What They’re Saying: live arts in Brooklyn this week, Dec. 24
A Complete Unknown, Babygirl & Nosferatu @ Alamo Drafthouse and other cinemas
Film, New Releases, Food
City Point BKLYN, 445 Albee Square W, 4th Floor, Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, Dec. 25, Multiple Showtimes
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This Christmas, three highly-anticipated films are releasing to theaters, in an event that many cinephiles and online users are dubbing “A Complete Baby-ratu.” The Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, the Nicole Kidman romantic thriller and the Robert Eggers vampire remake are all vying for special holiday attention.
Instead of having to choose, some are treating the day as if it’s the second coming of “Barbenheimer,” planning to hit two or maybe even all three on Christmas Day. At Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Brooklyn, there’s still plenty of tickets available. While you’re there, you can enjoy exquisite cocktails and award-winning cuisine during the screening.
“Babyratu’s clunky name loses it a few points, as does Babygirl‘s lack of blockbuster energy, but intimate and unnerving power dynamics are the name of the game for both Babygirl and Nosferatu; it just so happens that one has a CEO Nicole Kidman romancing a handsome young intern, and one has a legendary vampire Bill Skarsgård obsessing over a haunted young woman.” — Charlotte Simmons, We Got This Covered
“The recently-renovated Alamo Drafthouse theater in Downtown Brooklyn was renamed as the Spike Lee Cinema in a ceremony held on Thursday night. Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League presented the filmmaker with the honor in the cinema’s lobby, sharing why Lee was the perfect person to represent the movie theater chain’s location in the borough. ‘Since the dawn of film — since the workers left the factory in France and [made the] very first film — no human being has celebrated this beloved borough more than this gentleman,’ said League.” — Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter
Grand Army Plaza Menorah Lighting
Holidays, Community
Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park
Wednesday, Dec. 25 to Wednesday, Jan. 1 @ Varying Times
Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah has been a unique holiday tradition since 1985, drawing crowds from all backgrounds to Grand Army Plaza during Hanukkah. Each evening, thousands gather to enjoy live music, festive celebrations, and plenty of latkes.
Rabbi Shimon Hecht, joined by community leaders and special guests, uses a 60-foot boom lift to ceremonially light the menorah, making it a must-see event. This year, the first night of Hanukkah (which changes every year according to the Jewish calendar), coincides with Christmas Day! This event continues throughout the entirety of the eight-night holiday.
“Those in Brooklyn can also enjoy the borough’s largest menorah, which will be set up in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, right outside Prospect Park. In true Brooklyn style, this menorah lighting opens with an official Hanukkah kickoff concert at 4pm on Wednesday, followed by a lighting ceremony. Free latkes will be on offer, as will gifts for children, every night of the holiday.” — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Time Out
“Grand Army Plaza comprises the northern corner and the main entrance of Prospect Park in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City, and consists of concentric oval rings arranged as streets, with the outer ring being the namesake Plaza Street. The Plaza is also the site of the second-largest open air Greenmarket in New York City. Every Saturday, you’ll find over 600 varieties of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, dairy products, and more. TasteNY attraction.” — ILoveNY.com
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Celebrate Kwanzaa @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Holidays, Community, Kids
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave, Crown Heights
Saturday, Dec. 28 @ 10 a.m.
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For its 17th year, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum teams up with the Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation to host Celebrate Kwanzaa, the largest family Kwanzaa event in New York City. Running from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30, the celebration highlights the Nguzo Saba — Kwanzaa’s seven guiding principles — through an exciting mix of performances, workshops and art activities.
Guests can join daily candle lighting ceremonies, enjoy captivating shows by Kudo NYC and FIYAA and participate in hands-on dance, drumming and graffiti workshops at the museum’s ColorLab studio. This year’s theme, “Our Children Enlighten the Community,” places young talent at the center, showcasing performances by inspiring youth artists.
“Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, BCM prides itself on being New York City’s most significant cultural institution, designed especially for families. Proudly based in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, BCM said it serves 300,000 children and caregivers annually with exhibits and programs grounded in visual arts, music and performance, natural science, and world cultures.” — Nelson A. King, Caribbean Life
“Kwanzaa has become a nationally recognized celebration of African culture and community in the United States since its founding in 1966 and also is celebrated in countries with large African descendant populations. The holiday, which serves as a nationwide communal event reinforcing self-determination and unity in the face of oppression, spans seven days from the day after Christmas through New Year’s Day.” — PBS News
Flop House Favorites Stand-Up Comedy
Comedy, Stand-Up
362 Grand St., Williamsburg
Saturday, Dec. 28 @ 8 p.m.
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Laugh your way into the evening with Flop House Favorites, a must-see comedy event featuring a lineup of comedians from Netflix, HBO and more. Flop House Comedy, founded by comedy brothers Nicholas and Nathan Hopping, promises side-splitting humor and unforgettable moments.
The group has showcased numerous up-and-comers, including new Saturday Night Live cast member Emil Wakim. Crowd favorites like Dan Licata and Che Durena have also performed at Flop House events. The group advertises an “opportunity to see some of the best comedians in the business.”
“Launched in the heart of Williamsburg last month, the newest comedy club in New York’s already robust scene has arrived in the form of Flop House Comedy, a cozy venue with a distinctly Brooklyn-forward feel. Flop House boasts a small stage and an intimate seating area that makes it feel as though you’re in a family member’s living room, if your family members were funny.” — Ian Kumamoto, Time Out
“Great comedy club that is close to several nice restaurants and bars! The staff are very nice here! I like that there is no food and beverage minimum. Limited drinks available. Also, there are games in the waiting area. Definitely a wonderful comedy club to visit! Pro tip: sit on one of the chairs with cushioning (there’s a variety of chairs) since the show is over an hour.” — Nitika G., Yelp
Winter Recess in Prospect Park
Kids, Nature, Exercise, Education
Audubon Center, Prospect Park
Thursday, Dec. 26 to Tuesday, Dec. 31
Spend your winter break exploring nature at Prospect Park with family-friendly programs hosted by Prospect Park Alliance from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31. Discover the park’s wildlife and habitats with hands-on activities like water quality testing and examining pond samples, or join a naturalist to learn about the Audubon Center’s resident animals.
For bird enthusiasts, a guided Family Nature Walk offers the chance to spot various species with binoculars provided. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the season and connect with the park’s natural wonders! Activities begin at 12 p.m. and run until 4 p.m.
“Family fun abounds in the city year-round, and the winter season is no exception. Find the perfect balance with an itinerary that combines outdoor and indoor excursions. Start with a visit to a (hopefully snowy) park like Central Park or Prospect Park, or take a spin around one of NYC’s scenic outdoor ice skating rinks.” — Rosalind Muggaridge, Mommy Poppins
“Designed by Central Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Prospect Park is a massive playground in the center of Brooklyn. Residents and visitors can play softball, explore the Prospect Park Zoo, go horseback riding, stroll through the breathtaking Long Meadow, treat their four-legged friends to a dip at Dog Beach and ice-skate at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.” — NYCTourism.com
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