It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but based on the events happening across the borough this weekend, Brooklyn is ready for the holiday season.
Celebrate New York Bartender Week with creative cocktails made by Brooklyn bartenders, or buy a tree early from one of four Greg’s Trees Brooklyn locations. Indie music heads can catch LCD Soundsystem’s residency at the Knockdown Center or Modest Mouse’s anniversary show at Brooklyn Steel.
For a seasonal escape, don’t miss “Lightscape” at Brooklyn Botanic Garden or the Frost Fest at Luna Park, both offering seasonal experiences you’ll only have in Brooklyn. Or you can dive into unique outings like the Grand Assault of Arms at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church or a zine-making workshop at Studio 45—both on Sunday.
Brooklyn has something for everyone this weekend. Just not for the Grinches among us.
Friday, Nov. 22
Brooklyn Bars in New York Bartender Week
All weekend
Whether they’re serving drinks at a dive or an upscale spot, local bartenders deserve some love. With 180 local bars and 56 spirits brands participating, the inaugural New York Bartender Weekend honors bartenders, bar staff, and local brands. Throughout the festival, bars—including Brooklyn favorites like Clover Club, Grand Army Bar, Mexi, and Sunday in Brooklyn—will serve cocktails featuring New York State-made spirits.
Greg’s Trees
Open now through Dec. 22
This holiday season, step into a winter wonderland with Greg’s Trees, featuring stunning Christmas trees and festive decor. Visit Brooklyn locations like McCarren Park, Domino Park, American Playground, and Greenwood Park Beer Garden to enjoy hand-painted character cutouts, wreath-making stations, and a giant sleigh bringing the North Pole to NYC. With over 36 years of holiday cheer, Greg’s Trees offers not just beautiful decor, but a warm, nostalgic experience—and you might even spot Greg himself dressed as Santa.
LCD Soundsystem’s Knockdown Center residency
Nov. 21–24, Dec. 5–8, Dec. 12–15
This week, Brooklyn’s own LCD Soundsystem kicks off a three-weekend residency at the Knockdown Center for a series of shows. Come dance yrself clean. 52-19 Flushing Ave. Tickets start at $100.37.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s “Lightscape”
Open through Jan. 5
“Lightscape” is back. The event transforms the Brooklyn Botanic Garden into a dazzling winter wonderland, featuring illuminated sculptures, vibrant colors projected onto trees, festively decorated architecture and fountains, and more. This year, expect a beautiful blend of new and returning light displays that promise to enchant visitors of all ages. 150 Eastern Parkway. Ticket prices vary.
Second City New York’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays
Nov. 22 and 23, Nov. 29 and 30
The Second City New York brings holiday cheer with their new Mainstage show, “Wreck the Halls: The Second City New York’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays.” The show roasts everything from festive family gatherings and awkward office parties to overplayed holiday movies and Mariah Carey’s Christmas hits. 64 N 9th St. Tickets start at $39.
Ice skating returns to LeFrak Center
Open through April 20
It’s time to hit the ice. The rinks at the LeFrak Center are open again, with timed tickets available for advance purchase. Visit the rink at 171 East Dr., inside Prospect Park. Ticket prices vary based on age and skate time.
Shabbat Supper Club with Joan Nathan
6 p.m.
Join Joan Nathan at Gertie this Friday for a signing of her re-released book A Sweet Year, which features recipes for nine Jewish holidays. The family-style menu includes a relish tray with carrot dip and baba ghanouj, Genius Latkes, brisket, Break Furst Brownies, and Apple Cake Eden. Come for the signing; stay for the feast. 357 Grand Street. Tickets are $78.
UKG Legends Classic
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.
The Legends Classic returns to Barclays Center on Friday night, featuring top men’s college basketball teams: Syracuse, Texas, Texas Tech, and Saint Joseph’s. Don’t miss one of college basketball’s premier early-season tournaments. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets begin at $24.
Modest Mouse at Brooklyn Steel
Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m.
Twenty years ago, Modest Mouse released Good News for People Who Love Bad News, an album that’s still celebrated today. To mark the milestone, they’re playing three shows at Brooklyn Steel. Miss these and you just might wish the good times were killing you. 319 Frost St. Tickets are $167.66.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Frost Fest at Luna Park
Open through Jan. 1
Frost Fest at Luna Park returns for its second annual beachfront winter celebration at Coney Island. Enjoy ice skating, festive rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, seasonal shopping, and delicious holiday treats. 1000 Surf Ave.
Egyptomania at Green-Wood Trolley Tour
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Explore the Victorian fascination with ancient Egypt on this captivating trolley tour at Green-Wood Cemetery. Discover how the Egyptian afterlife and its mysterious symbols influenced 19th-century memorials, as you visit the graves of those whose lives were shaped by Egyptomania. This unique tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical connection between ancient Egypt and Victorian culture. 500 25th St. Tickets are $31.59.
The Phoenix’s Sober Dance Party
1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Phoenix, a national sober community with over 500,000 members, presents “N / A at Public Records,” a sober dance party featuring top NYC DJs. Highlights include Nicky Siano, Suzi Analogue, Hanzi, and Elia Einhorn. The event brings together hundreds from NYC’s sober community who share a love for music and wellness. 233 Butler St. Free.
‘Wicked’ Karaoke
7 p.m.
Join C’mon Everybody for live Piano Karaoke Night on Saturday. To celebrate Wicked coming to theaters, choose your favorite song from the musical or select a good girl/bad girl anthem from the karaoke catalog. It’s the perfect night to show off your vocal skills (or lack thereof). 325 Franklin Ave. Free.
Vinyl Nights with DJ Misbehaviour
7 p.m. to midnight
Head over to Ace Hotel Brooklyn for Vinyl Nights on Saturday night. A celebration of NYC’s dance, music, and club culture, the evening is hosted by Rebecca Lynn, with DJ Misbehaviour, who’s been rocking parties worldwide since 1989. 252 Schermerhorn St. Free.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Zine and Accordion Workshop
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join Studio 45 for a zine- and accordion-book-making workshop on Sunday. Create your own self-published zines and accordion-style books while learning layout, text-image pairing, and binding techniques. Connect with fellow creatives and explore DIY publishing in a fun, collaborative setting. 213 Troutman St. Tickets start at $23.18.
Jennifer Hudson’s The Gift of Love: An Intimate Tour
7 p.m.
On Oct. 18, Jennifer Hudson released her first holiday album, The Gift of Love, featuring a mix of classic and original songs. To celebrate, the EGOT winner will embark on The Gift of Love: An Intimate Tour, a special five-date mini-tour starting on Sunday at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn. 1027 Flatbush Ave. Tickets are $40.
Hot Gossip Comedy Show
7:30 p.m.
Local gossip maven Jonathan van Halem takes a break from his endless chatter to dive into audience-generated gossip and host a night of stand-up comedy at Union Hall. Sunday’s lineup includes Daniel Simonsen (Comedy Central), Dina Hashem (The Daily Show), Chandler Dean (Abolish Everything), and more. 702 Union St. Tickets are $18.98.
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