Christmas time in New York City is one of the most magical times to visit, and if you landed on this page, you are likely visiting in December and love Christmas lights! Not only are the Dkyer Heights Christmas Lights some of the best holiday lights in the city I have ever seen, but they are a local holiday tradition that makes visiting feel a little more special. As a local, I will teach you everything you need to know for visiting the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights this holiday season!
First time in NYC? Here are 25+ Travel Tips to Know Before You Go!
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What Are The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
If you’re not from New York, or even from one of the Boroughs, you may be wondering what Dyker Heights even is. I know many of my Long Island friends never heard of it!
So, Dyker Heights is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that is legendary for its Christmas light displays. In fact, it is more like a battle royale of who has the brightest and most in-your-face lights.
It always reminds me of the movie “The Grinch” when they are doing the most over-the-top Christmas lights. This tradition started back in the 1980s with Lucy Spata, and it’s been going on ever since! Now, it is estimated that 100,000 people come out every year to see these Christmas Lights!
Are These Christmas Lights Worth Visiting
Before we get into the full guide, let’s decide if they are for you. I actually see this question all the time. Since these holiday light displays and decorations are located in Brooklyn, many people are unsure if they want to take the trip out of Manhattan.
Also, tourists visiting Manhattan don’t always feel comfortable taking the subway into Brooklyn at night when the holiday lights are going on.
So, to answer this question, I definitely do think they are worth seeing if you love Christmas decorations, want to feel more like a local, don’t mind crowds, and do okay in the cold. Plus, it is totally free to walk around these epic homes and see the lights! If the answer to any of those are “no,” you might want to skip them.
As a holiday lover myself, I have been here several times, and while the decorations do not usually change, it is still a lovely way to spend an evening during Christmas time. This is also a great activity to do with children as well – just make sure to check the weather beforehand and bundle up accordingly!
How To Get To Here
There are 3 different ways to get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. If you’re leaving from Manhattan, the most popular way for you to get here will be by public transportation.
The R, N, Q, W, and D train lines will bring you near Dyker Heights. These Subway stations are 71st Street, Fort Hamilton Pkwy, 77th Street, and 86th Street.
The only downside to taking the subway is that it is around a 20-30-minute walk, depending on the train station, and usually, it can be pretty cold at night. From the train station, you could try and get an Uber or Lyft, however. Here are the Subway Maps and a Subway Guide.
If you are coming from somewhere else in New York, I would recommend driving. Mainly because it can be very cold, so it is nice to be able to hop into the car. If you do drive, be cautious of red light cameras and speed cameras. Rule of thumb: don’t go over 25 MPH in Brooklyn.
The other downside to driving is finding parking. If you go early, right as the 5 PM – 6 PM, you are more likely to find parking and avoid the large crowds.
The last option is hopping on a Dyker Heights Christmas lights bus tour. These bus tours are very popular if you’re coming from the city. You won’t have to worry about the subway, or walking to the lights, and you will be nice and warm on the bus. The only downside to the Christmas Lights tour is that it is more pricey, but on a cold winter day, I think it is worth it!
In fact, if you get the Go City Pass, a Dyker Heights tour is included, or you can book your Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour here!
When To Visit
The best time to start visiting is after the Thanksgiving Holiday. By the 1st of December, most houses will have their Christmas lights going.
The lights go on at Sundown, which is around 5 PM, and end around 10 PM. If you want to avoid some of the larger crowds, getting there around sundown is best.
For the best homes and light displays, you should walk around 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue and from 83rd Street to 86th Street.
You can see the Christmas lights up until the New Year. After, homeowners begin taking their decorations down.
Travel Tips to Know
Here are some additional tips to know before visiting!
- Wear layers and bring gloves. There is no place to go inside to warm up. Consider even getting pocket/toe warmers – my go-to during winters in NYC!
- Make sure to use the restroom beforehand. There is no place to go, if you know what I mean. In a worst-case scenario, there is a Dunkin nearby. Get a donut or coffee and use the restroom.
- Be very respectful while here. These are people’s homes. Clean up and do NOT trespass on the homeowners’ property.
- There is food nearby, but I would recommend eating before or after visiting.
- The earlier in December you visit, the fewer crowds there will be. Also, weekdays will also have fewer crowds.
- There will be a police presence helping with crowds.
- Bringing an insulated thermos with hot chocolate is worth it!
In Review
This concludes everything you need to know to see some of the most epic holiday lights! I hope you have a fantastic time getting into the Christmas Spirit!
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