Sample Sale! Caroling on 5th Ave Saturday! 'Jingle Bell Swing' Sunday! ‘Elf’ & 2 Dylan Movies! Christmas w/The Smiths! Liza Treyger! A New Comic Store!
Plus: Holiday Spooktacular! Holiday Parties! The Nutcracker!
Thank you for helping us build better coverage of Park Slope. (This time next year, we aim to have a reporting on how the Toy Drives are trending toward their goals.) As always, links to sources are in (parentheses) after each event. Follow our IG for updates as events change.
Book Now
We have a habit of knowing what sells out.
🍿’It’s A Wonderful Life’ @ Nitehawk on 12/23: “Based on the short story The Greatest Gift, Frank Capra’s annual holiday classic has a somewhat bleak undertone that morphs into a celebration of being alive during the most wonderful time of the year. After businessman George Bailey wishes that he’s never been born, an angel is sent down to Earth to make George’s wish come true. It’s only until then that George can realize how many lives he’s changed and impacted and how different the world would be if he had never been there.” (8:45 PM, Nitehawk)
🤣Motherf*cker By Jena Friedman (Work In Progress) on 12/28: “Motherf*cker a new show by Jena Friedman.”[Ed: note: the earlier show has already sold out.] (5:00 PM, Union Hall, $22.07)
🤪‘600 Minutes with Rory Scovel’ on 1/12, 1/14 and 1/15: “Scovel will be performing 10 improvised standup shows in 10 nights for a total of 600 minutes. Come for the laughs but stay for the chance to see him lose his mind.” [The first handful of these shows have also already sold out.] (Union Hall, $34.93)
Get Involved: Buy a Present for a Kid
There’s definitely a dropoff spot that’s just a walk away in the neighborhood!
Donate to Camp Friendship’s Toy Drive By Saturday: Bring new unwrapped gifts with a suggested value of $15-$30 for a kid from 0 to 18 years old at any of these locations:
Assembly Member Robert Carroll, 416 7th Ave
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, 341 Smith St
Old Stone House, 5th Ave & 3rd St
Little Things Toy Store, 159 7th Ave
YMCA Prospect Park, 357 9th St
YMCA Park Slope Armory, 361 15th St
Roots Cafe, 639 5th Ave
Cinnabon/Carvel, 48 5th Ave
Sandy Jacks, 683 5th Ave
Brooklyn Blends, 235 5th Avenue
South Slope Pediatrics, 501 5th Avenue
Slope Vintage, 71 5th Avenue
Or make a cash donation here. (Camp Friendship)
Donate to Park Slope Civic Council’s Toy Drive by Sunday: “Drop off new, unwrapped toys and books for ages infant - 12 years at:
Little Things Toy Store, 159 7th Avenue;
The 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue;
Upkeep Medspa, 480 5th Avenue;
Starbucks, 166 7th Avenue;
Community Book Store, 143 7th Avenue;
Tarzian Hardware, 193 7th Avenue;
Prudential at Industry City,
33 35th Street, Suite A 410, Brooklyn
Toys will benefit children residing in local shelters and NYCHA housing.” You can also donate cash here. (Park Slope Civic Council Holiday Innitiatives)
News and Links
🚫💥Prospect Park to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a ‘Spectacular Light Display,’ Rather than Fireworks, as Drought Continues: “Fireworks are out, due to drought conditions in New York City, and a drone show is in. The festive show will light up the sky above Brooklyn’s Backyard, celebrating New York City with images of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and more.” (The Brooklyn Paper)
🎅🏻Park Slope Holiday Tradition: Listening to ‘Mr. Lime's Christmas Fan Club.’ A holiday folks song just for the bodega by the 7th Avenue F train. (YouTube)
📗New Comic Book Store Coming to 7th Ave: “Slope Comic & Collectibles… between Garfield and Carroll, in the space last occupied by Jackrabbit Sports. Comic-themed paper went up in the windows several days ago, and construction is underway inside.” (Here’s Park Slope IG)
If The Park Slope Walk helps keep you informed, consider supporting us to giving a gift subscription to a loved one so they can help support us.
Events
Events with a 🔥 emoji are going fast, classes have a 🎓 emoji, and holiday events have a 🎄 emoji. [Ed note: After increasing fees on tickets in October, The Bell House (now owned by Ticketmaster) has stopped posting descriptions of their events. Here’s hoping it’s a temporary change as part of the Bell House’s site redesign.]
Thursday, 12/19
🏷Sample Sale & Factory Tour Event: “Stop by Tailored Industry to tour a luxury 3D Knitting factory and enjoy 40% off made-to-order items and samples. Women’s, Men’s, Kids, Pets products available. Everything from cashmere sweaters to swimwear.”(12:00 PM, Industry City)
🔥🎄Freelancers Non-Office Holiday Party (In-Person): “No office? No problem! Join our festive Non-Office Holiday party for freelancers & friends!”(4:00 PM, Industry City)
⛸️IC Ice Rink: $10 Thursdays: “The IC Ice Rink returns this year and welcomes everyone for an iconic winter experience. The rink is uncovered and outside, so dress appropriately for an enjoyable and comfortable skate. All tickets are available for single entry at any time on the day of your choice and will grant you access to the rink for one hour.”(4:00 PM, Industry City)
🔥🎄🤣A Gay Show For All People Holiday Spooktacular: “A night of devilishly queer holiday fun with Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp.” (8:00 PM, The Bell House, $30.75)
🎄An Entirely From Memory Christmas: “Performers will attempt (and most likely fail) to recreate “A Christmas Carol” and “Home Alone”, without the aid of scripts, rehearsals, or sobriety. All they will have will be their memory, a recent viewing of the films, and a lot of wigs. How certain are we that they’ll succeed?”(8:00 PM, Littlefield)
🍿Christopher Nolan’s ’Insomnia’ @ Nitehawk: “From acclaimed director Nolan comes the story of a veteran police detective (Al Pacino) who is sent to a small Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. Forced into a psychological game of cat-and-mouse by the primary suspect (Robin Williams), events escalate and the detective finds his own stability dangerously threatened.”(9:15 PM, Nitehawk)
Friday, 12/20
🗃Short Story Discussion Group: “Please join us on Friday, December 20, from 1-2:30 pm in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room (214) to participate in the Short Story Discussion Group. Copy of the selected story is available at the Languages and Literature reference desk.”(1:00 PM, Central Library)
🎄The Hard Nut: “Unquestionably a classic in its own right, the Mark Morris Dance Group's boisterous reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker—a sly retro-modern treatment based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's original story and the comic book art of Charles Burns—comes home to BAM for the holidays. A cascade of wit and wintry beauty featuring Morris’ lyrical modern dance choreography, this lavish, gender-bent love letter to a canonical ballet transplants the story from the strait-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a “Waltz of the Snowflakes” like no other. Tchaikovsky’s complete score, performed live by the MMDG Music Ensemble, drives this colorful retelling, which playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition.”(2:00 PM, BAM, $45)
🗃DIY Fridays: Zines! @ Central Library “Join us to draw, craft, write, and more! On December 20, we'll be making zines. A zine can be a way to express an idea, showcase your writing or art, explore a topic, visualize your 2025, or make a personalized gift - the choice is yours!”(4:00 PM, Central Library)
⛸️IC Ice Rink Fridays Theme: Holiday Music. “Friday nights at the IC Ice Rink feature lively music and exciting themes,”(4:00 PM, Industry City)
🎨Closing Day Of The 20th Annual Small Works Show: “440 Gallery’s celebrated Show proves that the most valued work in a prized collection may very well be the smallest. Creativity and innovation vie for space in this exhibition with artworks measuring no more than 12 inches in all dimensions.”(4:00 PM, 440 Gallery)
🎄A Gay Show For All People Holiday Spooktacular: See Thursday listing. (7:00 PM, The Bell House)
🎄The Hard Nut: See Thursday listing. (7:30 PM, BAM, $45)
🔥🎄🤣A Gay Show For All People Holiday Spooktacular: See Thursday listing. (8:00 PM, The Bell House, $30.75)
🤣Josh & Aaron Do Improv (Feat. Jo Firestone): “Aaron Jackson (Sandino) and Josh Sharp (Women & Men) shamefully return to their improv roots for a 45-minute set.” (10:00 PM, The Bell House)
🔥🤣Richard Perez: For One Night Okay: “Join Richard for just one night only as he workshops new material with the crowd (you?). There will probably be music, sexual themes, profanity, sound, lights, art, movement, intellectual experiences, and MORE.”(10:00 PM, Union Hall, $18.98)
🗣Karaoke Tremendous: “Jay Miller (of Midevenings/Impractical Jokers) is out to spread love and kick down the walls of your private room karaoke! KTis like the karaoke you know, just turned up to 11. Put it this way, if your favorite dance party had a baby with a karaoke machine, that baby would be KT. You sing good? That's great! You don't? That's fine. Just bring the enthusiasm and we'll give you the fun!!Photo: Elann Danziger”(11:59 PM, Union Hall, Free)
Saturday, 12/21
🛒Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: “This community destination brings together a mix of shoppers from the nearby neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and beyond. Runners, dog-walkers, families, and food lovers all converge to buy from the huge array of farm fresh products, and to participate in the programming and cooking demonstrations that take place every Saturday all year long.” (8:00 AM, Grand Army Plaza)
🛒Washington Park Greenmarket: “20 years old this year!” (9:00 AM, Washington Park)
🐦🌳Introduction To Birdwatching Outings: “Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory outing is for you! Every Saturday, join Prospect Park Alliance and a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons.”(10:00 AM, Audubon Center, Free)
🗃Street Photography: “Dive into the dynamic world of street photography in this engaging class designed for photographers of all skill levels, whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone. Taught by a seasoned street photographer, this class offers a blend of historical insight and practical skills. You’ll explore the works of both iconic and lesser-known street photographers to enhance your visual literacy and inspire your creative vision. The goal is to train your eye to see the world through the lens of a street photographer, capturing moments that often go unnoticed.”(10:30 AM, Central Library)
🌳Calvert Vaux At 200: Prospect Park Tour: “Though often overlooked due to his association with Frederick Law Olmsted, Calvert Vaux is an important figure in American architecture in his own right. A classically-trained architect, talented artist, and strong advocate for public parks, he had already completed major projects before working with Olmsted on Central Park and Prospect Park. To mark Vaux’ 200th birthday, we will examine his distinctive architectural style on display in Prospect Park, paying special attention to structures such as the Well House, Concert Grove Pavilion, and the park’s many arches.”(10:30 AM, Prospect Park)
🏛Holiday Market With Brooklyn Pop-Up: “Stop by our holiday market, copresented with Brooklyn Pop-Up, to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans and vendors. Selections include artwork, jewelry, fashion, and home and apothecary goods. On December 21–22, 2:30–3 pm, shop to the sounds of caroling by acapella group VocalSouL.”(11:00 AM, Brooklyn Museum)
