'Tis the Season: Your Complete 2025 Guide to Festive Fun in Park Slope🎄❄️
Here are the best holiday happenings in & around Park Slope this season, from pop-up shops to portraits with Santa.
This guide kicks off with events that are recurring throughout the season, then lists one-time events in chronological order. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see all of the neighborhood happenings now through New Year’s Eve!
Remember—we’ll be adding more events throughout the season, so be sure to bookmark this page & check back frequently for updates! 🎁
Events with an asterisk* sell out quickly— buy tickets in advance!
Ongoing Seasonal Events:
Lightscape @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden
November 21st-January 4th
Now in its fifth year, Lightscape has dazzled visitors with light-splashed landscapes and luminous installations highlighting the beauty of the Garden in winter. Stroll through a glittering winter trail and be transported to an enchanted forest—right in the heart of Brooklyn. An all-new experience awaits with fresh and reimagined art, music, and special attractions. Make your plans now to experience NYC’s newest holiday classic! Gather with friends and family and make lasting memories at Lightscape. Tickets start at $15 for kids/$29 for adults.
Santa Brunch @ Chela*
Sunday December 14th, Saturday December 20th, Sunday December 21st
Chela’s themed holiday pop-up is back, and the ever-popular Santa Brunch is a highlight of the season! Ticket includes a meal (adults choose from ten entrees), soft drink, and one-on-one time with Santa Clause. $25 per child/$40 per adult.
The Hard Nut @ Brooklyn Academy of Music*
December 12th- 22nd
Mark Morris Dance Group presents this modern lyrical reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic The Nutcracker. This lavish, gender-bent love letter to a canonical ballet transplants the story from the strait-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, and whimsical costumes. Tchaikovsky’s complete score is performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble. Tickets start at $45 (buy four tickets for the price of two at select performances!).
FAD Holiday Market @ Three Locations
Saturdays & Sundays December 6-7, 13-15, 20-21
This year, FAD Market pop-ups will be held over the course of three weekends at three separate locations in Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Dumbo. Named one of The Best Holiday Markets in NYC by TimeOut, Fashion-Art-Design Markets embrace diversity with a rotating roster of creative makers from all backgrounds who represent the talent of the city and beyond. Shop unique handcrafted art, jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, and home furnishings, plus indulge in locally crafted food and drinks. FREE.
Ice Skate with Santa @ Lakeside, Prospect Park
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21
Get into the holiday spirit and join Lakeside for one of their most magical winter traditions, Skate with Santa! Enjoy holiday music, seasonal treats, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for all ages. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to capture the smiles and memories!
Regular public ice skating sessions are held daily at The LeFrak Center, located near the Lincoln Road and Parkside/Ocean Avenue entrances to the park. Ice skate rentals are available for $10. Ticketing is walk-up only. $10 GA/$15 evenings and holidays/$5 Mondays.
Christmas Lights @ Dyker Heights
Thanksgiving weekend- New Year’s Eve
Every year, this Brooklyn neighborhood goes all out with Christmas lights & decor: picture life-sized Santas, inflatable snowmen, and twinkling lights synced with Christmas carols. Book a tour or take the D Train to 79th St and walk 15 minutes to see the lights, which are concentrated mostly between 83rd to 86th St and 11th to 13th Avenues. FREE.
The Brooklyn Nutcracker @ The Theatre at City Tech
December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th
The Brooklyn Nutcracker, performed by the Brooklyn Ballet, transforms familiar Nutcracker characters and scenes to represent the heart of Brooklyn’s cultural mosaic. From a mysterious pop and locking Herr Drosselmeyer and a daring hip hop battle scene, to a bohemian Mother Ginger, the characters embark on an enchanting journey from Victorian Flatbush to modern day—with exciting detours through notable Brooklyn landmarks, including a visit to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and a Flatbush Avenue subway platform. Tickets start at $37.
One-Time Events:
Holiday Lighting Ceremony @ Albee Square
Tuesday November 25th, 6-7pm
Celebrate the holiday season in true Downtown Brooklyn style! Enjoy live music performances and entertainers, enter an ugly sweater contest, and savor delicious hot chocolate while supplies last. Be a part of the exciting countdown to turn the holiday lights on! FREE.
Post Turkey Day Walking Tour @ Green-Wood Cemetery
Friday November 28th, 1-3pm
After you’ve devoured the turkey and stuffed yourself with pumpkin pie, escape from the house—especially if you need a break from your guests—and enjoy a walking tour of Green-Wood. Or if the whole family is still getting along, bring everyone! $30.
