During the holidays, Williamsburg offers a uniquely Brooklyn-style, festive experience. With its blend of indie spirit, waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, artisanal shops, and innovative restaurants, Williamsburg celebrates Christmas with creative flair and local charm. Here’s your guide to the best holiday activities, dining, and festive experiences in Brooklyn’s (still) coolest neighborhood.
Holiday Markets & Shopping
This beloved weekend market at 70 North 7th Street showcases local artists, vintage vendors, and independent designers—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. During December, the market takes on a festive air, with holiday-themed items, handmade ornaments, and seasonal pop-ups. It’s the ideal place to find gifts you won’t see anywhere else while supporting local creators.
This beloved jewelry boutique on North 7th Street specializes in delicate, handcrafted pieces and is famous for their permanent bracelets. During the holidays, it’s a go-to spot for thoughtful, beautiful gifts. The shop’s carefully curated selection also includes items from independent designers.
One of Brooklyn’s most popular vintage clothing stores, Beacon’s Closet in nearby Greenpoint is perfect for finding unique holiday party outfits or vintage gifts. The carefully curated selection and fair prices make it a perennial local favorite.
Another excellent vintage and secondhand option on Driggs Avenue, Buffalo Exchange offers constantly rotating inventory perfect for holiday shopping on a budget or finding that perfect vintage piece.
This independent bookstore on Bedford Avenue specializes in art, design, and photography books. It’s an excellent spot for finding special gifts for creative friends and family. The shop’s knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect tome.
Brooklyn Winery produces wine on-site and offers tastings in their industrial-chic space. During the holidays, it’s a fun spot for wine flights and purchasing bottles for holiday celebrations.
Holiday Cocktails & Cozy Bars
This stunning oyster bar and cocktail lounge transports you to New Orleans with its vintage décor, absinthe service, and exceptional cocktails.
This sophisticated cocktail bar on Berry Street evokes 1920s elegance with its dark wood, vintage décor, and expertly crafted drinks. During the holidays, the intimate atmosphere and candlelight make it perfect for romantic evenings or catching up with friends.
With exposed brick and warm wooden details, the Bar at Sungold (located inside Arlo Williamsburg) is a spacious spot for a holiday cocktail that still feels super cozy. Take a seat at the bar or grab space on a sofa to peruse the menu. Delicious bar bites are available with your beverages of choice, and you can enjoy specials during both Lucky Hour (Monday–Friday, 4pm–7pm) and Get Lucky Hour (Friday & Saturday, 1am–3am).
Waterfront Winter Experiences
This elevated waterfront park on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery offers stunning Manhattan skyline views. During winter, the park’s industrial-chic design creates a dramatic setting for brisk walks along the water. While there may not be specific holiday programming, the views alone—especially at sunset—are worth the visit.
In winter, this waterfront park offers peaceful riverfront walks with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. On clear days, it’s an ideal spot for bundling up and enjoying the crisp air and dramatic backdrop for selfies.
Williamsburg Waterfront Walking Path
Grab your hat and scarf, and take a winter walk along the waterfront from Domino Park south toward the Williamsburg Bridge. The views of Manhattan are especially striking during the holiday season when the city is illuminated with festive lights. Stop at one of the nearby cafés to warm up along the way.
Holiday Sweets & Coffee
This woman-owned bakery serves exceptional pastries, breads, and cakes in a bright, minimalist space. During the holidays, look for traditional Nordic treats and beautiful seasonal offerings. Their cardamom buns and layer cakes are legendary.
With a location on North 4th Street, Blue Bottle offers exceptional coffee in a beautifully designed space. During winter, it’s a perfect spot to warm up with their single-origin brews and seasonal drinks.
This specialty coffee roaster has a location on Graham Avenue serving exceptional coffee and pastries. The friendly baristas make it a neighborhood favorite for warming up on cold days.
This craft chocolate maker and café on Bedford Avenue offers beautiful chocolate bars, hot chocolate, and treats—perfect for gifts or enjoying yourself. During the holidays, their special gift sets and seasonal flavors make excellent presents.
Cultural Experiences
This quirky community museum celebrates New York City artifacts and history. It’s a charming, offbeat cultural experience that showcases Williamsburg’s independent spirit.
This live music venue on North 6th Street hosts concerts throughout the year, including special holiday shows during December. Check their calendar for the latest performances, tribute shows, and seasonal concerts by indie artists.
This unique venue combines a bowling alley, concert hall, and restaurant in one sprawling space. During the holidays, they often host special events, themed parties, and live music. It’s a fun, unconventional way to celebrate the festive season.
This dine-in movie theater on Metropolitan Avenue shows a mix of new releases, classics, and cult favorites while you enjoy food and drinks delivered to your seat. During the holidays, catch special screenings of holiday classics or new releases.
Holiday Photo Opportunities
This small waterfront park offers views of the Manhattan skyline and makes for excellent holiday photos, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle.
Williamsburg Bridge
Walk across this iconic bridge for iconic views and photo opportunities. During winter, the bridge offers a unique perspective of the city dressed in holiday lights. The pedestrian walkway is accessible from both the Brooklyn and Manhattan sides.
Bedford Avenue
The heart of Williamsburg’s commercial district, Bedford Avenue between North 7th and North 12th Streets, is decorated for the holidays and offers great urban holiday photos with storefronts, street art, and neighborhood character.
This large neighborhood park looks beautiful dusted with snow and offers open spaces for winter activities. While there may not be specific holiday programming, it’s a lovely place for winter walks and neighborhood atmosphere.
Planning Your Williamsburg Holiday Visit
Getting There: Williamsburg is easily accessible via the L train (Bedford Avenue, Lorimer Street, or Graham Avenue stops) or the G train (Metropolitan Avenue or Nassau Avenue). From Manhattan, it’s just one stop on the L train from Union Square.
Best Times to Visit: Weekend afternoons and evenings bring the most energy to Williamsburg, with locals and visitors filling the restaurants, bars, and shops. For a more relaxed experience, visit on weekday afternoons. The neighborhood is most festive from early December through New Year’s.
Walking the Neighborhood: Williamsburg is highly walkable. The main commercial strip along Bedford Avenue runs from about North 3rd to North 12th Street, but excellent restaurants and shops are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly—you’ll want to explore on foot.
Combining with Other Brooklyn Neighborhoods: Williamsburg borders several other fun neighborhoods. Greenpoint to the north offers Polish cuisine and cafés, while DUMBO to the south provides iconic Brooklyn Bridge views. Consider making a day of exploring multiple Brooklyn neighborhoods.
The Williamsburg Holiday Experience
What sets Williamsburg apart during the holidays is its creative, independent spirit. This isn’t a neighborhood of massive Christmas trees and corporate window displays—instead, you’ll find artisanal gifts from local makers, innovative restaurants reimagining holiday classics, and a genuine neighborhood feel that makes the season special without being commercial.
The waterfront location adds magic to winter visits. Watching the Manhattan skyline shine across the East River while walking along the waterfront as snow falls makes for an unforgettable holiday memory. The neighborhood’s industrial past, its converted warehouses and repurposed factories, gives even festive moments an edge of Brooklyn cool.
Williamsburg celebrates the holidays with authenticity. It’s where artists, young professionals, and longtime residents come together, creating a vibrant community that knows how to celebrate in a fresh, untraditional way. This holiday season, cross the East River and discover why Williamsburg has become one of New York’s most popular neighborhoods. Happy Brooklyn Holidays!
