How to Spend Christmas Eve in Brooklyn: Lights, Eats, and Silly Nice Pickups
Christmas Eve in Brooklyn hits different. Whether you’re bundling up to chase holiday lights or locking in last-minute gifts, the borough offers a full-day itinerary of local experiences, cultural charm, and unforgettable energy. And for adults looking to level up their holiday unwind, Silly Nice makes sure there's something extra special waiting at the dispensary.
This guide covers the best things to do on Christmas Eve in Brooklyn, including food, fun, and where to grab premium cannabis products before the big day.
1. Start in Dyker Heights for the Most Iconic Holiday Lights in NYC
The Dyker Heights light displays are the definition of extra—in the best way possible. Dozens of homes go all out with glowing reindeer, moving Santas, toy soldiers, and enough string lights to power a small city. The best stretch runs from 83rd to 86th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues. On Christmas Eve, crowds are manageable and the vibe feels intimate. Bring a hot drink and your camera—it’s a can’t-miss stop.
2. Swing by a Licensed Brooklyn Dispensary for Silly Nice Vibes
Once the sun sets, it's the perfect time to visit a licensed dispensary and pick up Silly Nice—New York’s premium small-batch cannabis brand. Whether you're watching a holiday movie, playing host, or just vibing out on your own, Silly Nice products hit the mark for quality, flavor, and clean effects.
Here’s what to look for:
Diamond Powder (Live Resin Infused): Potent, smooth, and ideal for nighttime sessions
Frosted Hash Balls: High terp, high flavor, and handcrafted to perfection
Bubble Hash: Full-spectrum solventless goodness
Infused Flower: Crafted with small-batch care for rich flavor and strong effects
Vapes: Smooth pulls, complex profiles, no burn
Find Silly Nice products near you at sillynice.com/locations or check the full menu at sillynice.com/menu. Many dispensaries stay open into the evening on December 24—grab what you need before Santa shows up.
3. Knock Out Last-Minute Holiday Shopping at Brooklyn Markets
Need a few more gifts? Brooklyn’s got you covered. Holiday markets at spots like the Brooklyn Museum and FAD Market are open through Christmas Eve, offering handcrafted goods, indie fashion, vintage items, small-batch foods, and local artwork. It’s a solid place to shop for people who are hard to buy for—or to grab something cool for yourself.
4. Book a Christmas Eve Dinner at a Brooklyn Favorite
From white tablecloth classics to cozy neighborhood joints, Brooklyn restaurants keep the doors open on Christmas Eve. Book ahead at places like Lilia (Williamsburg), Frankies 457 Spuntino (Carroll Gardens), or Evelina (Fort Greene) if you want something seasonal and memorable. For a casual bite, Roberta’s or Paulie Gee’s still hit every time.
5. Catch a Classic Holiday Movie at Nitehawk Cinema
If you’re looking for indoor fun, head to Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg or Park Slope. Christmas Eve screenings usually include It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, or National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. You get table-side snacks and cocktails, making it one of the best low-key ways to spend the night.
6. Go Ice Skating in Prospect Park or Industry City
Ice skating on Christmas Eve is pure magic—especially if you hit up Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center or the rink at Industry City. Rentals are easy, lines are reasonable, and you’ll get those perfect Brooklyn skyline views as the sun sets. Grab a hot chocolate or cider after to warm up.
7. Take a Night Walk Through DUMBO
For a quiet break from all the family chaos, DUMBO’s cobblestone streets are a perfect place to clear your head. Walk under the Manhattan Bridge, snap some nighttime shots, and pick up a warm drink from a neighborhood café. The lights, the views, the calm—it all hits just right.
8. Visit Coney Island for a Cold-Weather Spin
Coney Island on Christmas Eve? Trust. Even though the rides are closed, you can stroll the boardwalk, visit the Aquarium, and grab a classic hot dog from Nathan’s Famous. The beach at sunset delivers calm energy and gives you space to chill before the holiday kicks in full blast.
9. Check Out the Winter Light Show at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The garden’s Lightscape installation is immersive, peaceful, and a little surreal. Trees, paths, and greenhouses glow with LED art and motion-driven installations. Timed tickets are required, so plan ahead, but it’s a perfect group or date-night move before dinner.
10. End the Night with Music or Midnight Mass
If you're still out by 10 p.m., hit a live music spot like BAMcafé, Bar LunÀtico, or National Sawdust. Brooklyn’s music scene is alive and well on Christmas Eve, with jazz, soul, gospel, and holiday standards lighting up the night. Prefer something quieter? Churches like St. Ann & the Holy Trinity or Plymouth Church host moving candlelight services that close out the evening with tradition and warmth.
Wrap It Up
Brooklyn doesn’t sleep on December 24. From epic lights in Dyker Heights to low-key hangouts in DUMBO and infused cannabis treats from Silly Nice, the borough offers something for everyone. Whether you're visiting for the holidays or living here year-round, there’s no wrong way to spend Christmas Eve—as long as you keep it real, keep it local, and stay lifted.
For your last-minute dispensary run, visit sillynice.com/locations and lock in your Silly Nice favorites before the big day.