Dyker Heights - Image 1
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Dyker Heights

4.6
·491k reviews·, United States

Brooklyn's Dyker Heights transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with some of NYC's most extravagant Christmas light displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdMedium
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Dyker Heights - Image 1

Dyker Heights

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Brooklyn's Dyker Heights transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with some of NYC's most extravagant Christmas light displays.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Witness the most over-the-top, jaw-dropping Christmas decorations in NYC!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Driving & Parking Tips

Parking is tough! Consider a guided tour or be prepared to walk a bit from public transit.

🚶‍♀️ Best Way to Explore

Walking is ideal for soaking in the details. Wear comfy shoes!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Christmas Light Displays

Spectacular Christmas Light Displays

Various streets in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

Witness extravagant, over-the-top Christmas decorations with thousands of lights, giant inflatables, and elaborate displays.

The Famous 79th Street House

The Famous 79th Street House

635 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209

A must-see home known for its consistently dazzling and massive Christmas light installations.

Halloween House Extravaganza

Halloween House Extravaganza

84th Street & 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Experience the neighborhood's spooky side with impressive Halloween decorations that rival the Christmas displays.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Dyker Heights

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights are a seasonal spectacle, typically running from late November through early January. While the lights are on nightly, visiting on a weekday evening can offer a slightly less crowded experience than weekends. Be prepared for crowds, especially closer to Christmas.

Getting There: Car vs. Public Transit

Many visitors opt for driving to Dyker Heights, as it allows for flexibility in exploring the decorated streets. However, parking can be challenging during peak season. Public transportation is an option, but requires more walking. Consider a guided tour for a hassle-free experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Medium
When
Late November - Early January
Why
Peak holiday season magic
Crowd
High
When
October evenings
Why
Spooky Halloween displays
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn, New York City
@nyclovesnyc
35.7K likes • 632.3K views

🚗 Driving & Parking Tips

Parking is tough! Consider a guided tour or be prepared to walk a bit from public transit. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Best Way to Explore

Walking is ideal for soaking in the details. Wear comfy shoes! Instagram

LMAOO yo but it’s okay it’s for the experience <3 #fyp #dykerheightschristmaslight #dykerheights #christmas #nyc #nyclife
@3v3lynng
25K likes • 104.2K views
🤩 Our Dyker Heights 2025 Tour starts in exactly 43 weeks: Friday, November 28th, 2025 🌟 And bookings for our Tours open in less than 9 weeks: April 1st, 2025 TOUR INFO ⤵️⏳ 301 DAYS to @dykerheightschristmas Tours 🎇✨ ⤵️ Here what you will experience with Marco @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity and his amazing team when choosing our 2025 Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour: 📅 Daily from November 28th thr...
dykerheightschristmas
665 likes • 13.1K views

⏰ Visit During Peak Season

Lights are usually on from late Nov to early Jan. Check specific dates! Instagram+1

💰 Budget for Tours

Guided tours offer convenience but can be pricey. Instagram+1

That is awesome…expensive, but awesome Dyker Heights NY #christmaslights lights #diy #home decor #snow #victorian #holidays #victorianhome #gift #rusticchristmas #merrychristmas #newyear #rustic #etsy #xmas #christmastree #fypp #foryou #foryoupage #december #natal #happyholidays #christmas_mayham #christmasart #foryoupage💙 #christmascarols #fyp #fypシ #fypage #fypシ❤️💞❤️ #fypinstagram
christmas_mayhem1701
39K likes • 1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Driving & Parking Tips

Parking is tough! Consider a guided tour or be prepared to walk a bit from public transit. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Best Way to Explore

Walking is ideal for soaking in the details. Wear comfy shoes! Instagram

⏰ Visit During Peak Season

Lights are usually on from late Nov to early Jan. Check specific dates! Instagram+1

💰 Budget for Tours

Guided tours offer convenience but can be pricey. Instagram+1

📸 Capture the Magic

Bring your phone or camera for stunning photos, especially at night. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dyker Heights is celebrated for its breathtaking and over-the-top Christmas light displays, offering a truly magical holiday experience. Visitors rave about the sheer scale and creativity of the decorations, making it a unique NYC attraction. However, some find the experience can be crowded and parking extremely difficult, leading to frustration.

What People Like

Spectacular light displays
Extravagant decorations
Magical holiday atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded streets
Difficult parking
Can be repetitive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive, take public transport, or join a guided tour. Driving offers flexibility but parking is difficult. The D, N, or R subway lines will get you close, followed by a walk. Many recommend tours for ease. InstagramReddit

Parking is extremely challenging during the holiday season. Street parking is limited and often occupied. Many visitors find it easier to use public transport or book a tour. Reddit

The D, N, or R trains to the 71st Street or 79th Street stations are common starting points, followed by a walk to the main decorated areas. Instagram

Yes, numerous companies offer guided bus tours, which often include hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient option. Instagram+1

Yes, you can visit by car, but be prepared for significant traffic and limited parking. Some visitors find driving stressful during peak times. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the lights from the street is free! You only need to purchase tickets if you opt for a guided tour. Instagram

The lights are typically on every night from late November through early January, usually from around 5 PM to 10 PM or later. Instagram+1

