Get Out: Toys for Tots, Caroling Karaoke and Christmas Parties Galore

It's Friday, and you have no clue what's going on this weekend. Patch is coming to the rescue. We've got the best bets for the liveliest, most diverse and cultural enlightening options for weekend fun. Check out our picks of activities to hit in and around the neighborhood!

WHAT: The Tompkins Avenue Holiday Night Out

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, December 9, from 6:00pm – 12:00am

WHY GO: The shops on Tompkins Avenue will celebrate the holidays by offering extended shopping hours, discounts at every store and holiday fun, including Christmas Carol karaoke and pictures with Santa. Come out and support the Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association, and buy local.

HOW MUCH: Free

WHAT: The Ebony Nutcracker Suite

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, December 11, 3:00pm, P.S. 9, Teunis G. Bergen Elementary Public School, 80 Underhill Avenue between Bergen Street and St. Marks Avenue

WHY GO: This dazzling event brings together some of the leading children’s dance groups and top choreographers in a “colorful” rendition of the Nutcracker Suite. After the dazzling show kids in the audience can take pictures with the cast and play characters, like the Rat King and The Sugar Plum Fairy.

HOW MUCH: Adults, $15/Children, $8. Buy tickets here.

WHAT: Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's Annual RFK Memorial Holiday Party

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, December 10, beginning at 9:00am at the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, 1368 Fulton Street

WHY GO: Honoring Restoration’s founder, Robert F. Kennedy, this annual celebration promotes literacy and healthy lifestyles in Central Brooklyn. Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy storytelling, face painting, a petting zoo, games and performances by Restoration’s own Youth Arts Academy. Partners include the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant and the Lion’s Club. 

HOW MUCH: Free. Click here to RSVP! For more information, please call (718) 636-6953.

WHAT: The Shops of Lewis Avenue 12th Annual Holiday Soiree

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, December 9, beginning at 7:00pm – 9:00pm, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 334 Macdonough St, Brooklyn, NY,

WHY GO: Once again, the Shops of Lewis Avenue (SoLA) is coordinating a great holiday event for our Stuyvesant Heights community. With generous support from the Moms of Bed-Stuy and Norcross Land Trust, this years event will showcase two great community organizations based right here in Bed-Stuy:

Bed Stuy Campaign Against Hunger--bedstuyagainsthunger.org and Children of Promise NYC--childrenofpromisenyc.org Representatives from these groups will be on hand to share how they are benefiting our community and to take contributions toward their efforts. This beloved community event will feature entertainment from the Noel Pointer Foundation, Knewdles and Sos, and even the big guy in red! Toys will be distributed for our youngsters under 12 and refreshments will be served.

Please join us Friday December 9th, 7-9pm as we once again celebrate the holidays with our Lewis Avenue community. Don't forget to check out the merchants along Lewis Avenue for seasonal discounts and specials

HOW MUCH: Free

WHAT: 81st Precinct Community Council Annual Children’s Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, December 10, 2011, @ 11:00am, at 800 Gates Ave

WHY GO: This is an event to help kids in the community receive a gift for Christmas. This is sponsored by 81st Precinct Community Council through fundraisers and donations. Also involved are the Marines through the Toys for Tots program.

HOW MUCH: Free