Holiday fun is in full swing in New York City! Here are just a few events to add to your weekend calendar.
Brooklyn Craft Fair: Find extraordinary one-of-a-kind gifts and inspiring modern works by 100 of America’s finest independent makers. The newest show will feature 100 exhibitors at a fantastic venue, the Brooklyn Expo Center, home to many of Brooklyn’s hottest arts events. Greenpoint is trending as “the place to be” for the creative community and has become a hub for talented artists and makers. Organizers are excited to bring their own brand of authentic art events highlighting the best in modern American craftsmanship and design to Brooklyn during the height of the holiday gift buying season. Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend Pass, $10. Seniors (62 and up) $9. Children 16 and under free. 72 Noble Street Brooklyn. Please note no pets are allowed and there is no food service.
Lighting of the Menorah: The World’s Largest Menorah stands at a whopping 32 feet tall (the maximum allowed by Jewish law), and has been towering over Grand Army Plaza since 1985. The annual Menorah lighting ceremony is a must for Jews and non-Jews alike. Every night the celebration is accompanied with live music and hot latkes for all. Special gifts are distributed to every child, making this a family celebration and a must on everyone’s calendar. With assistance from a Con Edison cherry-picker, Rabbi Shimon Hecht accompanies community leaders, philanthropists, and special guests in lighting this humongous Menorah. Celerate the first night of Chanukah on December 6, at 6 p.m. Free.
7th Annual Latke Festival: The 7th Annual Latke Festival is sure to add some sizzle to your holiday. Enjoy latke creations from talented chefs and restaurants across the city and select the People’s Choice Best Latke. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring children and their families to eat well through hands-on experiences on the farm and in the kitchen. The 7th Annual Latke Festival will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th St. General admission is $65. VIP admission $100. VIP admission includes exclusive access to the VIP Lounge with tasting tables, specialty cocktails and open bar. December 7, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 p.m.
5th Annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl: The 5th Annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl features registration at Bar None where you’ll receive your cup, wristband and map of all the participating bars. Almost everyone has that one ugly sweater in the closet that we dread wearing. But guess what!? This is the perfect time. New York’s annual Ugly Sweater pub crawl is the time of the year when all New Yorker’s can take out that ugly sweater and make fun of each other. Specials include $3 draft beers and half- priced Well Drinks/Mixed Cocktails. Grab a few friends and spend a night out in the East Village, visiting some of the best bars New York City has to offer. Participating venues include Bar None, Bait & Hook, Pinks Bar, Coyote Ugly, East Village Social, The Grayson, Fish Bar, & more to be announced! The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl will be held on Saturday, December 5th. Select participating bars offer drink specials until 4 a.m. Tickets are $10 each.