Family Holiday Fun!!!

Photo courtesy of NYBG.  Photo by Robert Benson Photography.

It’s December and the holidays are here!!!  Can you even believe it?! Here is our annual round-up of holiday happenings in Brooklyn and in our neighboring boroughs.   From a menorah lighting on 5th Ave, to cheering on runners decked out in holiday gear at the Jingle Bell Jog….to catching a family Broadway show, there should be something for everyone!  Happy Holidays to all!

Through January 15th, The Holiday Train Show at NY Botanical Gardens:  Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition showcases Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyscrapers and other architectural wonders, featuring new replicas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, General Electric Building, and St. Bartholomew’s Church.  


December 2nd @ 9:30am, The Jingle Bell Jog Pace at Prospect Park:    Come cheer on all the runners dressed up as elves, santas and reindeer (or sign up last minute - there are still open spots)!  This festive family favorite is more than just a road race, it's also a celebration and a fundraiser for NYRR's youth programs.


December 2nd @ 4pm, Tree Lighting at Greenwood Park:  Event begins 4:30, lighting is at 6:30.  Free wreath making, photos with Santa and his elves AND a free toy for each kid!  


December 2nd and 3rd @ The Brooklyn Historical Society, FAD Market:  This holiday season, find the perfect gift for everyone at FAD Market – a roving Fashion, Art and Design pop-up marketplace. Stroll through the gorgeous Romanesque Revival building of Brooklyn Historical Society and meet over 40 thoughtfully selected independent designer makers showcasing handcrafted jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, tableware and home furnishings. Discover unique holiday gifts and snag one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers at FAD Market this winter!


December 18th @ 4:30pm, Menorah Lighting on 5th:  Come light the Menorah with #theother5th with Chabad Park Slope and Lullaby Baby. There will be donuts, latkes and music.


Various Locations/Times:  MEET SANTA!!!  Click here for a link of local establishments that are hosting meet and greets with the jolly man himself.


Ongoing at The Lefrak Center at Lakeside, Ice Skating:  What better way to celebrate the season than with ice skating (followed up by a hot chocolate at the Bluestone Cafe, of course)!  


Ongoing on Broadway:  How about enjoying a family Broadway Show, like “Elf”, “A Garfield Christmas” or “Christmas Spectacular”?!  Create a memory that will last a lifetime.  


December 30th, 12-5pm @ Museum of Natural History, Kwanza 2017:  The Museum’s 2017 Kwanzaa event is a celebration of African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, which promote unity, culture, and community development. The program will feature a live musical performance, an overview of the Kwanzaa principles, and marketplace that showcases local artisans from the African-American community.
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And don’t forget the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights!  Take the D/M trains to 18th Ave or the R train to 86th Street. Suggestion: try going between 6:30 and 8:30pm on the weekends for the best of the lights and displays!