‘Tis The Holiday Season in Astoria
Though there is so much to love about our neighborhood all 12 months out of the year, there is something extra special about Astoria in December. The festively decorated storefronts and streets lined with sparkling lights make our home shine brightest during the holiday season. Of course, this time of year also brings a long list of neighborhood events and festivities to attend—as well as gifts to be bought, parties to be supplied, treats to be eaten, and cocktails to be sipped. Since we know it can be hard to find time for everything, we’ve curated a list of the top local events, markets, treat shops, shopping destinations, and cozy hangouts that you should make space for on your calendar this holiday season.
Festive Events & Holiday Markets:
Annual Astoria Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Image Courtesy Central Astoria
One of Astoria’s most cherished traditions is the annual tree lighting ceremony at Astoria Park’s Great Lawn. Every year, this event brings the community together to spread cheer joyously and toast to the upcoming holiday season. This year, the tree will be lit on December 7th, during the event, which begins at 4:00 p.m. With live caroling and a special giveaway hosted by Santa himself, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this opportunity to ring in the festive spirit alongside your friends and neighbors.
Astoria Park I December 7th, 4pm – 5:15pm I centralastoria.org
Astoria Holiday Market at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
Image Courtesy Astoria Market
One of Astoria’s most treasured gems, Bohemian Beer Garden, will once again be the location for this year’s artisan holiday market. Taking place on December 7th and 14th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., local business owners and artists will have a variety of different handmade and vintage goods on display—including clothing, jewelry, baked goods, and unique holiday gifts. As this market is taking place at Bohemian Hall, there will of course be an extensive selection of craft beer and delicious food available as you shop as well. Be sure to visit, as this can’t-miss event is a great way to support local artisans and small businesses this time of year.
29-19 24th Ave I December 7th and 14th, 12pm – 6pm I astoriamarket.com
Queens Craft Brigade Makers Market at QED
Image Queens Craft Brigade
On December 14th, Queens Craft Brigade will be hosting its holiday makers market at its new home, QED. From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., you’ll find tons of locally designed products made by independent artists at this community-driven market. No matter who you are shopping for on your list, you’ll be sure to find something that they will treasure—plus you’ll feel a sense of pride about your decision to shop small and buy local this holiday season. Don’t miss out!
27-16 23rd Ave I December 14th, 12pm – 5pm I queenscraftbrigade.com
Victory Garden Cafe’s Christmas Party
Local favorite, Victory Garden Cafe, is opening its doors to all neighborhood residents on Sunday, December 14th, for its annual Christmas party. Always one of the most festive events of the season, attendees will be offered a special Christmas menu featuring a variety of dinner options, as well as holiday drinks and desserts. There are plenty of activities scheduled for the kids, too, including holiday craft making, arcade games, Christmas story time, and a visit from Santa. If you’re looking for something that the whole family will enjoy this December, then this is the event for you.
21-69 Steinway St I December 14th, 3:30pm I I victorysweetshop.com
Winter Wonder at the Garden
Though there will be no shortage of holiday festivities in Astoria this winter, if you’re looking to venture a little bit outside the neighborhood, Winter Wonder at the Queens Botanical Garden is something that you must mark down on your calendar. Taking place on December 7th, the event is free for members, and tickets for non-members only cost six dollars. A small price to pay for an afternoon consisting of live music, holiday crafts, seasonal shopping, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive drinks at the Holiday Bar, at much more. Be sure to stay until the end, as the day will conclude with an enchanting lantern walk to the annual tree lighting.
43-50 Main St, Flushing I December 7th, 12:00pm – 4:30pm I queensbotanical.org
The 5th Annual Dave’s Lesbian Bar Queer Holiday Market
Returning this year for its fifth installment, the Queer Holiday Market presented by Dave’s Lesbian Bar is a festive celebration of love, creativity, and community. Taking place on Saturday, December 13th, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, the market will have an unbelievable amount of goods from local artists and artisans. Always a festive event, this year’s market should bring the same inclusive, community-driven, and cheerful vibes that it has in years past.
29-19 24th Ave I December 13th, 12:00pm – 8:00pm I I daveslesbianbar.com
Holiday Film Screenings at the MoMI and Regal UA Kaufman
On many occasions throughout December, one of Astoria’s premier attractions, The Museum of the Moving Image, will be hosting holiday film screenings. On December 13th, 14th, and 21st, MoMI will be showing The Muppet Christmas Carol in its magnificent Redstone Theater. The screenings act as a perfect complement to the museum’s beloved ongoing Jim Henson exhibit, something that is worth visiting all year round. MoMI will also be showing the modern Greek classic, The Christmas Tango, on December 14th.
