Thanksgiving Dinner in Brooklyn is a popular tradition where many people come together to celebrate the holiday with a special meal.

Brooklyn offers a variety of options for Thanksgiving dinner, from traditional turkey dinners to more unique and innovative dishes.

Restaurants in Brooklyn often feature special menus for special occasions, and many families also choose to prepare their own meals at home.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Brooklyn is a time for friends and family to gather, share food, and give thanks for the blessings in their lives.

It is a festive and heartwarming event that brings the community together.

🦃 Where to Get a Free Thanksgiving Turkey in Brooklyn

1. COPO (Council of Peoples Organization)

   • Annual turkey & halal-turkey distribution. Brooklyn Community Board 14+1

   • Location: 1077 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Community Board 14

   • In 2025, they planned to give out 4,000 turkeys and chickens. Brooklyn Community Board 14

   • First-come, first-served — check with their office for time and supply.

2.  
3.  

4. Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn Giveaway

   • Free turkey giveaway event. Brooklyn Community Board 14+2Brooklyn Community Board 14+2

   • Location: Parking lot at 2236 Nostrand Ave, between Avenues H & I. Brooklyn Community Board 14

   • RSVP required: Call 718-940-0428 or email ad42@nyassembly.gov. Brooklyn Community Board 14

   • ID required, and turkeys given “while supplies last.” Brooklyn Community Board 14

5.  
6.  

7. APNA Brooklyn Community Center

   • Distributes halal turkeys / halal chicken, plus other pantry items. apnabrooklyn.com

   • It’s “first come, first serve” until supplies run out. apnabrooklyn.com

   • Best to call or check their website for the date, as distribution timing can change.

8.  
9.  

10. Senator Kevin Parker’s Annual Giveaway

    • Brooklyn district senator Kevin Parker hosts a turkey giveaway. New York State Senate

    • In 2024, over 1,000 turkeys were distributed at Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church. New York State Senate

    • To find out about the 2025 event (if it's recurring), contact his office: (718) 629-6401. New York State Senate

11.  
12.  

13. Karma Brooklyn / People In Need (PIN)

    • Thanksgiving food distribution, including halal turkey. karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com

    • Location: 766 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn. karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com

    • Date (2025): Sunday, November 16, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM per their drive. karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com

14.  
15.  

16. Local Civic / Council Giveaways

    • According to a Brooklyn Paper article, there are various turkey drives run by local leaders: Councilmember Justin Brannan, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and others. Brooklyn Paper

    • These events often take place in neighborhoods like Coney Island, Dyker Heights, etc. Brooklyn Paper

✅ Tips for Accessing These Giveaways

• Call Ahead: Even if an event is listed, call the organizer or their office to confirm the date, time, and whether there are still turkeys.

• Bring ID: Many giveaways require showing an ID. For example, the Rodneyse Bichotte giveaway explicitly says ID is required. Brooklyn Community Board 14

•  

• Arrive Early: Free turkeys often go quickly. First-come, first-served is common.

• Volunteer: Some distributions allow or even encourage people to volunteer; this can be a way to help and sometimes get a turkey.

Featuring Some Local Businesses:

1. Variety Coffee Roasters (Williamsburg)

6

Features & Highlights

• Specialty coffee roaster and café: They roast their own beans and serve high-quality pour-overs.

• Large open space with minimalist design—great for working, people-watching or meeting friends.

• Early hours (7 AM) throughout the week — good for morning coffee runs.

• Positioned in a neighborhood (Williamsburg) with lots of energy and foot traffic, which gives it a lively yet accessible vibe.

Why it’s worth visiting: If you're looking for an elevated coffee experience beyond the usual chain cafés, this place blends craft and community.

2. Greenlight Bookstore (Fulton St.) (Downtown Brooklyn)

6

Features & Highlights

• Independent bookstore with a broad selection that supports local authors and hosts events (readings, signings).

• Located on a busy commercial street (Fulton St) so it’s easily accessible from transit and shopping areas.

• Offers a comfortable browsing experience; one of the few remaining stand-alone bookshops in Brooklyn with a loyal local following.

Why it’s worth visiting: Great if you want to discover something new to read, attend a community event, or just immerse yourself in a book-lover’s setting.

3. Secret Coffee (Bushwick / Broadway)

6

Features & Highlights

• Tucked into a less tourist-heavy part of Brooklyn (Bushwick) so it has a more “local” feel.

