who get pretty lonely around the holiday season. For the seventh year, they’ve invited some of the funniest Jewish comedians in New York City to help them celebrate the Miracle of Lights. Chanukah. Hanukkah. Hanukah. However you choose to spell it, there will be songs, laughter, surprises and you know there’ll be gelt. 167 Graham Avenue. Tickets are $17.

Sunday, December 10

Frost Fest at Luna Park
Open every weekend 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 visit the skating rink, select rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and festive food options to fulfill their holiday cravings. 1000 Surf Avenue. Ticket prices vary.

Donate to St. Nick Fridge in Bushwick
Anytime
Consider donating fresh, uncooked food and canned items to the St. Nick Fridge in Bushwick. 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.

Queer holiday concert by Empire City Men’s Chorus
5 to 7 p.m., and on December 12 and 15
Empire City Men’s Chorus performs “Incarnations” at the Church of Ascension on Sunday evening. This gender-defying program of seasonal music re-imagined for tenor and bass voices includes several holiday works by queer-identifying composers. The Empire City Men’s Chorus was founded at the height of the AIDS crisis in New York to raise funds for medical-related costs for their community. 127 Kent Avenue. Tickets start at $20

Get your picture with Santa at Ray’s
5 to 7 p.m.
Ray’s Brooklyn is pairing up with “real” Santa for free festive photos. From on 12/10, Santa will be stopping by Ray’s new Greenpoint location to spread holiday cheer, sip on some cocktails and say cheese. They’ve also partnered with Feed The Streets for a coat and boot drive. Help make winter warmer for those in need. 905 Lorimer Street.

Hanukkah Celebration 2023!
7 p.m.
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music has an evening packed with Hanukkah celebrations planned for Sunday. The conservatory is partnering with The Neighborhood: An Urban Center for Jewish Life to bring their annual Hanukkah party back this year to BKCM. There’s live music from Klezmer Big Band of Light, Y&I, with Yula Beeri and Isaac Gardner with the soulful voices of the vocal trio INDIGA. Upstairs in their studios, you’ll find Hanukkah karaoke, latkes and a coloring room for kids. There will be a cash bar with adult beverages available for purchase. 58 Seventh Avenue. Tickets are $10 for kids and $20 for adults.