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?

Barclays Center is the epicenter for big, live events throughout the year. But the arena 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.

15 events to enjoy this holiday season

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

Live music

David Tao will play Barclays on November 30 for his Soul Power II North American Tour. The Taiwanese musician’s blend of R&B and rock might have you transcending all night.

Christian Nodal is stopping at Barclays on December 3. As a three-time Latin Grammy winner, his mariacheño music will make for a spectacular evening.

Lorde is performing for two nights in a row at Barclays Center on her Ultrasound World Tour. Sink into her minimalist yet immersive recent music on December 16 and 17.

The Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney, Franklin Jonas, and Deleasa are playing a giant show at Barclays on December 22. Expect pop classics and newer hits alike.

Rod Wave’s Redemption Experience Tour on December 23 is the last music event of 2025 at Barclays. Wave’s strong vocals will probably soar through the huge venue.

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:

Opponent	Date	Time
vs. Charlotte Hornets	Dec. 1	7:30 pm
vs. Utah Jazz	Dec. 4	7:30 pm
vs. New Orleans Pelicans	Dec. 6	5:00 pm
vs. Miami Heat	Dec. 18	7:30 pm
vs. Toronto Raptors	Dec. 21	6:00 pm
vs. Golden State Warriors	Dec. 29	7:30 pm
vs. Houston Rockets	Jan. 1	6:00 pm
vs. Denver Nuggets	Jan. 4	7:30 pm
vs. Orlando Magic	Jan. 7	7:30 pm
vs. LA Clippers	Jan. 9	7:30 pm

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 can get lucky with last-minute tickets 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 Downtown Brooklyn dispensary 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 and its immediate surrounding area are non-smoking areas. 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.