• High review scores (4.9★) indicate strong community appreciation for the quality / vibe.

• Smaller space, which often means it’s cozy, more relaxed, and good for hanging out or catching up with friends.

Why it’s worth visiting: If you're exploring beyond the standard Brooklyn hotspots and want a café that’s more neighborhood-centric, this is a solid pick.

Quote Of The Day

"Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way."

1. Ziggy’s Roman Cafe (DUMBO)

6

• 📍 Location: 15 Main Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn

• 📄 Details: A new family-friendly Italian restaurant by the co-founder of Employees Only. It’s designed with Roman-style thin pizzas, traditional Roman dishes, and includes a mezzanine play area for kids. New York Post+1

• 🍕 Why it stands out: Combines the energy of DUMBO with approachable Italian dining and amenities for families (rare in the tourist-heavy area).

•  

2. Mango Bay (Fort Greene)

6

• 📍 Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn

• 📄 Details: A Caribbean eatery newly added to the Michelin Guide “new restaurants” list — highlighting its fresh entry into the high-quality dining scene. La Voce di New York

• 🍹 Why it stands out: Caribbean cuisine in Brooklyn continues to gain recognition — Mango Bay is one of the eight Brooklyn spots recently spotlighted. A great pick if you're looking for something vibrant and less common.

•  

3. Café Kestrel (Red Hook)

6

• 📍 Location: Red Hook, Brooklyn

• 📄 Details: A contemporary dining spot recently recognized by the Michelin Guide as a new restaurant in Brooklyn. La Voce di New York

• 🎯 Why it stands out: Red Hook has been evolving, and Café Kestrel adds a high-quality, modern restaurant to the neighborhood — great for exploring beyond the more-touristed parts of Brooklyn.

1. The Band CAMINO: The NeverAlways Tour

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 11 2025
🕒 Time: Evening (check venue for doors)
📍 Location: Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Paramount+1
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed – purchase via venue or ticket-sales platform. Brooklyn Paramount
📄 Details: Popular band The Band CAMINO will perform as part of their “NeverAlways Tour”. A great pick if you’re into live music and shows. Brooklyn Paramount

2. Braided: Stand‑up with a Twist (part of New York Comedy Festival)

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12 2025
🕒 Time: Doors at 8:15 PM; Show at 8:30 PM–9:45 PM
📍 Location: Eris Deep Space (167 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY) Brooklyn Comedy Collective (BCC)
🎟️ Admission: Approx. $20; age 21+ Brooklyn Comedy Collective (BCC)
📄 Details: A fresh stand-up show where three comedians perform simultaneously, weaving in/out of each other’s sets — part of the larger NYC Comedy Festival. Good for a fun evening out. Brooklyn Comedy Collective (BCC)

3. Companion Planting in the Food Garden — with Mushrooms!

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 12 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Botanic Garden
🎟️ Admission: Preregistration required (check BBG website) Brooklyn Botanic Garden
📄 Details: A hands-on garden workshop exploring how to boost your garden’s yield using companion planting and mushrooms. Great for gardeners and anyone curious about plants. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

WEEKEND EVENTS

  RYAN CASTRO: SENDÉ WORLD TOUR 2025

📅 Date: Saturday, November 15 2025
🕒 Time: Evening (check ticket site)
📍 Location: Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Barclays Center+1
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed (via Ticketmaster) Ticketmaster
📄 Details: Latin-music star Ryan Castro brings his “SENDÉ” world tour to Brooklyn. Big venue, high energy, great if you’re looking for a concert night out.

2. Emo Night Brooklyn

📅 Date: Saturday, November 15 2025
🕒 Time: Doors 11:00 PM LPR
📍 Location: LPR (Le Poisson Rouge) (Brooklyn-area location) – check site for exact address LPR
🎟️ Admission: $15-$110 (day of show may be higher) LPR
📄 Details: A late-night party for fans of emo/pop-punk music. DJ sets, dancing, nostalgic vibe & 21+ only. Good for a fun night out after dinner.

   Adult Beginner Dance Classes!!

📅 Date: Saturday, November 15 2025
🕒 Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Dumbo, Brooklyn
📍 Location: Brooklyn Basement Dance Co., 82 John Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY Dumbo, Brooklyn
🎟️ Admission: Check site for registration details
📄 Details: A fun, relaxed beginner-dance class for adults. Perfect if you want to move your body, try something different, and meet people in a friendly setting.

