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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Dyker Heights
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Brooklyn's Dyker Heights transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with some of NYC's most extravagant Christmas light displays.
"Witness the most over-the-top, jaw-dropping Christmas decorations in NYC!"
🚗 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
635 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209
A must-see home known for its consistently dazzling and massive Christmas light installations.

Halloween House Extravaganza
84th Street & 10th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Experience the neighborhood's spooky side with impressive Halloween decorations that rival the Christmas displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Dyker Heights
Getting There: Car vs. Public Transit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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!
⏰ Visit During Peak Season
Lights are usually on from late Nov to early Jan. Check specific dates!
💰 Budget for Tours
Guided tours offer convenience but can be pricey.
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.
🚶♀️ Best Way to Explore
Walking is ideal for soaking in the details. Wear comfy shoes!
⏰ Visit During Peak Season
Lights are usually on from late Nov to early Jan. Check specific dates!
💰 Budget for Tours
Guided tours offer convenience but can be pricey.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your phone or camera for stunning photos, especially at night.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Yes, numerous companies offer guided bus tours, which often include hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a convenient option.
Yes, you can visit by car, but be prepared for significant traffic and limited parking. Some visitors find driving stressful during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the lights from the street is free! You only need to purchase tickets if you opt for a guided tour.
The lights are typically on every night from late November through early January, usually from around 5 PM to 10 PM or later.
The display usually begins the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs until January 1st.
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights display itself is free to view from the public sidewalks. Costs are associated with guided tours or transportation.
Yes, Dyker Heights also features impressive Halloween decorations, typically in October. The display locations are similar.
📸 📸 Photography
Nighttime offers the most dramatic effect with the lights fully illuminated. Golden hour just before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
Use a tripod for stability, a wider aperture (lower f-number) for low light, and a higher ISO if needed. Experiment with long exposures.
Yes, tripods are generally allowed on the sidewalks for personal photography. Be mindful of other visitors.
Yes, you can take photos of the houses from the public sidewalk. Please be respectful of residents' privacy.
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.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the light displays. Nearby neighborhoods offer dining options, but the focus is on the residential decorations.
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.
Many visitors find the displays incredibly impressive and a unique NYC holiday experience, though some find it 'boring' after a while.
The most famous displays are concentrated between 11th and 13th Avenues, and from 83rd to 86th Streets.
Dyker Heights is generally considered a safe, residential neighborhood. Standard precautions for visiting any area at night apply.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
You can find a variety of cuisines, including Italian, American, and delis, in the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚗 Visitors with Cars
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
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.
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.
Navigating Dyker Heights: Transportation and Tours
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.
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit