Holiday Markets, Tree Lightings, Save Me a Slice Pop-Up & More
We're sharing neighborhood openings, events, happenings and more.
Here’s what’s happening this week:
✨ New Openings and Local Happenings✨
Brooklyn’s Holiday Flea Market is back: Expect rare finds, twinkling cheer, and unique gifts. In partnership with Toast, you can also enjoy fun seasonal surprises — including the new “Toasty Bar” serving special holiday drinks.
Pure Barre coming to Downtown Brooklyn! A new studio is set to open at 11 Hoyt St. Follow along here for updates.
Save the Date! Diljān opens on Saturday December 13 @ 330 Hicks St. This specialty Afghan Bakery will open its doors next week. Follow along for updates HERE.
Feeling BRRave? Signups are now open for the 123rd Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge!
Major changes are coming to the Verrazano Bridge: the MTA is planning a full rebuild of the Brooklyn-side ramps - shifting lane alignments, widening shoulders, adding noise barriers, and repaving - with work starting in 2026 and running through 2029. [Brooklyn Eagle]
Have you checked out our guide to One Perfect Day in Brooklyn Heights? [HERE]
Every Sunday this month, step back in time and enjoy the New York Transit Museum’s vintage 1930s Holiday Nostalgia Train! These beautifully restored cars let you experience the magic of New York City’s past, all for the price of a regular subway fare. FREE with subway fare
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont joined dozens of striking Starbucks union baristas at a picket line in Gowanus on Dec. 1, drawing attention to Starbucks’ longest ever unfair labor practice strike and ongoing fights over scheduling and workplace protections. [Brooklyn Paper]
A 85,000-sq-ft luxury wellness mecca from Life Time is headed to Gowanus in 2028. Facilities include a rooftop pool, indoor pickleball, cold plunges, saunas, and every fitness friend’s dream. [New York Post]
Have a story we should know about? 🗞️ Send tips (anonymously here) and email us press releases
Our Top Picks
Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!
Today, December 4:
DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting @ Dumbo Archway + Plaza (5:30pm): With Santa, live holiday music, sweet treats, student performances, festive projections, and a countdown at 5:30 PM sharp led by Alexandria Sica, the DUMBO tree lighting is back! Bring a toy or non-perishable to support local drives and enjoy a magical community night in the neighborhood! Details HERE.
Friday, December 5:
Holiday Tree Lighting @ Carroll Park (5:30pm): Head to Carroll Park for their annual tree lighting, a visit with Santa, and refreshments.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting @ Dekalb Market (5:00pm): Enjoy the annual tree lighting with live music from The Yuletide Carolers and celebrate the start of the season under the twinkling lights.
Saturday, December 6:
Lista Studios Open House @ Industry City (11:00am–2:00pm):
Take a peek inside Lista Studios’ new creative space and explore where young artists learn, experiment, and grow. Tour the studio, meet teaching artists, browse materials, and get your questions answered about memberships and workshops. Free mini studio sessions + exclusive discounts available during the event.
3-Year Anniversary Celebration @ Hops Hill Atlantic (12:00pm): Celebrating three years on Atlantic Avenue, Hops Hill is throwing an all-day anniversary party featuring rare keg pours, merch and bottle giveaways, and free pizza from Luigi’s later in the day.
Save Me a Slice @ East Fork (1:00pm-4:00pm): Save Me a Slice is popping up with a special selection of pastries inspired by East Fork’s newest designs. Stop by for holiday shopping and a delicious treat to sweeten your weekend!
Jingle & Mingle @ Union Max (4:00pm-7:00pm): Brooklyn Collective, Union Max, and the Ilana Greenberg Gallery are teaming up to host a festive holiday popup with live jazz, cocktails, art, and unique local gifts. Details HERE.
Sunday, December 7:
Brooklyn Poets Annual Awards Gala @ DUMBO Loft, 155 Water St. (5:00pm-9:30pm)*: Celebrate an inspiring night of poetry at the Brooklyn Poets Society Awards Gala, honoring Patricia Smith and recognizing this year’s outstanding voices in the community. Enjoy dinner, drinks, readings, and award presentations, all in support of fellowships, workshops, and free creative programming. Tickets HERE.
Weekend Events:
FAD Market Holiday Pop-up @ 51 Bergen Street (December 6-7 11:00am-6:00pm): Here for the next 3 weekends, discover 50+ rotating local makers and artisans each weekend and find thoughtful, handcrafted gifts while supporting small businesses.
Book these popular events in advance:
Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop with One Girl Cookies @ Anaïs Wine Bar (Tuesday, December 16, 7:00pm)*: One Girl Cookies and cookie artist Jasmine are hosting a festive decorating class where you’ll learn piping and flooding techniques while creating your own treats. Enjoy a fun, creative evening and head home with delicious cookies and fresh holiday inspiration. Tickets HERE.
Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!
Did we miss anything? Add in comments below. 👇
Neighborhood Job Board
Jobs are reviewed/updated daily, and each week we create a new job board link with the latest local listings! Sign up for Cobble Hill Collective to get the latest job board delivered to your inbox.
This week: Brooklyn Museum is hiring for a Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Graphic Designer, and Executive Assistant
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