Q/A Questions

Q: What are some must-visit restaurants in Brooklyn?

A: - Some must-visit restaurants in Brooklyn are Peter Luger Steak House, Di Fara Pizza, and Roberta's.

Q: What are the top attractions in Brooklyn, New York?

A: - The top attractions in Brooklyn include Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Q: Where is the best place to shop in Brooklyn?

A: - The best place to shop in Brooklyn is Williamsburg, known for its trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and unique local stores.

🌟 Local Hero: Firefighter Patrick D. Brady

ChatGPT said:

 

Who he was:

• Patrick Brady was a 42-year-old FDNY firefighter with 11 years of service. New York City Government+2NBC New York+2

• He was assigned to Ladder Company 120 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Paper

• Brady came from a firefighting family: his two brothers, several cousins, and uncles also served in the FDNY. NBC New York+2New York City Government+2

• He was married to his wife, Kara. NBC New York

What happened:

• On November 8, 2025, Brady was operating on the roof of a six-story building on Kings Highway in Brooklyn, during a five-alarm fire, when he suffered a medical episode and went into cardiac arrest. New York City Government+2NBC New York+2

• He was treated on scene by fellow firefighters and EMS, then rushed to Brookdale University Hospital, where he later died. New York City Government+1

• According to officials, his death is being officially honored as a line-of-duty death. New York City Government+1

• The FDNY held a bunting ceremony (purple and black) at his firehouse in Brooklyn to mourn his loss. Brooklyn Paper

• His funeral was on November 15, 2025, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Belle Harbor, Queens. New York City Government+1

• Posthumously, he was promoted to Lieutenant. New York City Government

Why he’s a hero:

• He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting others — responding to a major fire in Brooklyn.

• He embodied public service: dedicated, experienced, and deeply connected to the FDNY community.

• His loss has deeply affected not just his family, but his firehouse, and the broader Brooklyn and NYC communities. NY1+2New York City Government+2

• The FDNY Foundation has joined in mourning and honored his legacy — you can donate in his memory. FDNY Foundation

---

Sources & further reading:

• AP News: a recap of the tragedy and his service AP News

• NYC.gov (FDNY / Mayor’s Office): official announcement of his line-of-duty death New York City Government+1

• FDNY Foundation: tribute + memorial fund FDNY Foundation

• Brooklyn Paper coverage: more on his firehouse and community response Brooklyn Paper

Joke Of The Day

Why did the hipster get lost in Brooklyn?

Because he couldn't find his way out of the coffee shop!

🏘️ Current Affordable Housing Lotteries in Brooklyn

🏘️

1. 2435 Pacific Street (Brownsville)

   • 10-story building with 236 affordable units. New York YIMBY

   • Income eligibility: ~30%–80% AMI. New York YIMBY

   • Rents for low-income brackets: 1 BR = $693, 2 BR = $814, 3 BR = $925 per month for the lowest-income units. New York YIMBY

   • Amenities: bike storage, playground, laundry, community room, outdoor patio. New York YIMBY

   • Lottery deadline: Check NYC Housing Connect for the most current application window.

   •  

2. 1652 East 14th Street (Midwood)

   • 7-story mixed-use building. New York YIMBY+2Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy+2

   • 6 units available at 130% AMI. New York YIMBY

   • 1-bedroom rent: $2,500 / month. New York YIMBY

   • Income eligibility (for those units): ~$94,218 – $189,540. New York YIMBY

   • Application deadline: November 26, 2025. New York YIMBY

3.  

4. 897 New York Avenue (East Flatbush)

   • 4-story building. New York YIMBY

   • 3 units at 130% AMI. New York YIMBY

   • Rents: 1 BR = $2,706, 2 BR = $3,050. Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy+1

   • Income eligibility: ~$101,280 – $227,500. New York YIMBY

   • Deadline: December 5, 2025. Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy

5.  

6. 2425 Pacific Street (East New York)

   • 236 units, some are supportive housing. Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy+2Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy+2

   • Rents range widely depending on AMI:

     • 1 BR: $693 – $2,211 Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy

     • 2 BR: $814 – $2,636 Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy

     • 3 BR: $925 – $3,031 Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy

   • Green building, high-speed internet, recreation room, bike storage. Spring Management

   • Application deadline: December 29, 2025. Homey NYC - Housing Lottery Made Easy

7.  

