Find out about some special Santa appearances in Brooklyn. Many are set up so you can take a photo of your child with Santa. And of course, your kid can whisper his or her sweet wishes for holiday presents in Santa's ear. But that's not all. Most of these events also have other attractions: arts and crafts, or free food. The events vary by neighborhood. In Greenpoint, you can march in a Santa parade. In Park Slope, adults can have some drinks and then go caroling, led by a musical Santa. And then of course, there's the popular event known as Santacon. Santa comes to Brooklyn...find out more!
1. Weekends Atlantic Terminal Mall (near Barclays Center)
Courtesy of Rickys.
2. Weekends: Kings Plaza Mall (Flatbush)
Photo op! From before Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, you can go to Kings Plaza Mall to the second level to have a little chit chat and a photo with Santa. He's there, grinning, looking mellow and making promises to kids all day from Monday to Saturday from 11 AM until 9 PM, with a few little breaks (he's off from 1:30 -2:30 PM and 5:30 -6:30 PM). On weekends he's there from noon until 7 PM, with a break fro 3 to 4 PM. Go early to avoid the lines! Located on level 2, near Guess.3. Past Event: Pancake Breakfast with Santa (Brooklyn Heights)
Santa's so hungry when he gets to the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Heights that he has to have breakfast twice, the first one at 9:30 and the next at 10:30 in the morning. Bring the kids and enjoy a hearty breakfast and watch for Santa's entrance! In 2012, it's on Sat Dec. 15.4. Past Event: Meet N' Greet with Santa & Puppets (Park Slope)
In 2012, the nonprofit Puppetry Arts, which does wonderfully fun and educational work through puppetry, is hosting a free Meet N' Greet with Santa Clause and puppet characters at the 7 Eleven at 5th Ave and 13th Street in Park Slope on Sunday December 16th, 11 AM-2 PM. You can:- meet and snap photos with Santa
- spend time with fuzzy characters Grizzel, Vierde, and Tuffy Tiger from the family musical FuzzBuckets
- enjoy free hot chocolate and holiday prizes.
The event is free but guests are asked to bring a donation of loose change, and if you wish, also unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots collection (the 7 Eleven is a Toys for Tots drop-off site.)
5. Past Event: Thousands of Santas on "Santacon" Day
One day every December, thousands of New Yorkers don a costume that looks Santa-esque (though some might be Santa-burlesque, too), and participate in the phenomenon known as Santacon. This year, it's on December 15th. Don't be surprised if you see lots of people in their twenties and thirties racing aroud Brooklyn pretending they're Santa too! (Learn more).6. Past Event:Dec. 15 & 16: Brooklyn Lyceum
Photos with Santa all weekend!7. Past Event: Santa Goes "Guerilla Caroling" at Union Hall (Park Slope)
For adults only: Have a silly, nostalgic Sing-Along of holiday hit music videos by such artists as David Bowie and Bing Crosby, and about a dozen more. After the show and some drinks, join a friendly crowd for "guerrilla caroling" as Santa leads folks to nearby restaurants and bars for a hipster version of an old-fashioned tradition. Adults can have their pictures taken with Santa, get free milk'n'cookies and participate in a Santa costume contest. Festivities on Thurs. Dec. 20, starting at 10 PM. Significant alcohol is involved; 21 and older only.8. Holiday Fairs
Santa often makes an appearance at Brooklyn's holiday crafts fairs. (Surprising, huh?) Call ahead to your favorite venue if you want to make double sure.For instance, the Zion German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Heights: Shop at pop-up boutiques for gifts made by local artists-and-crafters, and also bring the kids for a quick visit with Santa. This Brooklyn Heights classic event takes place at Zion German Evangelical Lutheran Church, 125 Henry St. starting at 11 AM. Free admission.