🍿’Don’t Look Back’ @ Nitehawk: “In 1965, the iconic troubadour Bob Dylan toured the United Kingdom at the age of 23, and director D.A. Pennebaker was allowed behind the scenes to provide one of the most intimate glimpses of the private and frequently cantankerous songwriter. The film chronicles Dylan’s concert appearances, hotel room conversations, and transportation downtime, pulling back the curtain on the folk messiah at the end of his relationship with Joan Baez and on the cusp of his creative shift toward rock music.”(11:00 AM, Nitehawk)
Saturday Afternoon
🔥🍿’Elf’ @ Nitehawk: “Elf is a mix between the misfit story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and the “believe in miracles” story of A Christmas Carol but with the added joy of Will Ferrell in an elf suit running around New York City. Starring as Buddy, one year he crawls into Santa’s toy bag as a baby and gets whisked off to the North Pole where he gets raised as an elf. Of course, he’s a tall fish out of water and eventually decides to head to his birthplace to meet his father. What he finds is a family and a city who have forgotten the meaning of Christmas so he sets out to save the holiday!”(12:00 PM, Nitehawk)
🎄The Hard Nut: See Thursday listing. (2:00 PM, BAM, $45)
🎄🗣Caroling W/ Brooklyn Conservatory Of Music @ Old Stone House: “We will meet at the corner of 5th Avenue and 4th Street and plan to start moving around 2:20pm, singing our way down 5th Avenue towards Union Street. The music will lean mostly toward four part harmony pieces with some classic children tunes thrown in. All ages and voice parts are welcome. Digital Sheet music will be sent to people who RSVP, and a limited number of printed books will be available. Please RSVP since space may be limited.”(2:00 PM, Old Stone House)
🏛Pop-Up Performances: Vocalsoul Carolers: “Don’t miss VocalSouL as the acapella group brings its signature Motown stylings to the Museum. Enjoy a range of holiday classics set to soulful melodies. At 2:30–3 pm, listen while shopping at the Holiday Market in the Beaux-Arts Court. At 3–4 pm, catch a tune while taking in the dramatic reinstallation of the American Art Galleries.”(2:30 PM, Brooklyn Museum)
🤣Sammy Obeid: (4:00 PM, The Bell House)
🤣Richard Nixon Sings With Tim Platt: “What if the day after Nixon lost to Kennedy, he decided to host The Muppet Show? Well, you'd get RICHARD NIXON SINGS with TIM PLATT!Tim Platt (The Tonight Show, Sesame Street, Rude Tales of Magic) puts on a one man cabaret of characters, songs, and jokes. It's an hour of joy and goofs and yuletide pathos. To get a taste, listen to Tim's debut comedy album TEETH LIKE BEAK out now with Abso Lutely Records!With special guests: Shalewa Sharpe and Dan Chamberlain”(5:00 PM, Union Hall, $15.64)
Saturday Night
🎄Merry Smithsmas: A New Wave Holiday Party With The Smiths Tribute Nyc: “The Smiths Tribute NYC features members of The Son & Heirs, who built an extensive following through sold-out shows from Tel Aviv to LA, with press acclaim from the New York Times, New Yorker, and Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield.”(7:00 PM, Littlefield)
🤣Yedoye Travis: Hater: “I'm just doing stand up.”(7:30 PM, Union Hall, $15.64)
🤣Liza Treyger: (7:30 PM, The Bell House)
🎄The Hard Nut: See Thursday listing. (7:30 PM, BAM, $45)
🤣Sandwich With Gastor Almonte And Jess Salomon: “Co-hosted by Almonte (Comedy Central) and Salomon (The Tonight Show), Sandwich features New York's most acclaimed, talented, and dare we say ... tastiest comedians, sandwiching new material in the middle of their sets.Eat your hearts out everyone who doesn't make it!With special guests:Dave RossAlexis BradbyLauren Hope KrassSabrina Wu”(10:00 PM, Union Hall, $12.58)
🤣A Night W/ DJ Luna Rósa: “DJ Luna Rósa plays afrobeats, reggaeton, dembow, dancehall and more!”(11:59 PM, Union Hall, Free)
🎶Vintage Vibez: “The Best Reggae & Dancehall from the 80s 90s and Early 2000s DOORS | EVENT 11 PM We here at Vintage Vibez are determined to deliver quality events reminiscent of the same times we ourselves enjoyed a decade ago and before. A time when the music was most important.”(11:00 PM, Littlefield)
Sunday, 12/22
