It's December, the holidays have officially arrived, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Brooklyn. Below I've tried to give you at least one great event for nearly every day of the month.
Know of a can't-miss event that's not listed here? Email me!
- Monday, December 1
Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series at Barbés: Three-Year Anniversary Special
Tonight's screening will include a series of short films. Free.
7pm at Barbés, 376 9th Street
- Wednesday, December 3
Notes from Brooklyn: A Multi-Genre Musical Celebration
Proceeds from this multi-genre concert will benefit the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service. $20.
7pm to 9pm at Packer Collegiate Institute, 170 Joralemon Street
- Thursday, December 4
Six-Course Swamp Dinner at Monkey Town
Watch animations from Cartune Xprez while you feast on a delicious six-course swamp-themed dinner. $50. Cocktail and wine pairings are included.
7:30pm at Monkey Town, 58 North 3rd Street
(718) 384-1369
- Friday, December 5
Brooklyn Film & Arts Festival
This documentary series, entitled Observing Brooklyn; Encountering Change, takes a look at how Brooklyn has progressed both socially and physically throughout history.
6pm at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street
(718) 222-4111
- Saturday, December 6
First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum
Head to the Brooklyn Museum for a free night of culture, dance, music, movies, and more. This Saturday's event is titled "Love Your World."
5pm to 11pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
Eat Out for a Good Cause
Head to Park Slope's TEMPO Restaurant any Saturday in December, and 100% of the proceeds from your meal will be donated to the Modest Needs Foundation, an organization that helps low-income families. $42 for a 3-course dinner. Call to make reservations.
5pm to 11pm at TEMPO Restaurant, 265 Fifth Avenue
(718) 636-2020
- Sunday, December 7
Wonderful Winter Greens
Kids in need of some holiday spirit? Take them to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where today they'll be able to use nature's bounty to make fun winter crafts.
2pm to 4pm at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue
(718) 623-7200
- Monday, December 8
Monday Night Lecture: Brooklyn Bird Club
Learn about the birds of the salt marsh, and become part of Brooklyn's holiday bird count. Lecture is free.
7pm at the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park
(718) 421-2021
- Tuesday, December 9
Knife Skills at the Brooklyn Kitchen
Chef Brendan McDermott teaches you how to wield a cooking knife. $25.
6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Brooklyn Kitchen, 616 Lorimer Street
(718) 389-2982
- Wednesday, December 10
Because Of Winn-Dixie
This heartwarming film, recommended for grades 3 through 6, follows the story of ten-year-old Opal and a lovable stray dog. $6.
10:30am at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Thursday, December 11
A Brooklyn Nutcracker
A Brooklyn holiday favorite for ten years, this show's cast is almost completely made up of children. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Show runs through Sunday.
7pm at The Brooklyn Music School, 126 St. Felix Street
(718) 638-5660
- Friday, December 12
Free Fridays at the New York Aquarium
Every Friday from 3pm on, the New York Aquarium opens its doors to the public, free of charge. This pay-as-you-wish special only runs for a couple of hours, so if you want to see the museum's sea creatures in all their glory (imagine Duke the Sea Lion doing acrobats), arrive right at 3pm.
3pm to 5pm at the New York Aquarium, Surf Avenue & West 8th Street
- Saturday, December 13
Christmas in the Caribbean with the University Singers
This music program offers a look at Jamaican culture with traditional holiday music from the Caribbean. $25 to $45.
8pm at the Walt Whitman Theatre, 2900 Bedford Avenue
(718) 951-4500
- Sunday, December 14
Wild Holiday Party: Presents to the Animals
Animals like gifts, too, and on weekends in December, you and your little ones can watch pandas and baboons tear into wrapped presents at the Prospect Park Zoo.
Weekends in December at the Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
(718) 399-7339
- Tuesday, December 16
Composting in the City
Learn how to make your own compost, even if your garden is the size of a shoebox. The class is free, but pre-registration is required.
6pm to 8pm at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue
(718) 623-7200
- Thursday, December 18
NY Creates Holiday Craft Festival
Shop the fifth annual NY Creates Holiday Craft Festival, and you'll find unique handcrafted goods ranging from jewelry and artwork to kids' clothes and more. All artists are Brooklyn-based. Through December 23.
11am to 7pm at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street
(718) 222-4111
- Friday, December 19
The Nutcracker
Don't miss Brooklyn's rendition of this holiday ballet favorite. Also on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. $30.
7:30 pm at Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts, 430 Albee Square
(718) 852-8140
- Saturday, December 20
Black Brooklyn Culture Tour
Explore Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Flatbush, Prospect Heights, and Crown Heights on this guided bus tour of the borough. Stops at shopping destinations, restaurants, and more. $40.
10am; Meet at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street
- Sunday, December 21
A Hanukkah Tour of Borough Park
Celebrate the holidays with this walking tour of Borough Park. Explore Brooklyn's Hasidic community as you visit a matzo factory and local specialty stores. $38 for adults; $25 for kids. Reservations required.
1pm to 3:30pm; Reserve your tickets for exact tour meeting location.
(718) 339-2302
- Thursday, December 25
Merry Christmas!
Have a great Brooklyn holiday! If you're looking to brighten your day, head to Dyker Heights, where the holiday spirit (in the form of thousands of blinding Christmas lights) has been shining all month long.
- Friday, December 26
Handiwork at Lefferts Historic House
Let the kids experience life in Brooklyn, pre-electricity. Free "handiwork" activities at this historic house in Prospect Park include games, needlepoint, writing with quill & ink, and more. Through January 4.
1pm to 3pm at Lefferts Historic House, Children's Corner in Prospect Park
(718) 287-6215