For something a bit more familiar, plan to visit Astoria’s local multiplex, Regal UA Kaufman, for their holiday screenings throughout December. From the 6th through the 14th, the theater will be showing holiday favorites like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, The Polar Express, and Elf. They also have a mystery screening of a holiday classic scheduled for the 8th.
36-01 35th Ave I I movingimage.org
35-30 38th St I I regmovies.com
Gingerbread House Making Party at Mom’s
If you’re looking for an event that will put you in the holiday mood while satisfying your sweet tooth, then the gingerbread house making party on December 17th at Mom’s is perfect for you. While you build your house, holiday movies will be playing, an ugly sweater contest will be taking place, and holiday drink specials will be offered to all guests. At the end of the night, awards will be handed out for “Best in Show” house and “Worst in Show” house, for the creation that best embraces the chaos of the season. Solo tickets are $45 and include general admission, a gingerbread house kit, and a cup of hot cocoa. Couple and group tickets are available as well.
33-01 31st Ave I December 17th, 7pm – 9pm I eatmomsnyc.com
Holiday Story Time at Astoria Bookshop
Since it is responsible for some of the best and most educational kid-friendly events throughout the year, it is no surprise that Astoria Bookshop has a great holiday-themed story time scheduled for this December. On the 14th, Queens author David Ezra Stein will be at the shop with his newest picture book, Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker. A great family-friendly event, this is the perfect opportunity for you and your little ones to escape the holiday craziness for an afternoon and enjoy a story and some quiet time at one of Astoria’s most quaint small businesses.
36-19 30th St I December 14th, 11:30am – 12:15pm I astoriabookshop.com
Christmas Karaoke at Rivercrest
Calling all Christmas music lovers, Rivercrest will be hosting a night of Christmas karaoke on Thursday, December 11th, starting at 9:00 p.m. Bring your friends, have a few drinks, and belt out your favorite holiday anthems with a cheerful crowd. It will be a festive night and a great way to blow off some steam during the busiest month of the year.
33-15 Ditmars Blvd I December 11th, 9:00pm I rivercrestny.com
Shop Small for Everyone on Your List:
Lockwood
Lockwood’s flagship Astoria location has been a neighborhood favorite ever since it opened its doors. Inside, you will find no shortage of custom and locally designed items, unique gifts, and charming Astoria and NYC themed products. With a wide variety of goods available, including extensive home decor, kitchenware, and jewelry collections, you will be sure to find something for everyone on your list at Lockwood. You can also browse their large selection of holiday candles and tree ornaments if you are looking for something to spruce up your own home this season. Don’t forget to make a stop at their neighboring stationary store, Lockwood Paper, for all your gift bag and wrapping paper needs—as well as their clothing store, Lockwood Style, to find something extra for any of the special someone’s on your list.
32-15 33rd St I 718.626.6030 I lockwoodshop.com
The Brass Owl
This hip and fun boutique is a great place to visit when rounding out your holiday shopping. Not only will you be able to find a number of great gifts for those on your list, but you will also be able to browse their festive holiday themed sweaters, tote bags, and candles. Whether you’re shopping for someone else or looking for a holiday gift for yourself, The Brass Owl has a ton of great options that are bound to add some joyful cheer to your, sometimes tiring, holiday shopping.
36-19 Ditmars Blvd I 347.848.0905 I thebrassowl.com
The Bier & Cheese Collective
For the foodie on your list, head over to The Bier & Cheese Collective on Ditmars Boulevard. This welcoming and distinctive establishment is not just the neighborhood’s preeminent provider of craft beers, cured meats, and artisanally crafted cheeses—it is also the place to find some of the finest specialty grocery items in all of Astoria. They have plenty of unique spreads, sauces, and spices, among other things, available for purchase. Sometimes, a thoughtful food or drink gift is the perfect option for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life.
35-11 Ditmars Blvd I 718.255.6982 I bierandcheese.com
Pancakes Records
The music lover on your list will be more than thrilled if you choose to head on over to Pancakes Records to pick up their gift this holiday season. With an extensive selection of new and pre-owned records in a variety of genres, Pancakes has something for every music enthusiast out there, regardless of their age or taste. This chic shop is also home to an art gallery displaying works from local artists. It is a truly special community space and has been a very welcome addition to the neighborhood since it opened its doors.
20-77 Steinway St I 718.233.8666 I pancakes-records.com
Astoria Bookshop
If it’s a bookworm that you’re shopping for, there’s no better place to visit than Astoria Bookshop. Here, you’ll find a massive selection of books in every genre, as well as puzzles, games, and accessories. If you’re not a literature expert but want to make sure you pick something worthwhile for the book lover on your list, check out Astoria Bookshop’s staff picks. It is a shop run by and for book obsessives, so their recommendations are safe to trust. And, if you’re shopping for a local avid reader but are not sure what book is next on their list, Astoria Bookshop has you covered with both physical and e-gift cards available for purchase.
