Christmas in Brooklyn 2026: Lights, Markets, Shows & More

Brooklyn’s holiday season is less about landmarks and more about neighborhoods: decorated homes, maker markets and cozy waterfront nights. Here’s everything for 2026.

Lights

• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
• Bay Ridge
• Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Nov 20 – Jan 3)

Tree and Menorah Lightings

• DUMBO tree lighting (Dec 3)
• Grand Army Plaza menorah (Dec 4–12)

Markets

Brooklyn holiday markets: Williamsburg Winter Village, Brooklyn Flea, Wallabout at the Navy Yard, FAD and Industry City.

Shows

• The Brooklyn Nutcracker (Dec 12–20)
• The Hard Nut at BAM and Puppetworks (see all Nutcrackers)

A Brooklyn Christmas Day Out

• Morning: walk the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan for skyline views.
• Late morning: explore DUMBO, Jane’s Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park; skate at Roebling Rink under the bridge.
• Afternoon: browse a holiday market in DUMBO or Williamsburg.
• Evening: Lightscape with an early timed entry.
• Later: Dyker Heights by car or subway.

Skating in Brooklyn

Brooklyn has some of the city’s best-value rinks: Roebling Rink, SKATE at Domino Park, LeFrak Center in Prospect Park and Abe Stark Rink in Coney Island.

Shows

The Brooklyn Nutcracker reimagines the classic with hip-hop and world dance, The Hard Nut at BAM is a cult favorite for adults, and Puppetworks delights toddlers.

Hanukkah and New Year’s

The giant menorah at Grand Army Plaza is lit nightly during Hanukkah (December 4–12, 2026), and the same plaza hosts the borough’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. On New Year’s Day, Coney Island hosts the Polar Bear Plunge.

Getting Around Brooklyn

The subway connects most destinations, but Dyker Heights and Coney Island are a long ride from DUMBO. For a lights-focused evening, consider a taxi between Lightscape and Dyker Heights.

Neighborhood Highlights

• DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights: the Manhattan Bridge archway tree, Jane’s Carousel, skyline views from the Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Brooklyn Flea holiday market.
• Williamsburg and Greenpoint: the Winter Village and maker markets, waterfront skating at Domino Park, and plenty of cozy bars and restaurants.
• Park Slope and Prospect Heights: brownstone streets dressed for the season, Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, Lightscape and Grand Army Plaza.
• Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights: the borough’s famous decorated homes, Italian bakeries and pizzerias.
• Sunset Park: Industry City’s holiday events and food hall.
• Coney Island: quiet in winter, but home to Abe Stark Rink and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge.

Where to Eat

Brooklyn’s food scene is a big part of the fun. Grab slices near Dyker Heights, Italian pastries in Bay Ridge, dinner along Vanderbilt Avenue before Lightscape, or the food halls at DeKalb Market and Industry City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Brooklyn at Christmas?

See the Dyker Heights lights, walk Lightscape, attend the DUMBO tree lighting and shop the Brooklyn holiday markets.

What is the best Christmas activity in Brooklyn?

Dyker Heights’ decorated homes are the most famous, and Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the top ticketed experience.

Where can I ice skate in Brooklyn?

Roebling Rink, SKATE at Domino Park, LeFrak Center in Prospect Park and Abe Stark Rink in Coney Island.