World's Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

What: Both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Grand Army Plazas host competitors in the race for the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah. Gather around the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday icon across the street from The Plaza hotel (Manhattan) to kick off the Jewish Festival of Lights; lightings for that one generally take place at 5:30pm, though it's around 3:30pm on Friday Dec. 30 and 8pm on Saturday, bookending the Sabbath. For eight nights, there will be hot latkes, Hanukkah donuts, music, dreidels, and gifts for children.
Across the East River, go to the top of Prospect Park to see its similarly sized rival illuminated; lightings are at 6pm most evenings, with Friday’s at 3:30pm and Saturday’s at 7pm. The Brooklyn organizers typically host a kickoff concert prior to the lighting on Hanukkah’s first night, at which they serve potato pancakes.
When: Saturday Dec. 24, 2016
Where: Manhattan: 5th Ave & 59th St.  |  Brooklyn: Grand Army Plaza at Eastern Pkwy

Native American Market and Social

What: Safe Harbors Indigenous Collective is a new initiative at La MaMa that aims to create a contemporary paradigm in the presentation of Indigenous arts and culture within the broader American theatre by combating stereotypes and supporting vibrant Native communities. Indian Market and Social offers a unique shopping opportunity for visitors to purchase traditional and contemporary works—including silver and semiprecious jewelry, ceramics, fine apparel, hand-woven baskets, traditional beadwork, dolls, paintings, prints, and sculpture—by some of the finest Native American artists.

When: Friday, December 9, 12:00pm – 9:00pm  |  Saturday, December 10, 11:00am- 10:00pm  |  Sunday, December 11, 11:00am – 7:00pm

Where: Ellen Stewart Theatre / The Downstairs / Box Office / Archives & Administrative Office: 66 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003

FREE

Website

Washington Square Park Tree Lighting

What: This 91-year-old tradition features holiday sing-a-longs with the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and a visit from the big man in the red suit before a giant pine is transformed into a multi-colored illuminating wonder.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 7th, 2016 | 6-7pm

Where: Washington Square Park, NYC

Website

Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair

What: The fifth annual Brooklyn Holiday Book Fair with Honey & Wax Booksellers, Unnameable Books, Terrace Books, Enchanted Books, Tom Davidson Bookseller, Brooklyn Books, Freebird Books & Goods and gift wrapping from Presence NYC.

Choose from hundreds of collectible, rare and unusual to find a perfect gift for the holidays.

Jonathan Tarleton of Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas will also lead a walking tour along with Nate Storring (editor of the newly released collection of Jane Jacobs essays Vital Little Plans: The Short Works of Jane Jacobs) around the neighborhood explaining the layered legacies of Robert Moses and Frederick Law Olmsted in the borough, especially where Prospect Park and the Prospect Expressway sit in imposing proximity. Copies of Nonstop Metropolis and Vital Little Plans will be available for sale afterwards.

When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 | 10am -4pm

Where: Old Stone House: 336 3rd St. Brooklyn, NY 11215

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SLIM CINEMA Vertical Film Festival

What: The night is set up to be a wavy experience that includes a screening of original vertical short films on the “tall screen”, curated and live art from local artists, and 2 DJ sets by J.Robb to lay in the soundtrack. There will also be an open-bar courtesy of CIROC & THE BRONX BREWERY + food provided by NYC’s own Bareburger so come through ready! Expect good vibes and creative exploration.
WILL ALSO HAVE A PROJECTION PHOTOGRAPHY STATION, LIVE TATTOOS, ART HANGING, + MORE. Check for updates on IG & Twitter @slimcinema.
When: December 3, 2016 | 8pm -11:59pm
Where: Genius Event Space: 92 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Cost: $25 click here  |  21+ IDs checked at the door

Astoria Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration

What: This free celebration will feature a kids holiday theater performance, face painting, a dance performance, carolers, train rides, cotton candy, and a tree lighting ceremony as the grand finale!

When: Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 2016 | 2-5pm

Where: Astoria Park Lawn, Queens  | Enter at 19th Street and 23rd Avenue

Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular

What: The Fort Hamilton Holiday Market & Tree Lighting Spectacular is located in the southwestern corner of the New York City borough of Brooklyn surrounded by the communities of Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. Enjoy this unique and diverse holiday experience at the military base and explore unique gifts created by local artisans and artists, traditional food, carousel, Santa and more.
When: Friday Dec. 2nd, 2016 @4pm  |  Tree lighting @5:30pm
Where: Fort Hamilton (Army Base), Brooklyn, NY 11252

Website

Madison Square Park’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

What: Join us for Madison Square Park’s annual tree lighting ceremony and festivities! The countdown to the illumination of our Tree of Light, a 40-foot balsam fir brought to the Park all the way from Vermont, will begin at 4:55pm.

Our festive celebration will feature a variety of seasonal activities including a Mad. Sq. Hort seed packet activity with Gardener Steph, festive performances from The Sweetback Sisters, The New York Life Singers, and kids performer – and Mad. Sq. Park favorite – Audra Rox. Taste of Home‘s Gingerbread Blvd. will also be onsite to help set the Holiday mood.

Holiday treats will be provided by neighborhood restaurants Black Barn, Hill Country Chicken, Umi Kitchen, Almond, and Shake Shack.

When: Tuesday, December 6th | 3:30-5:30pm

Where: Madison Square Park: 23rd St to 26th St, between 5th & Madison Aves., NY