Can’t-Miss Barclays Center Events This Holiday Season

There’s no place like NYC during the holidays (feel free to click your heels three times). If you want to stay in the celebratory spirit but don’t want to hop to Christmas tree lightings and holiday-themed restaurants, take a ride to Downtown Brooklyn’s largest venue, and home of the Nets: Barclays Center.

Why is Barclays Center the holiday hotspot?

The arena is the epicenter for big, live events throughout the year. But Barclays Center can be your home for the holidays, too. Aside from its packed winter calendar, it’s also located near places to get your holiday shopping done, and spots to take a break from your holiday shopping.

14 events to enjoy this holiday season

Let’s get into the hot dates to mark during the winter months.

Live music

The “King of R&B” is ushering in the holiday season of Barclays Center live music. You can catch Usher on his “Past, Present, Future” tour on December 5th and 6th. Not sorry about that pun.

Bring your dancing shoes for Aventura for their December 12th stop on their Cerrando Ciclo tour. The iconic Bronx-born band is known for modern bachata.

Jonathan Lee is hitting Barclays on his world tour on December 14th. As “The godfather of Taiwanese Mandopop,” his music will have you in for an unforgettable experience.

Zach Bryan isn’t quitting on country fans with two days at the Barclays during The Quitting Time Tour. On December 18th and 19th, he’s backed by Matt Maeson and Levi Turner.

With top billing Bryson Tiller,Meek Mill, and Cash Cobain, Funk Flex Winter Fest gives 2024 a well-deserved send-off on December 28th.

And finally, It’s not the holidays unless Mariah Carey sings it so. If you need more holiday cheer, mark December 17th on your calendar. Her Christmas Time tour will make any grinchy heart grow three times its size.

Let’s go Nets: Home game dates during the holidays

The home of the Nets only heats up during the cold months. The team has some big games coming up:

• The Nets are hosting the Milwaukee Bucks for an afternoon faceoff on December 8th.
• To close out the year, the Nets have the Utah Jazz lined up on December 21st and the San Antonio Spurs on December 27th.
• The team doesn’t get much of a New Year’s break because the Philadelphia 76ers are coming to Barclays on January 4th and the Pistons on the 8th.

Other sports at Barclays Center

The Nets aren’t the only ones scoring Ws at Barclays. On December 7th, the Women’s Champions Classic is taking the court. Four of the best women’s college basketball teams face off in a doubleheader. Tennessee and Iowa battle it out at 7 p.m. and Louisville takes on UConn at 9 p.m.

It’s the men’s college basketball time on December 21st. During this year’s Gotham Classic, Syracuse and the University of Maryland battle it out.

Where to get tickets for Barclays Center Events

Obviously, there are the big names like the Barclays Center website and Ticketmaster. But sometimes you get lucky with last-minute and resell tickets. Check places like SeatGeek or Gametime for a great last-minute deal.

Making the most of your time at Barclays Center

Instead of just doing a quick stop for your event at Barclays Center, you can spend a whole wonderful day in downtown Brooklyn. If you want to pair your event with some shopping, there’s the Atlantic Center mall right across from Barclays. But if you want something special, head to Flatbush and Atlantic Avenue to hit the holiday market at City Point, part of the Makers Show.

Our DTBK branch is also just around the corner — or more precisely, two blocks — from Barclays Center. If your shopping list is long, take a page out of our favorite shopping destinations in Downtown Brooklyn guide. And if you have time to stay a little while and become part of the neighborhood, there are tons of events happening around here in winter, too.

A refresher on consumption rules in New York City

Barclays Center is a non-smoking event venue, which includes its immediate surrounding area. The rest of Brooklyn follows city rules: you’re allowed to smoke weed in most places you can smoke tobacco (except cars, even parked ones). Here’s your full guide on where you can and can’t smoke weed in NYC. As always, there’s the law of social norms, too: don’t be a jerk. Respect the rules of the venue and be cognizant of the people around you.

If you’re visiting The Travel Agency for the first time and you’re not sure what to ask for, we’ve got your back with a first-time visitor’s guide to dispensaries and a guide to how much you can purchase.

DTBK: a home for the holidays

While it’s always a great time in Downtown Brooklyn, the holiday season really does step it up. For whatever travel itinerary you choose, be sure to come prepared with supplies — they also make great gifts for those you love. Self-love counts, too.