8. One Sunset Apartments (Sunset Park / South Brooklyn)

   • Lottery open via Housing Connect. Housing Connect

   • Eligible income band: ~$28,766 – $189,540. Housing Connect

   • Check Housing Connect for unit types, rents, and specific AMI tiers.

✅ Tips for Applying Effectively

• Go to NYC Housing Connect to view all active Brooklyn lotteries and apply. Housing Connect

• Use a service like iAffordNY to help you check eligibility and streamline your application. iAfford NY

• Carefully check income limits for each lottery — different units target different AMI bands.

• Prepare documentation: income records, household details, ID, etc., so you're ready if selected.

🏘 Affordable Housing Options & Resources in Brooklyn

1. NYC Housing Connect

2.  

   •  

   • This is the main portal for affordable housing lotteries in New York City. You can search for Brooklyn-specific listings, income requirements, unit sizes, and more. New York City Government+2New York City Government+2

   • There’s no broker fee, and everything is done through the system fairly transparently. NYCHDC+1

1. Weeksville Place (Crown Heights)

   • A lottery recently opened (or opened in the past) for 36 units in this development. Brooklyn Paper

   • Rents start very low: for example, studios from $454/month for very low income (30% AMI), up to other price points depending on income. Brooklyn Paper

   • Units are for households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Brooklyn Paper

2.  
3.  

4. The Brook (Downtown Brooklyn)

   • A large, newer development (51-story) that has 178 affordable units via lottery. Brooklyn Eagle+1

   • Rents for the affordable units start around $1,793/month (for certain income brackets) per the Brooklyn Paper. Brooklyn Paper

   • Income eligibility for these units is roughly 80%–130% of AMI, depending on household size. Brooklyn Eagle+1

5.  
6.  

7. The Everly (Fort Greene)

   • Another lottery-based development: 171 units (studio, 1BR, 2BR) in a high-rise. Brooklyn Paper

   • The “really affordable” set: 25 units at 80% AMI — studios $1,793, 1BR $1,918, 2BR $2,292/month. Brooklyn Paper

8.  
9.  

10. St. Nicks Alliance – Affordable Housing

    • This nonprofit manages a large portfolio of affordable housing in Brooklyn. St. Nicks Alliance

    • They fill many of their units via Housing Connect and also maintain waitlists. St. Nicks Alliance

    • They offer “housing workshops” to help with applying. St. Nicks Alliance

11.  
12.  

13. IMPACCT Brooklyn

    • This is an organization that helps people navigate affordable housing, including the lottery system. IMPACCT Brooklyn

    • They provide support with understanding eligibility, applying, and improving your chances. IMPACCT Brooklyn

✅ Tips for Applying

• Create a Housing Connect account and set up alerts: That way, you catch new lotteries.

• Carefully check income limits: Different buildings target different “AMI” bands (e.g., 30%, 60%, 80%, 130%), so make sure you’re eligible.

• Be ready for paperwork: If you win a lottery, you'll need to prove income, household size, and other financial details.

• Consider nonprofits like IMPACCT or St. Nicks for help with the application — they’re very familiar with the system.

• Be persistent: These lotteries can be very competitive, so applying to many increases your odds.

Exploring the World of Plant-Based Vegan with Kids

• 
  * FREE PLANT-BASED RECIPE COOKBOOK review
• How To Cook Tasty Vegan Recipes From Scratch

Discover FREE: The art of baking with "25 Most Wanted Bread Recipes,"

The Table of Contents
 
1: "The Vegan Pantry: Stocking Your Kitchen"

2: "The Basics: Vegan Cooking Techniques"

3: "Breakfast Bliss: Starting Your Day the Vegan Way"

4: "Light Bites: Vegan Snacks and Appetizers"

5: "Salads and Soups: Nutrient-Packed Vegan Dishes"

6: "Main Attractions: Hearty Vegan Entrees"

7: "Breads and Pastas: Vegan Comfort Foods"

8: "Sides and Sauces: Complementing Your Vegan Dishes"

9: "Sweet Treats: Vegan Desserts"

10: "Beverages: Vegan Drinks"

11: "Vegan Lifestyle: Tips and Tricks"

Get The Free Book Here!

Business Ads Sponsored by:

See your business here:

TravelTourClub Search and compare your next best price with exclusive VIP access.

✈️ NOTE: The first search will give you the best price.

***  We don't sell tickets, we help you find the best price

FYI   

Partners: