Community Events

Month-long Events

VOLUNTEER: Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corp Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Friday, December 1-Sunday, December 31 | See Business Hours
Multiple Locations
Learn More

The AALDC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefits families and children living in homeless shelters during the holidays. For a list of participating merchants who will have a Holiday Toy Drive Box in their business, click here. Drop off a toy in person, donate funds, or purchase a toy directly from the AALDC’s wish list. Click here to learn more about the organizations this drive benefits.

VOLUNTEER: Little Essentials Toy and Book Drive

Friday, December 1-Sunday, December 31
Online
Learn More

Little Essentials, based out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is hosting a Toy and Book Drive to deliver 1,000 gifts to children in need. Start a drive for new toys and books at your school or office, get a gift from the wish list, or volunteer!

December 1 – 3

VOLUNTEER: Sure We Can: Volunteer Friday

Friday, December 1 | 1-3pm
219 McKibbin St, Brooklyn NY 11206

Come volunteer with Sure We Can! Get some hands on experience with the work of canners and learn more about our work while getting to know us & our community. For questions or concerns, email sage@surewecan.org.

Beyond Punishment: Stories of Justice and Healing

Friday, December 1 | 7pm
Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
RSVP Here

Sunday, December 3 | 4pm
Hi-Arts, 215 E 99th St, New York, NY 10029
RSVP Here

Beyond Punishment follows the lives of four remarkable individuals who grapple with the intersections and impacts of interpersonal and state violence. This production, performed by the storytellers themselves, gives insight into their lives, leadership, and healing journeys. Please note the 12/1 performance is at Weeksville Heritage Center and the 12/3 performance is at Hi-Arts.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 31
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11228
Learn More

Take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn to reach the Dyker Heights neighborhood. Walk around to see the famous Christmas Lights displays at 11th to 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Street.

VOLUNTEER: Prospect Park Alliance: Junior Volunteer Corps

Saturday, December 2 | 1-3pm (Multiple Shifts)
Willink #3 Tool Container (Park entrance at the corner of Flatbush Ave and Ocean Ave)
RSVP Here

Sunday, December 3 | 1-3pm (Multiple Shifts)
Prospect Park Bandshell, West Drive, Brooklyn, NYRSVP Here

Join the Prospect Park Alliance’s Junior Volunteer Corps to rake leaves and tackle litter. Learn the value of service and meet other families and children on this day of giving back.

Holiday Markets at the Brooklyn Museum

Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 | 11am-5:30pm
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, NY 11238
RSVP Here

Join the Brooklyn Museum in their sunny front atrium for their 2023 Holiday Markets featuring 40+ local artisans and makers showcasing handmade goods from jewelry to boutique and upcycled fashion, small batch spirits, beauty, health and wellness, candles, accessories, housewares, and more.

Brooklyn Book Bodega @ Wallabout Wonderland Holiday Market

Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 | 12-5pm
Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 293
Gee Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11205
RSVP Here

Stop by the family corner with fun and free activities for kids of all ages such as cookie decorating, holiday card making, Lego building and a balloon house by Brooklyn Bridge Parents. Free books for the family will be provided by Brooklyn Book Bodega.

Open Studios at UrbanGlass

Saturday, December 2 | 11am-3pm
UrbanGlass Studio, 647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
RSVP Here

Discover the many ways glass shapes the world around us with an afternoon of art making and exciting demonstrations in UrbanGlass’ 17,000 sq ft studios. Sign up for one or more of their free activities or try them all!

VOLUNTEER: Family Volunteering at Brooklyn Book Bodega

Sunday, December 3 | 10am-12pm
Brooklyn Navy Yard
141 Flushing Ave Suite 407
Brooklyn, NY 11205
RSVP Here

Be part of Brooklyn Book Bodega’s mission to increase the number of 100+ book homes by volunteering as a family at their Book Hub!

December 4 – 10

Toy Drive for Asylum Seekers (CHiPS & Camp Friendship)

Monday, December 4 – Monday, December 18
Mondays – Fridays, 9:30am-4pm
Learn more: Email carrollr@nyassembly.gov

Drop-off location 1: Assemblymember Robert Carroll’s District Office, 416 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Drop-off location 2: Compass Park Slope Office, 514 2nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Assemblymember Robert Carroll in partnership with the Scott Klein Team & Park Slope Parents invite you to spread the joy of this holiday season and donate a toy for children in Brooklyn! This year’s toy drive will benefit CHiPS for the asylum seekers who come to their soup kitchen and the toy drive at Camp Friendship. New, unwrapped toys only please.