The display usually begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until January 1st. Instagram

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights display itself is free to view from the public sidewalks. Costs are associated with guided tours or transportation. Instagram

Yes, Dyker Heights also features impressive Halloween decorations, typically in October. The display locations are similar. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Nighttime offers the most dramatic effect with the lights fully illuminated. Golden hour just before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting. Instagram

Use a tripod for stability, a wider aperture (lower f-number) for low light, and a higher ISO if needed. Experiment with long exposures. Instagram

Yes, tripods are generally allowed on the sidewalks for personal photography. Be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Yes, you can take photos of the houses from the public sidewalk. Please be respectful of residents' privacy. Instagram

Use a wide-angle lens to fit more of the elaborate displays into your frame. Try different angles to showcase the height and breadth of the decorations. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The primary attraction is the light displays. Nearby neighborhoods offer dining options, but the focus is on the residential decorations. TikTok

If you use public transport or are dropped off, expect to walk several blocks to see the most decorated houses. Comfortable shoes are a must. Instagram

Many visitors find the displays incredibly impressive and a unique NYC holiday experience, though some find it 'boring' after a while. TikTokInstagram

The most famous displays are concentrated between 11th and 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Streets. Instagram

Dyker Heights is generally considered a safe, residential neighborhood. Standard precautions for visiting any area at night apply. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dyker Heights is primarily a residential area, so dining options directly within the most decorated blocks are limited. You'll find more restaurants a few avenues away or in nearby neighborhoods. Instagram

Some tour packages might include stops for hot chocolate or snacks, but it's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or bring your own. Instagram

You can find a variety of cuisines, including Italian, American, and delis, in the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dyker Heights is a fantastic destination for families looking for holiday magic. The sheer scale and wonder of the Christmas lights will captivate children of all ages. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking to see the best displays. Consider visiting on a weeknight to avoid the largest crowds, making it easier for little ones to navigate. TikTokInstagram

While there aren't many dedicated kid-friendly attractions within Dyker Heights itself, the experience of seeing the houses is magical enough. Some tours might offer stops with treats like hot chocolate, which can be a nice bonus for families. Bringing snacks and drinks is also a good idea, as food options directly in the decorated areas are limited. Instagram

🚗 Visitors with Cars

If you're planning to visit Dyker Heights by car, be prepared for a challenging parking situation, especially during peak holiday season. Research parking options in advance or be ready to circle blocks extensively. Some visitors suggest parking a few avenues away and walking in to avoid the immediate congestion. InstagramReddit

Consider visiting on a weekday evening to potentially find slightly easier parking. Alternatively, if parking proves too difficult, you might consider parking further away and using a ride-sharing service for the last leg of your journey. A guided tour is often the most practical solution for those who prefer not to deal with parking hassles. Instagram+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Dyker Heights offers a spectacular backdrop for photographers, especially at night. Bring a tripod to capture the best low-light shots and avoid blurry images. Experiment with long exposures to create light trails and capture the full brilliance of the decorations. Instagram

Utilize a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the elaborate displays. Look for unique angles and compositions to make your photos stand out. While the Christmas lights are the main event, don't forget to capture the equally impressive Halloween decorations if you visit in October. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spectacle of Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Dyker Heights in Brooklyn transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland each holiday season, renowned for its incredibly elaborate and over-the-top Christmas light displays. Homeowners compete to create the most extravagant decorations, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, giant inflatable figures, animated scenes, and even professional lighting designs. The tradition has grown over the years, attracting visitors from all over the world eager to witness this unique New York City spectacle. TikTokInstagram

These displays are not just simple string lights; they are meticulously planned and executed, with some homeowners reportedly spending tens of thousands of dollars on their decorations. The sheer scale and creativity are what make Dyker Heights a must-visit during the holiday season. From classic Santas and reindeer to elaborate nativity scenes and modern light shows, there's something to awe everyone. Instagram+1

While the Christmas lights are the main draw, it's worth noting that Dyker Heights also puts on a fantastic show for Halloween. Similar to the Christmas decorations, houses are adorned with spooky props, cobwebs, and eerie lighting, creating a festive and slightly frightful atmosphere. Instagram+1

Navigating Dyker Heights: Transportation and Tours

Getting to Dyker Heights can be part of the adventure, with various options catering to different preferences. Driving offers the most flexibility to explore at your own pace, but finding parking can be a significant challenge, especially on weekends and closer to Christmas. Many visitors report circling blocks for extended periods or having to park several avenues away. InstagramReddit

Public transportation is a viable alternative. Taking the D, N, or R subway lines to stations like 71st or 79th Street will bring you close to the main decorated areas. From there, it's a walk of several blocks to reach the most impressive displays. This option requires comfortable walking shoes and a willingness to navigate the neighborhood on foot. Instagram

For a more convenient and stress-free experience, guided tours are highly recommended. These tours often depart from Manhattan and provide transportation directly to the heart of Dyker Heights. Some tours even include additional holiday experiences, like a stop at Bryant Park's Winter Village for hot chocolate. While tours come at a cost, they eliminate the hassle of parking and navigation, allowing you to fully enjoy the dazzling displays. Instagram+1

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