Holiday lights in Brooklyn 2013: A roundup of festive events across the borough

Christmas tree and menorah lightings, caroling and holiday parties

December 1, 2013 Compiled by Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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The holiday spirit is alive and well in Brooklyn as the borough celebrates Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa with tree lightings, holiday sings, menorah lightings, toy drives and other events. Want to share the holiday cheer? Here’s a list of some memorable happenings (in order of date). Check back for updates.

Christmas Tree Lighting at MetroTech: On Monday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place in front of 2 MetroTech Center and feature a special appearance from Santa and the Brooklyn Nets, carols with Brooklyn Tech High School, and hot chocolate and cookies courtesy of Luciano’s.

Bay Ridge Tree Lighting: Also on December 2, at 7 p.m., the 13th Avenue Merchants Association will hold its annual tree lighting at Bay Ridge Parkway and 13th Avenue.

Downtown Brooklyn’s Giant Menorah Lighting: Chabad of Brooklyn Heights lights up a giant Menorah at 117 Remsen St, outside the Supreme Court, on Monday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m.

Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting: The annual tree lighting takes place on Tuesday, December 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Belarusan Church at the corner of 401 Atlantic Avenue and Bond Street. Sponsored by the Atlantic Avenue Development Corporation, enjoy treats and tunes courtesy of Rolie Polie Guacamole and local public school students.

DUMBO Life-Sized Ice Menorah Lighting: Chabad of DUMBO is installing a menorah in the Pearl Street Triangle on Tuesday, December 3 and is hosting two parties as well. On December 3 Chabad presents a Fire And Ice: A Kids Chanukah Party, a superhero-themed arts and crafts party where you can watch Menorah ice carving, a Menorah lighting, and dreidal spinning. (More at: http://dumbo.is/blog_posts/chabad-of-dumbo-celebrates-chanukah-dec-3-4)

DUMBO My Light Chanukah Party: On Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m., Chabad is throwing an art party for the grownups at 205 Plymouth Street. (More at: http://dumbo.is/blog_posts/chabad-of-dumbo-celebrates-chanukah-dec-3-4)

Sunset Park Holiday Tree Lighting: The tree is already lit at OLPH on 60th and 5th Avenue, but another Sunset Park lighting takes place on Saturday, December 7 in the middle of Sunset Park. The festivities begin 4:15 p.m.

Brooklyn Borough Hall Christmas Tree Lighting: Santa will drop by to help light up Brooklyn’s Borough Hall for the holidays on December 10, Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Borough Hall Plaza. Time not yet announced.

DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting and Firepit: Gather in DUMBO on Thursday, December 12 from 6 – 7 p.m. in the Pearl Street Triangle for a festive tree lighting. The event includes hot chocolate from Jacques Torres, a Boothify photobooth, holiday tunes from steel drum band Jah Pan, and a visit from Santa. Nice touch: a high-tech fire pit, courtesy of BioLite.

Carroll Gardens Holiday Tree Lighting: The Court Street Merchants Association sponsor the annual tree lighting on Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m. Gather at Court Street near the Valentino Ball Field in Carroll Park. Party at the park house to follow. Bring a can of food for holiday food drive.

Breakfast with Santa at First Presbyterian Church: Saturday, December 14 — two seatings — 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast, Christmas music, crafts and a picture with Santa; 124 Henry Street (at Clark Street), Brooklyn Heights. Tickets are $10 per person or $40 per family. Seats are limited. Call 718.624.3770 for reservations.

Christmas Tree Party at The Old Stone House, Park Slope: At 6 p.m. on a date not yet announced, Santa will drop in to watch the tree light up, and Brooklyn family band Rolie Polie Guacamole will play some tunes with help from the Middle School 51 chorus. Event includes hot chocolate and other goodies. Park Slope Old Stone House, 336 Third Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues.

Free Trolley Rides in Sunset Park: The Sunset Park BID will be offering free trolley rides along Fifth Avenue, from 38th to 64th Streets making all B63 stops. The dates are Sunday December 1, Saturday December 21, Sunday December 22, and Monday December 23, beginning each date at 1 p.m. Santa Claus will be the special guest on-board.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade Tree Lighting: Promenade and Montague Street: The Brooklyn Heights Garden Club will hold their 63rd annual tree on Wednesday, December 18 at 5:30 p.m. The Grace & Spiritus Chorale of Brooklyn will raise their voices, and will lead caroling down Montague Street after the lighting.

Boerum Hill Neighborhood Caroling: Sunday, December 22nd at 7 p.m. Carolers sing outside of the homes of people who are new to the neighborhood, older residents, people who have a new baby or those who have suffered a loss. Meet at 155 Dean Street (corner of Hoyt Street) on the steps of the Hopkins Center. Song sheets, Santa Hats, jingle bells are provided. No singing experience is necessary. Children are definitely invited. Bring a flash light and /or a musical instrument if you like.

Kwanzaa at Brooklyn Children’s Museum: The holiday traditions of Kwanzaa are celebrated at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum starting on Saturday, December 28, at 1 p.m. See www.brooklynkids.org for more.