New York City transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season—and Brooklyn is no exception. From enchanting Christmas light shows to Hanukkah’s golden glow and festive pop-up bars, Brooklyn knows how to do the holidays right. Whether you’re a local, just visiting, or scouting neighborhoods before a move, there’s no shortage of festive fun.
Williamsburg
- Snowday in Brooklyn (348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY): Every holiday season, Williamsburg’s go-to brunch spot transforms into a festive wonderland. Think over-the-top decor, a restaurant dripping in wreaths and ornaments, and themed cocktails and food to match. Michael Buble’s Christmas album? Likely on rotation.
Coney Island
- Coney Island Polar Bear Club (1208 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY): The Coney Island Polar Bear Club is not for the faint of heart—or the cold-averse. It’s a 120-year tradition, where every Sunday from November to April, brave souls dive into the freezing surf to wash away the year that was and raise money for charity. Polar bear suit optional.
Downtown Brooklyn
- The Hard Nut (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY): Forget what you think you know about the Nutcracker. The Hard Nut showing at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) flips the classic ballet on its head with a retro-modern take. Performed by the Mark Morris Dance Group, this version adds way more narrative layers than any other Nutcracker.
- Free Santa Portrait Studio (445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY): Santa’s ready for his close-up at Citypoint. Swing by for a free holiday photo-op with the man, the myth, the legend. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or starting a new family tradition, this is your chance to keep the magic alive.
Prospect Park
- Holiday Market at Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY): Skip the shopping mall chaos and head to the Brooklyn Museum’s glass pavilion for unique, artisan White Elephant or stocking stuffer gifts. This two-day holiday bazaar sells everything from handcrafted jewelry to homey apothecary goods.
- Lightscape (900 Washington Ave, Brooklyn NY): As soon as the nights get longer and darker, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden lights up the neighborhood with Lightscape, an after-dark light show running through January 5, 2025. Think glittering trails, illuminated art displays, and a symphony of colors and sounds. Make sure you check out the iconic Winter Cathedral.
- LeFrak Center at Lakeside (171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY): Whether you prefer to spin on ice or slide across it, Lakeside has winter fun for all. Take your pick from ice skating, figure skating, hockey, or curling. With an uncovered rink debuting this year, you’ll get your winter chill in the best way possible. Don’t forget to check out the sledding action at Prospect Park, too.
- Hanukkah Menorahs (Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY): Light up your holiday season at Grand Army Plaza (the oval at the main entrance of Prospect Park) where one of the world’s largest menorahs takes center stage. Swing by at sundown during Hanukkah (through January 2, 2025) to witness the glow of the Festival of Lights—all courtesy of Chabad of Park Slope.
South Brooklyn
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY): Leaving Dyker Heights off this list would be like not mentioning pizza or bagels in a New York City food guide. No neighborhood does holiday lights better than Dyker Heights. We’re talking life-size Santas, crafted sleighs, lit-up snowmen, and moving Nutcracker statues.
- Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker (1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY): On December 14, the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, comes to life at Kings Theatre, performed by the renowned Grand Kyiv Ballet. If you’ve never been to Kings Theatre, you’re in for a treat—the grandeur architecture and elegant ambiance is truly the perfect backdrop for a ballet.
Moving during the holidays—or honestly, any time of year in New York—is a logistical nightmare. That’s where Metropolis Moving steps in. Let the experts handle the heavy lifting (literally), so you can focus on settling into your new home and enjoying all the holiday activities Brooklyn has to offer.