36-19 30th St I 718.278.2665 I astoriabookshop.com
Holiday Sweet Treats:
Martha’s Country Bakery
Image Courtesy Martha’s Country Bakery
Do yourself a favor and visit this classic and beloved NYC bakery at least once this holiday season. Indulge in their iconic Berry Napoleon, or perhaps just sip on something from their extensive hot chocolate and coffee menus. Whatever you choose to order, you definitely won’t regret stopping into Martha’s on a cold December afternoon or night. It is certainly a must-do for Astorians trying to experience as much holiday magic as possible this season.
36-21 Ditmars Blvd I 718.545.9737 I marthascountrybakery.com I 3.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
La Guli Pastry Shop
Since 1937, La Guli has been satisfying Astorians with their delectable, handcrafted Italian baked goods. Their unique and festively designed treats are perfect for any upcoming holiday party or family gathering. Guests of any event will be thanking you nonstop if you show up with one of La Guli’s delicious cookie assortments.
29-15 Ditmars Blvd I 718.728.5612 I laguli.com I 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Gian Piero Bakery
Image Courtesy Gian Piero Bakery
Feel like you’re visiting Italy this holiday season by making a trip to Gian Piero Bakery. Known for their Italian rainbow cookies and decadent cannoli, this bakery excels in holiday classics that transport your taste buds straight to Naples. Always offering fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, and pastries, picking up something at Gian Piero before your next holiday outing is sure to make you the star of the party.
4417 30th Ave I 718.274.8959 I gianpierobakery.com I 4.3 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio is a go-to destination for all your holiday dessert needs. From cheesecakes to cookies to cupcakes, they have everything you need to indulge in a little sweetness this season. Their tiramisu is one of the standout items, and is sure to be a big hit at any festive celebration you bring it to this month.
29-14 30th Ave I 718.267.0052 I ilfornaionyc.com I 4.4 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Parisi Bakery
If you’re looking for great pastries and bread, visit one of Astoria’s coziest gems, Parisi Bakery. Their croissants, baguettes, specialty breads, pastries, cakes, and cookies are as elegant as they are delicious. It is the perfect spot to pick up a gift-worthy treat, or just something sweet for you to enjoy.
30-17 Broadway I 718.728.5282 I I 3.8 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Cozy Spots to Warm Up at With a Holiday Drink:
Sweet Afton
Image Courtesy Sweet Afton
Sweet Afton, one of Astoria’s most adored restaurants, epitomizes festive coziness. With its warm decor, inventive cocktail offerings, and welcoming aesthetic, it really is the ideal spot to get together and share a meal with friends, family members, or loved ones this holiday season. Indulge in a glass of their Sweater Weather Sangria or hot mulled spiked cider to warm you up and get you in the holiday spirit this December. Regardless of what you order, though, you won’t regret fitting in a trip to this charming neighborhood favorite into your schedule this season.
30-09 34th St I 718.777.2570 I sweetaftonbar.com I 4.0 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
The Last Word
If you’re looking for a speakeasy vibe with an impressive cocktail menu, The Last Word is the perfect place to find respite from the winter weather. Featuring a cozy ambiance, comfortable couches, expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz every Sunday evening, and a weekend happy hour, this enchanting bar will make the holiday season feel warm, sophisticated, and relaxing. And if you really need to warm up due to the outside elements, The Last Word’s menu features a delicious Hot Toddy that will bring the cozy vibes.
31-30 Ditmars Blvd I 718.440.3378 I tlwcocktailbar.com I 4.1 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Heart of Gold
Tucked away on a quaint section of 31st Avenue, Heart of Gold is a favorite cold-weather destination for Astorians in the know. With a dark and cozy ambiance, this welcoming and trendy spot is a great place to go to comfortably relax and blow off some holiday steam over a few drinks. Though they have some tremendous cocktail offerings, Heart of Gold really prides itself on its amazing local craft beer selections. For beer lovers, there really is no better place in Astoria to hang out this December than Heart of Gold.
37-14 31st Ave I 718.255.1844 I heartofgoldnyc.com I 4.7 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
Honey Fitz
Still a relatively new addition to the neighborhood, Honey Fitz has quickly become a favorite of many Astorians in 2025. This charmingly authentic Irish pub is the premier spot to split the G this holiday season. After a few pints of Guinness here, you’ll forget all about the stresses of the season and instead be filled with holiday comfort and coziness. And don’t neglect Honey Fitz’s food offerings, as the chicken pot pie will assuredly have you feeling the warmth we all require this time of year.
30-09 Broadway I honeyfitzbar.com I 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Yelp)