Wreath Workshop @ Old Stone House*
Saturday November 29th, 12pm & 2pm
Craft a winter wreath to adorn your home with guidance from the Old Stone House’s Director of Gardens, Sam Lewis. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring in ribbon or other special things to add to your creation. $60.54.
Park Slope Tree Lighting @ 5th Ave & 4th Street
Saturday November 29th, 4:30-5:30pm
This annual tree lighting, held on Small Business Saturday, will feature live music, photos with Santa, Mexican Hot Chocolate by Chela, and fun seasonal activities for the entire family! FREE.
Christmas Tree – Sip ‘N Sculpt Workshop (Two Part Workshop) @ The Painted Pot
Thursday December 4th & 11th, 6:30-9pm
Tis the season to create something special. Join The Painted Pot this holiday season to create a stoneware Christmas tree. This is a beginner friendly, two-part workshop. On the first day you will work to sculpt your tree, then the following week you will glaze your creation. All materials and complimentary wine are included. $65.
Photos with Santa @ Old Stone House*
Saturday December 6th, 10:30am
Park Slope Parents and Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID host this popular photo opp with Santa. Photographer Marc Goldberg will make his professional photos available on his website for purchase, and attendees are welcome to snap their own photos as well. $33.85.
8th Annual Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market @ Brooklyn Navy Yard
Saturday December 6th & Sunday December 7th, 12-5pm
Shop handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces, and rare fashion finds from local artisans and designers at the 8th edition of this holiday market at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Featuring 150+ vendors in art, design, beauty, personal care, unique gifts, and fashion—plus tasty eats! FREE.
Ornament Clay Hand-Building Workshop @ The Painted Pot
Saturday December 13th, 2-4pm
In this beginner-friendly, instructor-led workshop, you will sculpt and paint your very own ornament and explore creative techniques. $45.
GasworksNYC Holiday Pop Up & Auction/Raffle for Public Ceramics
Saturday December 13th-Sunday 14th, 12-6pm
Shop handmade ceramics by over 100 artists & members of our community! Students, members, and staff have been working hard in the studio to prepare, and they can’t wait for you to see all their beautiful creations. FREE.
Holiday Extravaganza 2025 @ Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Sunday, December 14th, 2-4 PM
BKCM’s brownstone transforms to celebrate the holiday season for this second annual Holiday Extravaganza, a multicultural, inclusive winter celebration. There will be music, warm drinks and seasonal fun of all kinds throughout the building and garden. $12 kids/$20 adults.
Love & Latkes @ Lab/Shul (Bed-Stuy)
Sunday December 14th, 4pm
This month, join Family Lab in lighting up the night for a wintery Hanukkah festival. This eve includes candle lighting, song, story, and a home-cooked dinner to celebrate the tastes, smells, and feels of Hanukkah. FamilyLab is open to those who identify as Jewish, Jew-ish, and everything in between. Whether it’s your first time lighting up a menorah or you are a dreidel gold coin champion, all are welcome! Up to 2 people: $50 per family/Up to 4 people: $70 per family.
Christmas Classic Ping Pong Tournament @ Farm.One
Friday December 19th, 6pm
Farm.One is hosting their second annual Christmas Classic Ping Pong Tournament! Hang at the farm and compete for prize money, but more importantly: bragging rights. Note: This is not for the faint of heart. This tournament is for non-professional players who dominate the rec room or community leagues! $20 (Includes 1 Free Beer).
Celebrate Kwanzaa @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum
December 26th-30th
NYC’s largest Kwanzaa festival returns for its 18th year—a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture. Join daily candle lightings, watch youth performances, and take part in dance, drumming, and art workshops inspired by Kwanzaa’s seven principles. Free with museum admission ($15).
New Year’s Eve Fireworks @ Prospect Park
Wednesday December 31st, 10pm
This 45-year tradition of celebrating the new year in Prospect Park will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist starting at 10 pm. Fireworks will begin at midnight to light up the skies above Brooklyn’s Backyard. FREE.
Abba Lang Syne- New Year’s Eve Celebration @ The Bell House
December 31st, 10:30pm
Ring in 2026 with everyone’s favorite ABBA cover band at this former warehouse space in Gowanus! Doors open at 9:30pm. $30.75.