One of the very best things about the holidays is that they provide a magnificent excuse for breaking up the usual routine and doing things with the kids. In a perfect world, we might not need an excuse, but the reality is that the routine that helps us get everyone where they need to be every day and that puts bread on our tables can leave us a bit shell-shocked by the time the weekend rolls around. And with activities, birthday parties, and sports, sometimes the weekday routine gives way to an even more grueling weekend routine.
Fortunately, ‘tis the season to be distracted. We’re not necessarily talking about spending the big bucks at a holiday market or taking out a second mortgage to skate at Rockefeller Center. There are lots of fun things to do with kids that are all about spending time together.
Be sure to check back on the www.parkslopeparents.com homepage for our round-ups of seasonal activities! Around the holidays we update the website regularly with new and fun things to do, whether virtually from home or IRL.
Things to check out this year:
Macy's Santaland
Macy's has created Santaland at Home, a new online holiday experience for 2020 where visitors can see Santa and take a selfie with him.
Our Tip: Be there when the store opens and go early in the season. There’s usually a fun puppet show too.
Department Store Windows
They’re spectacular and they’re free—as long as you have enough willpower not to go inside! Macy's Windows are always a fun outing, as are Saks Fifth Avenue and the Brookfield Place Winter Garden (near the WTC).
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
This has to be the quintessential Brooklyn Christmas experience. Residents go all out to create the most over-the-top Christmas displays. Tacky? Maybe. Worth the trip? Absolutely. Take the D/M trains to 18th Ave or the R train to 86th Street. Go between 7 and 9 on the weekends for the best displays.
Tips for driving to Dyker Heights from PSP members: "Take 4th Ave. to 86th Street and make a left on to 12th ave. One recommendation was the park near 13th Ave. by 84th Street to get a picture with Santa at a house nearby. The proceeds go to charity. Displays are done between 12th and 14th Ave., ranging from the 70's to the 80's. Parking and walk around is the best way to take in the displays to avoid sitting in bumper to bumper traffic."
Check out our page on Where to See Christmas Lights for lots more recommendations!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Learn more about how to navigate this year's viewing experience here. Best combined with dinner from a diner for the real New York experience.
More Ideas? Share them with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!
Breakfast with Santa in the Brooklyn
This costs but it's for the Children's Service Project . Breakfast takes place, Saturday, December 11th - 9:30 and 10:30 at the First Presbyterian Church - 124 Henry St. betw Clark and Pierrepont. There are 2 seatings but seats are limited. Call the office to reserve your spot and then pay at the door: 718-624-3770. It costs: $10 per person or $30 per family
Jingle Bell Jamboree
Park Slope’s Traditional Holiday Concert at Old First Church
Caroling
Check back next week for our absolute beginner's guide to caroling in the Slope
