[title]
Fri 25
Holiday Train Show New York Botanical Garden; 10am; $25–$35
The garden lights up with its collection of trains that chug along a nearly half-mile track by 150 miniature NYC landmarks like the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, all made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries.
GingerBread Lane New York Hall of Science; 9:30am; $11
Chef Jon Lovitch spent a year creating the miniature homes in this edible display, using an estimated 500 pounds of gingerbread dough and more than 1,000 pounds of icing. Feast your eyes on the sugary display through Jan 15, and then line up on Jan 16 for a piece of the action, literally, as the whole thing gets taken apart and given away bit by delicious bit.
13th Annual Day After Thanksgiving Hike Greenbelt Nature Center; 10am; free with registration
Just because you violated all of your dietary restrictions over yet another Thanksgiving doesn't mean you can't get back in shape immediately. Detox from your holiday of food, TV and family anxiety with an adventure in the lush Blood Root Valley park. Greenbelt Nature Center educators will guide you along on this 2.5-mile hike, with a stop at the historic David LaTourette House, constructed in 1836.
Holy Trinity: Bey x RiRi x Nicki Brooklyn Dance Party Baby’s All Right; midnight; $10
World, stop. Carry on. Prepare for a nonstop night of sweaty jubilation to the tunes of illuminati overlord Beyoncé, dark princess of hip-hop Rihanna and rap’s reigning bad girl, Nicki Minaj. Philadelphia DJs Dame Luz and Wassup Gina bring this party to Brooklyn and spin remixes of hip-hop jams from TLC, Fat Joe and beyond. This is what you came for.
Fred Thomas Midnight Funk Dance Party Freddy’s Bar; midnight; free
Show up to boogie to all the best in blues and soul at this shindig helmed by James Brown's longtime bassist. Thomas steps up to the microphone, bass in hand, twice each month at the popular South Slope watering hole to deliver spirited renditions of J.B. hits like "Hot Pants," "Papa Don't Take No Mess" and "Pass the Peas," alongside classics from other artists. Get ready to sweat it out and soak up the soul power.
Sat 26
New York City Turkey Trot Roosevelt Island; 8:30am; $60–$80
This 15K run or 5K walk on Roosevelt Island offers beautiful views of Manhattan and sweet cinnamon rolls at the finish line, for those eager to get their feast on. A kids’ dash is also available for young trotters, and walking adults can push strollers.
QED’s Holiday Bazaar Q.E.D.; 1pm; free
QED is making it easy to support local artisans while you do your holiday shopping this year. Find hand-made, one of a kind gifts that are functional, decorative, or edible. You can also sample festive holiday drinks from the bar to get into the spirit while you shop.
Dischotechnique: The White Party House of Yes; 10pm; $0–$25
Get ready for the most elegant take on funk with this Disco white party. Don your flared and flowing white threads, and get down while Paul Raffaele, David Kiss, DJ Bruce, Blu Detiger, and a secret guest pay musical tribute to an era of liberated nightlife.
Gotham ft. AC Slater Webster Hall; 10pm; $20
Every Saturday night Webster Hall is transformed into Gotham, a 4-floor dance party enveloped in a dark, sensual aesthetic. Enter this week's installation for live performances by AC Slater, Jack Beats, Alex English, Dischetto, and TJANI.
The Big Lebowski Videology; 6pm; $20, VIP $100
In these uncertain times, sometimes it’s best to wear your comfiest cardigan and contemplate the wisdom of Walter Sobchak. Admission to this viewing gets you a White Russian, and hard-core acolytes can opt for the $100 ticket, which includes a sweater, two drinks and sunglasses. The Dude abides.
Historic New York: Native Americans Fort Greene Park; 1pm; free
Celebrate the history and culture of Brooklyn’s Native Americans, including the Lenape tribe.
Sun 27
Grand Holiday Bazaar Grand Bazaar; 10am; free
One of NYC’s oldest marketplaces goes all out for the holiday season, with a special market opening every Sunday through December 18. Buy gifts from more than 100 local merchants, with photographers, jewelers and furniture designers selling their wares. Strike through your Christmas list at this market that provides endless holiday cheer by supporting local businesses by donating 100 percent of profits to four public schools in the neighborhood.
Ranger’s Choice: The World’s Fair Adventure Quest Flushing Meadows–Corona Park; 10am; free
Spend your Sunday morning a little differently with this walking tour/scavenger hunt hybrid. Bring local history to life while exploring one of Queens' most beautiful parks like you never have before.
Thanksgiving Secret Speakeasy The Lofts at Prince; 6pm; $10
The Museum of Interesting Things takes over a Soho loft for an evening of old-school vaudeville fun. Grab a cocktail and get down to vinyl classics, then view circus and aerial performances, and watch stage and screen numbers of bygone eras on 16-millimeter film. Don your finest Brooklyn old-timey look.
Harry Potter Trivia Atwood Kitchen & Bar Room; 2pm; free
Die-hard fans of the Harry Potter books gather for several rounds of N.E.W.T.-worthy trivia. Study up on your Quidditch rules, Order of the Phoenix membership rosters and charms if you want to be ready to duel with the city's fiercest Potterheads.