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The holiday season is upon us: Brooklyn holiday event round-up

November 24, 2015 Michelle DeSantos
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You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout — I’m telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town this holiday season in a BIG way! And it looks like he’s going to be a very busy man, so catch him at one of these events while you can.

With tree lightings and other spirited events lining up quicker than you can say mistletoe, there are plenty of Chanukah celebrations too!

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First up for merry-makers are free trolley rides courtesy of the Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District. The first round of these rides — designed to facilitate shopping for those customers headed to the strip — will be held from Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, with the trolley paying a return visit to the thoroughfare from Saturday, December 19 through Monday, December 21. Hours for the trolley, which will run between 35th and 64th Streets, will be 1-5 p.m.

That weekend, the Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District will host High 5 for the Holidays!, a family friendly holiday festival on Saturday, November 28 in support of the “Shop Local” movement. The BID will also host a tree-lighting ceremony at Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street from 6:30-9 p.m. with hot chocolate and bakery treats provided. All day festivities along the strip between 18th and Dean Streets start at 1 p.m. and will include live music, arts and crafts, giveaways, a light show from Positron, and a visit from Santa!

Then, the Owl’s Head Park Horticulture Group of the Shore Road Parks Conservancy will host its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 1, from 7- 8:30 p.m. Guests are to meet at the Parkhouse on 68th Street near the entrance between Bliss Terrace and Narrows Avenue. There will be a DJ on hand, and the Guild for Exceptional Children’s chorus will perform holiday favorites. Free hot cocoa will be provided by Bay Ridge Manor, and both Owl’s Head Park’s very own Owl and Santa will be in attendance!

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos

Jolly Old Saint Nick will be back in Bay Ridge the next day, Wednesday, December 2, as the Shore Road Park Conservancy holds its annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. in the park at Shore Road and 90th Street, before heading over to McKinley Park, at Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway the following evening, Thursday, December 3, this time for a tree lighting sponsored by State Senator Marty Golden. This event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will include hot chocolate, caroling, some face time with Santa and gifts for the kids. Toys for Tots donations will be accepted at the event.

Also on Thursday, December 3, the Sunset Park Fifth Avenue BID will hold its annual tree-lighting, including entertainment and free pictures with Santa, in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 60th Street and Fifth Avenue. The photo session lasts from 3-5 p.m., with the tree lighting and entertainment between 4-6 p.m.

Then, on Friday, December 4, from 4-9 p.m. Fort Hamilton Army Base, 101st Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway will host its Tree lighting Spectacular & Holiday Market. The tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. The free event will include vendors, food, family friendly activities, a carousel, and Santa with his Sleigh. You must register at hamiltonmwr.com.

Also on Friday, December 4, the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation will welcome revelers to Atlantic Avenue between Hicks Street and Fourth Avenue. First stop is the Tree Lighting and Party from 6-8 p.m. at the Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Avenue. The festivities will include performances by local schools P.S. 38 and 261 and cultural organizations. Special guest Santa will stop in and tasty treats will follow. Guests are asked to bring a new toy or book for the group’s toy drive.

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos

On Saturday, December 5, Our Lady of Grace, 430 Avenue W, will host its tree lighting ceremony following 5 p.m. mass. There will be visits from Olaf and Queen Elsa (from “Frozen”) and Santa will give out gifts to the kids. In addition, there will be a laser light show and musical performances and hot beverages and snacks will be provided. Individual family trees and the rectory tree will be lit.

On Sunday, December 6, the Kings Bay Y will host its Annual Chanukah Extravaganza from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The festivities will take place in the main building at 3495 Nostrand Avenue. From 12:30-2p.m. there will be rides, a symbolic Menorah lighting ceremony and dancing in the gym.

Also on Sunday, December 6, the Kings Bay Y at North Williamsburg will host a family friendly community event to mark Chanukah’s festival of lights from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Y is located at 14 Hope Street.There will be music, arts, crafts, face-painting, and more. Food and refreshments will be available, as well as music provided by the Jewish Community Music School. To RSVP call 718-407-6388.

In addition, that night, Grand Army Plaza will host a celebration of the first night of Chanukah at 6 p.m. including the lighting of the world’s largest menorah. Live music, hot latkes and gifts for children will be provided. And, remember, Chanukah continues for eight nights. For a full schedule of every lighting visit, http://www.nycgovparks.org/ or call 646-298-9909.

That same day, Kings County Democratic Chair Frank Seddio will continue a beloved holiday tradition in Canarsie, with a festive kickoff for the borough’s most elaborate holiday lights display with over 500,000 lights, and moving figures galore. The event takes place at East 93rd Street and Flatlands Avenue on Sunday, December 6th at 5 p.m. The display remains up until New Year’s, so if you miss the event, you have plenty of time to take in the eye-catching exhibition.

In addition, the Fort Greene Park Conservancy will be partnering with the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project for the park’s second annual holiday tree lighting on Sunday, December 6 from 5-6 p.m. The tree will be lit at 5:45 p.m. The free event will take place at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park and will include live holiday music, caroling and a visit from Santa! Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Guests are asked to bring gifts to support the toy drive the group is sponsoring.

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photos

The Chanukah festivities continue at Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, on Monday, December 7, with a celebration beginning at 5 p.m. For more info, call 718-802-2328.

A few days later, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, 8515 Ridge Boulevard, will host its Inaugural Holiday Tree Lighting & Annual Special Trees for Special Needs Holiday Tree Drive on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. There will be hot chocolate and holiday cookies for all who join in the festivities, along with entertainment from Adelphi’s student chorus and faculty band. The trees will be lit every evening until January 8, 2016. Those who are interested in sponsoring a tree should go to adelphinyc.org or call 718-238-3308.

The following evening, Thursday, December 10, there will be a tree-lighting at Lady Moody Square, Van Sicklen Street and Avenue U, sponsored by Golden, who also has a third tree-lighting on tap scheduled for the Hendrick I. Lott House at 1940 East 36th Street in Marine Park on Friday, December 11. The festivities at both locations will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will includehot chocolate, caroling, a visit from Santa and gifts for the kids. As with the McKinley Park event, Toys for Tots donations will be accepted.

Then, on Saturday, December 12, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Bid will host a tree lighting at 4 p.m. at Bay Ridge Parkway and Fifth Avenue. There will be music, local school chorus singers, and a DJ. There will also be free trolley rides along the strip with Santa and his Elf from 12-4 p.m. The trolley rides will return on Saturday, December 19 as well.

Finally, on Wednesday, December 16, the scene shifts back to Borough Hall, where Borough President Eric Adams will host his annual tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. For more info, call 718-802-2328.


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