Twelve Days of Christmas Events

Bills and mortgage payments got you down and feeling like a Scrooge this season? Well, here's something to put you in the Christmas spirit! Shops of Lewis Avenue (SOLA) Merchants Association invites the entire Bed-Stuy community to take part in a little Christmas revelry with their "12 Days of Christmas" event! 

Beginning this weekend and continuing through December 23rd, Bed-Stuy residents have 12 opportunities to participate in a few family-friendly and "for grown folks only" holiday events, while also participate in the initiative.

1. Saturday, Dec. 11, 4-6 pm--"The Great Community Cookie Exchange" Bring a batch of cookies to share with your neighbors as we enjoy the warmth of the holidays at , 347 MacDonough St., between Stuyvesant and Lewis Avenues
2. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2-5 pm--"Pictures with Santa" at Holiday @ Home, 409 Lewis Ave.
3. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 pm--"Fa la la la, la la la la" A fun, lyrical game night where adults win prizes when they know the next line in the Christmas Carol. It's all about eating, drinking and being merry at Therapy Wine Bar, 364 Lewis Ave.
4. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm--"Hang a Shining Star" Create memories as you get into the holiday spirit making tree ornaments at Lewis Gallery, 411 Lewis Ave.
5. Thursday, Dec. 16, 7-10 pm--"Holiday Mixology" Learn how to make specialty cocktails of the season and enjoy them at 1/2 price at Peaches, 393 Lewis Ave.
6. Friday, Dec. 17, 6-8 pm--"Cranberry and Popcorn" Using these holiday-hued ingredients, join us in making gorgeous garlands. All you need to bring is joy! Young and old are welcome to participate at Tin City, 366 Lewis Ave.
7. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2-4 pm--"Holiday Glitz and Glamour" Perfect a smokey eye or a pouty lip with a celebrity makeup artist, who will share the secrets of the pros at Marlene's Hair Stylist, 407 Lewis Ave
   
8. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2 - 5 pm--"Artfully Yours" Join award-winning author/illustrator Bryan Collier in a children's discussion, reading and signing of his newest book, "Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave." Bryan will sign his latest tale and his other popular children's titles, and some of the originals and limited editions from his books will be exhibited and available for purchase at House of Art, 373 Lewis Ave.
9. Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 - 6 pm--"Ginger Bread Stuy" You and your family will have a ball making and decorating a gingerbread house that you can take home and enjoy seeing--or eating! The edible fun is at Bread Stuy, 403 Lewis Ave.
10. Monday, Dec 20--"A Slice of Life on Lewis" Come and let your heart be light at the shops on Lewis Ave. and enjoy a free pizza tasting at Saraghina (435 Halsey Street @ Lewis Ave)  5-7pm.  Beverage proceeds during this time benefit SoLA's many community events.
11. Tuesday, Dec. 21 - Thursday, Dec. 23--"The Drink is on Us" We know you're busy with all the holiday preparations, so we'll cook the meal these nights and you get a free Ice Tea or Lemonade with your dinner purchase at Ma-n-Pop Soul Food, 349 Lewis Ave.
12. Thursday, Dec. 23 – "It's in the Bag" Finish the last-minute shopping for the fashionista on your list, and take home a lovely selection of goodies for yourself with purchase at Little Red Boutique, 374 Lewis Ave.

*BONUS EVENT* (drum roll please…)

Saturday, Dec. 11, 9:00am—"Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Holiday Party" Honoring The Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation'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. 1368 Fulton St. Please RSVP online here, or call (718) 636-6953.

So go ahead and blow off that Nat King Cole Christmas album, get in the Christmas spirit and come on out, mingle with your neighbors and support your local businesses!