Winter Supplies Drive For Queer Immigrants In Detention (Part 1)

Tuesday, December 5 – Thursday, December 7 | 12-5pm
QDEP Office: 308 W 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Learn More: Email aurelie@qdep.org

Queer Detainee Empowerment Project is collecting winter items for QDEP members currently in immigration detention and shelters. They are hoping to collect items including blankets, jackets, winter pants, scarves, boots, mittens, insulated coffee cups, and more. Drop off will take place Tuesday, December 5- 7th, and the following week Tuesday, December 12th – 14th, at QDEP’s office (directions here).

Briefing: Strengthening Democracy in New York

Wednesday, December 6 | 10-11am
Online
RSVP Here

Join the Advocacy Institute for a virtual funder briefing to learn about the obstacles and opportunities facing social justice organizations across the state, the overall political landscape in New York City and Albany in 2023 and 2024, and how the Advocacy Institute is poised to support legislative advocacy work going forward.

VOLUNTEER: Holiday Gift Wrapping Party 2023

Thursday, December 7 | 12-5pm
The BCS Main Office, 151 Lawrence Street, Floor 4, Brooklyn NY 11201
RSVP Here

Join Brooklyn Community Services for their annual gift wrapping party. There will be festive music, treats, and holiday cheer! All wrapped gifts will go directly to students and families enrolled in our programs across Brooklyn.

First Night Chanukah Concert at The Largest Menorah

Thursday, December 7 | 5pm
Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Learn More

Kick off Chanukah with the lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah at Grand Army Plaza, followed by a free concert! Each night of Chanukah (December 7 – 14) will be celebrated with live music, hot latkes and gifts for children. See the schedule of Menorah lighting times here.

Bush Terminal Park Wetland Restoration with The Billion Oyster Project

Friday, December 8 | 10am-12pm
Entrance on 1st Ave. & 50th Street (Bush Terminal Park)
RSVP Here

Volunteer with the Stewardship Team and the Billion Oyster Project to protect wetland areas in Bush Terminal Park! Volunteers will help remove vegetation in order to help restore the wetland and create a healthier ecosystem as well as get the chance to meet the animals that live in its water. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty. Face masks may be worn at your discretion.

Brooklyn Made Store: Weekend Holiday Popup

Friday, December 8-Sunday, December 10 | 11am-7pm
City Point BKLYN 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Learn More

Visit the Brooklyn Made Store holiday popup at City Point BKLYN throughout December and meet different local BIPOC makers and artists every day!

Youth and Family Great Hanukkah Sing-Along

Saturday, December 9 | 3-5pm
274 Garfield Place Brooklyn, NY 11215
Learn More

Congregation Beth Elohim’s Youth and Family Great Hanukkah Sing-Along returns for the third year running! From “Five Little Latkes” to “I Have A Little Dreidel,” join them in singing Hanukkah favorites. Singing will be followed by lighting the Hanukkah candles and observe Havdalah together and enjoy some sufganiyot.

A Playground of Light: A Sensory Sensitive Hanukkah Celebration

Saturday, December 9 | 3-5pm
Congregation Beth Elohim Rotunda (274 Garfield Place Brooklyn, NY 11215)
RSVP Here

Congregation Beth Elohim’s Playground of Light event is specifically for children with special needs, disabilities, and sensory sensitivities. The activities, and the space in which they’re held, will be thoughtfully designed with this population of children in mind, and all ages are welcome to join us as we explore light!

Holiday Pop-Up: Boerum Hill

Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December-10 | 11am-6pm
The Invisible Dog Art Center (51 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11201)
Learn More

Saturday, December 16-Sunday December 17 | 11am-6pm
The Invisible Dog Art Center (51 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11201)
Learn More

Come discover unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list at Boerum Hill’s Holiday Pop-Up at the Invisible Dog Art Center! Each holiday market will feature a rotating roster of over 50 of the region’s most talented makers, designers and artisanal food brands offering a highly curated selection of impeccably crafted jewelry, apparel, bath and body care, tableware, handmade food items, home furnishings and more.

