Have fun in Brooklyn this Christmas. You can see huge Christmas trees and one of the world's biggest menorah's being lit up. Catch a performance of a holiday classic (or a take off on same). Go shopping for gifts your loved ones won't see in the malls. And, relax in Brooklyn's less congested, more human-paced environment during this busy holiday season. Here are some nice events to consider this Christmas season.
1. The Nutcracker at BAM
What could be more wonderful than a performance of The Nutcracker? For several years now, the American Ballet Theater has staged its classic performance of this classic ballet at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Fort Greene. With music by Tchaikovsky and choreography by ABT's own Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, and performed with a live orchestra, this promises to be a memorable Christmas performance. Children (of all ages) will be thrilled by both sets and the costumes, both designed by the same geniuses who created The Lion King.
- Recommended age is at least 4 years old; everyone must have a ticket.
- The show runs from December 14—31, 2011, with limited matinee performances. Book in advance for the best seats.
- Prices run from $15 for partial view seats, up to $90.
2. Hanukah Menorah Lighting - The World's Almost Tallest Menorah
Talk about memorable. Come watch as a huge, 30-foot tall menorah is lit to mark the beginning of the holiday of Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights.” (The Manhattan menorah is only two feet taller.)Get there early and watch as the rabbi and a public official (sometimes it's the Mayor of New York, sometimes Brooklyn's Borough President) get in a cherry picker cab and go up, up, to the top of this huge menorah.
The festivities include hot potato pancakes, the traditional jelly donuts, and upbeat music. The event is organized by the Chabad organization, which undertakes the public lighting of menorahs in 551 cities in 28 countries across the globe. 6 P.M. Find out when and where to attend the public lighting of the menorah.
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
Dyker Heights has become a tourist destination one month a year, when local residents outdo one another in mounting over-the-top Christmas light decorations. The light displays spill over their homes, roofs, and gardens. Kids will be awed by the sheer amount of holiday decorations: brightly lit Rudolphs on the roof, Santas on the lawn, and entire homes ablaze with lights. It's not a wealthy or ostentatious neighborhood, but Dyker Heights, adjacent to Bensonhurst and for decades a bastion of Italian Americans, takes Christmas seriously.- You can drive, take a tour bus or walk. If you drive or take a bus, expect traffic jams. If you walk, it's a bit of a hike.
- For the best displays, go around dinner time, when the locals are home with their own kids, from about 5 P.M. when it gets dark.
- Thankfully, the lights do go off around bedtime, so it's a good idea to head to Bensonhurst intending to both see the lights, and then have dinner in a local restaurant, or grab a slice of pizza.
About Bus Tours of Brooklyn's Christmas Lights
Bus tour companies that run Brooklyn Christmas lights tours include Christmas Lights & Cannoli Tour, a $55, three-and-a-half hour tour that starts from Union Square in Manhattan at 7 P.M. The tour includes both Dyker Heights and some decorated homes in Bay Ridge, too. They promise to show guests a mechanical reindeer, glowing nativity scenes, 30-foot toy soldiers — and an audio-visual presentation including Christmas specials from TV's Golden Age.4. Holiday Markets
You can skip the big department stores, and shop locally in Brooklyn holiday markets. There's quite a variety. In Prospect Heights and Park Slope local merchants have a special weekend or evening promotion during which mom-and-pop stores offer customers free wine or cookies, discounts on merchandise, and special bargains. You can get fabulous imported Scandinavian goods at a two-weekend market in Bay Ridge. Or, explore a few different vintage markets; the best known is Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene. There are artists all over Brooklyn, and many sell their wares at Christmas markets throughout December. You can find affordable gifts that are not mass-produced, not made in China, and not likely to be something you'll ever see in a mall.5. Christmas for Kids in Brooklyn
Christmas is a magical time for kids. Take them to child friendly holiday fairs at Brooklyn schools, a sing-along or a low-key, fun Christmas show or puppet show right here in Brooklyn. Or, head to Prospect Park for a variety of free programs.6. The Amazing Brooklyn Race
This is a fun event. Part scavenger hunt, part obstacle course, you come equipped with a Metro card and a digital camera. Each team receives a series of clues — and the race is on! Your task is to follow the clues and collect photos of places the clues lead you, usually to spots such as Prospect Park, DUMBO, or Brooklyn Bridge Park.The fun starts at the Atlantic Terminal (convenient to all subway lines) and ends in a surprise destination. Registration is about $35 per person. If you missed it this year, make a note for next year: this is a memorable December event! It's open to adults, Brooklynites, visitors, children and even people who live in Manhattan.