🛒Sunday Greenmarket At Bartel-Pritchard Square: “Nestled inside Prospect Park's tree-shaded southwest corner, this much-loved market is where South Slope and Windsor Terrace residents stock up on locally grown staples.” (9:00 AM, Bartel-Pritchard Square)
🎄🗣Jingle Bell Swing w/Mozart For Munchkins @ Old Stone House: “Join us for a toe-tapping, holiday-themed concert where you and your little ones can sing, dance, and play along to festive favorites. From timeless classics like Winter Wonderland and Let it Snow to jazzy holiday tunes that will get everyone moving, this interactive concert is a joyful way to kick off the holidays.Our world-class musicians, hailing from Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Broadway, will fill the air with festive cheer, blending holiday magic with lively melodies. ”(10:30 AM, Old Stone House, $Kids Free, Adults $40)
🏛Holiday Market With Brooklyn Pop-Up: See Saturday listing. (11:00 AM, Brooklyn Museum)
🎄The Hard Nut: See Thursday listing. (3:00 PM, BAM, $45)
Monday, 12/23
🗃Creative Writing Workshop: “Participants write to the prompt offered by the experienced and trained leader, are encouraged to share their work and receive positive and supportive feedback. The workshop provides structure for writers to produce new work on a regular basis. Workshops sponsored by BPl Central/Languages & Literature”(3:00 PM, Central Library)
🗃Teens Create! Hour Of Code Grab N Go!: “Stop by to pick up a kit, find out how to join, and get started on your coding journey! Pick up your Hour of Code Grab n Go Kit at the library all this week (or until all kits are gone!)The kit gives you an unplugged Binary Bracelet activity, and points you to one of many codeing games!”(3:00 PM, Central Library)
🍿’It’s a Wonderful Life’ @ Nitehawk: See Book Now above. ”(8:45 PM, Nitehawk)
Christmas Eve Tuesday
🍿’A Complete Unknown’ Opening Day @ Nitehawk: “Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.”(12:00 AM, Nitehawk)
Christmas Day Wednesday
🙋🏽Winter Corps: “Join Prospect Park Alliance every Wednesday from December 4 – February 26 for a special winter work session at our Winter Corps. Volunteers will assist in raking, minor shoveling, litter pick up, and other landscaping needs. The group meets at a different location every week. All volunteers who RSVP will receive a reminder email with the meeting location before the event. Appropriate for adults only. Keep an eye out for last-minute cancellations due to winter weather advisories, such as low temps and heavy snowfall. Register for Winter Corps!.”(10:00 AM, Prospect Park, Free, Registration Required)
🍿’Babygirl’ Opening Day @ Nitehawk: “A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.”(12:00 AM, Nitehawk)
Thursday, 12/26
🗃Total Body Fitness @ Park Slope Library: “Join Shape Up NYC for a free fitness class at Park Slope Library every Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 am. This fun, low-impact, full-body workout includes cardio, strength and balance exercises to improve your overall fitness.Bring water and a small towel.All levels are welcome! Register at the link.”(10:30 AM, Central Library)
🌳Winter Recess In Prospect Park: “Make the most of winter break! Join Prospect Park Alliance for family friendly programming during winter recess from Thursday, December 26 – Tuesday, December 31.”(12:00 PM, Audubon Center, Free)
🗃Teen Time : A+ Life Free Tutoring And Homework Help: “Prep for Regents, SHSP, SAT, etc. Sessions are held at the Park Slope Library in the Mezzanine or Meeting Room.All tutors are local educators, entrepreneurs, and professionals.All tutors are volunteers vetted through the Brooklyn Public Library Volunteers Services program. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us, or apply here. In the meantime, feel free to check out some of BPL's other study resources on our virtual bulletin board.”(4:00 PM, Central Library)
Did we miss an event? Are you doing a stoop sale? Put in the comments!