While visiting New York City in 2021 we were looking to see some over the top Christmas lights you see in the movies. We done a bit of research and found Dyker Heights Christmas Lights was one of those places and off we went.
What is it all about?
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a neighbourhood collective that go a bit crazy during the festive season and decorate their houses to the limit, like the ones you see in the movies. You won’t have seen anything like this in the world, we guarantee that.
Where is Dyker Heights?
Dyker Heights is an area in south Brooklyn, the area is pretty big and there are light displays throughout the area. However, the main displays would be in the area of 11th to 13th Avenues, between 83rd and 86th Streets.
How do you get to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights?
The easiest way to get to Dyker Heights will be by subway. There are 3 options here –
N train– The closest stop is Fort Hamilton Parkway.
R train – The closest stop is 86th Street.
D train – The closest stop is 79th Street.
All of these stations are around 15-20 minutes walk, unless you know where you’re going, we would recommend jumping in an Uber to take you to the area from the stations. Remember the time you will be going is after work so these trains can be busy with commuters.
For more information on using the subway and prices etc check out the MTA website.
There are also options for tours from Manhattan, they looked very pricey and we aren’t really sure you would get much benefit from a tour guide.
When to visit?
Most of the displays start to appear the weekend after Thanksgiving. We visited early December and the experience was in full flow, and goes on until New Years Eve. Lights are switched on daily between dusk and 9pm.
How long do we need?
We spent around 90 minutes in the area and concentrated on about 5 streets across 2 blocks. It was at that point the gaps between decorated houses were getting bigger.
Remember…
This is a residential area. Show respect to the residents of the area by using the bins for your rubbish, don’t get too close to the houses (seeing people standing in front gardens was a bit much in our eyes) and if driving please respect the rules of the road.
We really hope you take the time to go visit Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. It really is a wonderful Christmas experience; one we will talk about for years to come. Looking for other things to do in New York, check out other ideas here.
If you have been which house was your favourite? Comment below.
Thanks
The Lewis Family.