December 11 – 17

Briefing: Democratizing Housing in Brooklyn

Monday, December 11 | 12-12:45pm
Online
Register Here

Brooklyn Org, in partnership with The New York Women’s Foundation and North Star Fund, is bringing you a briefing on democratizing housing in Brooklyn through community land trusts (CLTs). We’ll be highlighting the Pratt Center for Community Development’s recent research into CLTs, and the East New York Community Land Trust’s groundbreaking acquisition of 248 Arlington Ave into community control.

Webinar: Becoming Funder Ready

Tuesday, December 12 | 12-1pm
Zoom
RSVP Here

Having a worthy mission and interested supporters is only step #1 towards raising much-needed revenue. In this beginner-level workshop, you will learn the basic necessities of funder-readiness so you can easily respond to opportunities and avoid a reactionary cycle. Join consultant Amy Fiore, who specializes in fundraising planning, strategic planning, board development, and leadership training for nonprofits in the arts, education, and human services sectors.

A Holiday Cultural Experience

Tuesday, December 12 | 4pm – 7pm
Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225
RSVP Here

Join the Carey Gabay Foundation for an evening filled with joy, celebration, and cultural exploration. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where you can indulge in diverse traditions and delicious food, celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. There will be a visit from Santa for family photo opportunities.

Winter Supplies Drive For Queer Immigrants In Detention (Part 2)

Tuesday, December 12 – Thursday, December 14 | 12-5pm
QDEP Office: 308 W 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Learn More: Email aurelie@qdep.org

Queer Detainee Empowerment Project is collecting winter items for QDEP members currently in immigration detention and shelters. They are hoping to collect items including blankets, jackets, winter pants, scarves, boots, mittens, insulated coffee cups, and more. Drop off will take place at QDEP’s office (directions here).

Brooklyn Made Store: Weekend Holiday Popup

Friday, December 15-Sunday, December 17 | 11am-7pm
City Point BKLYN 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Learn More

Visit the Brooklyn Made Store holiday popup at City Point BKLYN throughout December and meet different local BIPOC makers and artists every day!

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Holiday Caroling

Saturday, December 16 | 2-3:30pm
58 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11217
RSVP Here

A beloved Brooklyn Conservatory tradition — holiday caroling! Join BKCM as they spread cheer throughout the neighborhood, culminating in a reception in their garden. All ages, voices, faiths welcome. This year they will be updating their lyric books to include new popular tunes and gospel traditional songs written for four-part harmony. 2pm warm up will be followed by 2:30-3:30pm caroling.

Weeksville Winter Market 2023

Saturday, December 16 | 10am – 7pm
Weeksville Heritage Center, 158 Buffalo Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Learn More

The Weeksville Winter Market will feature vendors, holiday-related programming, & entertainment to bring warm vibes and cheer to the community.

December 18 – 24

Brooklyn Made Store: Weekend Holiday Popup

Wednesday, December 20-Saturday, December 23 | 11am-7pm
City Point BKLYN 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Learn More

Visit the Brooklyn Made Store holiday popup at City Point BKLYN throughout December and meet different local BIPOC makers and artists every day!

Community Youth Service Focus Potluck and Discussion with Assembly Woman Phara Souffrant Forrest

Tuesday, December 19 | 6-7:30pm
Jackie Robinson School (46 McKeever Place, Brooklyn, NY 11225)
Learn More

Join this community conversation to discuss issues affecting young Brooklynites, such as education and safety, with Assembly Woman Phara Souffrant Forrest, the CB9 Youth & Education Committee, and youth development organizations. To contribute to the potluck, sign up here.

December 25 – 31

Marine Park Alliance Presents: Festival of Lights – Kwanzaa

Tuesday, December 26 | 4-5pm
Carmine Carro Community Center (3000 Fillmore Ave Brooklyn, NY 11234
RSVP Here

Join Marine Park Alliance for Kwanzaa, a New Year’s celebration of African community values.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Celebrate Kwanzaa

Tuesday, December 6 | 10am-5pm
145 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213
Learn More

Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa through interactive workshops, dynamic live performances, and engaging art projects that honor heritage, community, and culture. This year, Brooklyn Children’s Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with special activities and tributes that showcase its enduring impact.