The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights display is one of the most magical holiday experiences in New York City. Every year, this Brooklyn neighborhood transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, and the spectacle is unbelievable!
And trust me—New York knows how to do Christmas, but Dyker Heights is extravagant even by our standards. Known for its insane decorations, life-sized Santas, shimmering reindeer, and thousands of twinkling lights, Dyker Heights should be at the top of your New York Christmas sightseeing list!
Getting to this area of Brooklyn requires some advance planning and can be confusing for newcomers, but don’t worry. As a New Yorker, I’ve got the route and planning absolutely down. This is exactly how you’re going to visit the most incredible Dyker Heights Christmas lights this holiday season!
The History of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The tradition of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights began in the 1980s when a few residents decided to decorate their homes for the holidays. Although no one can say 100% for sure, Lucy Spata is often credited with starting the trend, adorning her house with lights and decorations to spread holiday cheer. Her enthusiasm quickly inspired neighbors to follow suit, and over time, the decorations grew increasingly elaborate. (I will say that the Spata house is still one of the best, if not the best in the neighborhood!)
Today, this local tradition has evolved into a major attraction, with some homes even featuring professional light displays and synchronized music. It’s one of the best things to see in NYC during Christmas!
🎄 Read more: Christmas in New York: The Best Holiday Decor Locations
When to See the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights typically come up just after Thanksgiving. Most of the homes that participate are fully decorated by the end of the first week of December. The best time to visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is between December 1st and Christmas Day, as the displays are at their peak! Many homeowners keep their decorations up through the new year, so you can still catch the lights if you visit in late December, but I would try to visit before January if at all possible.
I personally prefer coming to see the lights around 4 PM so you can see the decorations both in the light and when it’s dark. This is because some of the decor isn’t fully lit, so you can both appreciate the non-lit decorations and the beautiful sparkling Christmas lights once the night falls!
Weekdays are obviously going to be less crowded than weekends, but it doesn’t usually get too bad since this is a neighborhood—with a little patience, you can see everything you like.
How to Get to Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is a neighborhood located in southwestern Brooklyn. It’s easily accessible by public transportation or car.
- By Subway: This is the preferred method (and the most New Yorkish!) Take the D train to 79th Street or the R train to 86th Street. From either station, it’s a short walk or cab ride to the heart of the light displays, centered around 11th to 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th Streets.
- By Bus: The B1 and B64 buses provide service to the area, with stops close to the decorated streets.
- By Car: If you’re driving, be prepared for limited parking and heavy traffic, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. I really don’t recommend driving in the city, but you can always take a taxi or Uber.
- Guided Tours: Several tour companies offer guided bus tours from Manhattan to Dyker Heights, which is a great option if you don’t want the hassle of getting there yourself! Here are a few options that I’ve found:
What to Expect at Dyker Heights
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are incredibly impressive and extremely festive! Expect to see homes decked out with thousands of lights, oversized nutcrackers, animatronic figures, and even live performers in some cases. Residents compete to have the most eye-catching displays, though I don’t know if there are any official winners.
The best lights are located at houses between 11th and 13th Ave, between 83rd and 86th Street. I recommend walking in a back-and-forth, up and down the street from 86th Street up to 83rd Street. You’ll see some beautiful classic lights, like the Spata House, the Let It Snow House, the Frank Magano House (aka the Believe House), and the Forest of Lights!
Tips for Visiting Dyker Heights
To make the most of your visit to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress Warmly: December in New York can be chilly, so bundle up to stay comfortable during your walk. Especially once night falls, it can easily drop into the 30s.
- Arrive Early: Weekends and evenings can get crowded, so arrive early to avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Bring Cash: Some vendors and nearby cafes may not accept cards, so having cash on hand is helpful.
- Respect the Neighborhood: Remember, Dyker Heights is a residential area. Be respectful of the homeowners and their property while enjoying the displays. Sometimes I see lots of trash on the sidewalks, which is really awful considering the residents here put up the lights for people to enjoy for free.
- Be Prepared for Outdoors: Dyker Heights is a neighborhood and all outside, so there aren’t any facilities here like bathrooms. The best place to find a bathroom is at a nearby restaurant, but you should buy something if you’re going to use their restroom.
Where to Eat Near Dyker Heights
After checking out the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, you’ll have worked up an appetite! All that walking in the cold makes you hungry (I’m speaking from experience). Here are some good picks for restaurants near Dyker Heights:
- Tommaso Restaurant: A Dyker Heights staple known for its hearty Italian dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
- Tanoreen: This Palestinian restaurant isn’t that close to Dyker Heights, but it’s a must-visit in my opinion! It’s won tons of dining awards (Michelin Bib Gourmand, James Beard, Zagat etc) and has huge, delicious portions.
- Skinflints: A family-friendly spot with classic burgers and comfort food in a vintage-inspired ambiance.
- Sancho’s Restaurant: A nearby Spanish eatery offering flavorful dishes like paella and tapas.
🎄 Read more: The 10 Most Festive Christmas Restaurants & Bars in NYC
Conclusion
There’s a reason why the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a New York City tradition! Even though it came from humble beginnings, this Brooklyn neighborhood is now one of the craziest holiday spectacles the city has to offer. Dress up warmly and embrace the holiday spirit, and don’t forget to snap plenty of photos while humming along to the Christmas tunes!
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