DUMBO is once again turning into one of New York City’s most magical outdoor holiday destinations this year, with the Dumbo Business Improvement District leading a neighborhood-wide celebration packed with art, skating, shopping and family-friendly activities beginning Nov. 8.
Returning this season are the spectacular animated video art projections that light up the BQE and Manhattan Bridge Anchorages, along with several other DUMBO landmarks.
The massive digital displays will illuminate the neighborhood nightly from 4:00pm to 11:00pm through Dec. 31 across six sites: the Manhattan Bridge Anchorage on both Pearl and Adams Streets, inside the DUMBO Archway, the BQE via Susan Smith McKinney Steward Park, the Front and Jay Street intersection and the courtyard of Empire Stores.
"DUMBO is the ultimate local holiday daycation,” says Alexandria Sica, who recommended Dec. 6 as a great day to shop as more than 40 art studios and the holiday flea market will be open at the same time.
This year’s projections feature a whimsical twist, animated elephants dressed in cozy winter gear, singing carols, exchanging gifts and dancing through the streets. The playful series was created by Augenblick Studios, an award-winning animation studio based in DUMBO, in partnership with NYC DOT Art and NYC Parks.
The neighborhood’s holiday festivities extend beyond the projections. Beginning Nov. 24, Roebling Rink returns for its third winter at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering ice skating under the Brooklyn Bridge with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Holiday shopping takes center stage with two beloved markets returning for the season. Brooklyn Flea sets up in the DUMBO Archway every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 16 to Dec. 21, 10:00am to 5:00pm, featuring local vendors and artisans. Meanwhile, FAD Market brings its creative goods to Empire Stores from Dec. 1 through 21, open daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, more than 65 artists will open their workspaces to the public for Shop the Studios, a neighborhood-wide open studio event running from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Maps of participating artists will be available at Brooklyn Flea.
The community’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Bar Crawl will light up the DUMBO Archway Plaza on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, with the tree lighting at 5:30pm.
The evening will feature live holiday music from Curtis J. Social and the Dumbo House Band, a visit from Santa, festive treats from local bakeries and the final appearance of DUMBO’s beloved construction cone tree.
Families can also drop off letters to Santa at a custom-decorated mailbox by Creatively Wild Art Studio, located by the tree in the DUMBO Archway beginning Nov. 26. Lucky wish-makers whose lists include local businesses could win $100 in DUMBO Dollars to spend locally this holiday season.
