There is something very special about the holiday season in NYC. It seems like every neighborhood embraces the spirit of the season. Homes and businesses go all out with their decorations. Every night is filled with bright, multi-colored lights that dazzle and delight. Yet, there’s one local neighborhood that really takes their holiday light game to the next level.
Dyker Heights has earned its reputation as Brooklyn’s best place to see holiday lights on full display. And it’s easy to see why. The residents of this community do not hold back when it comes to their decor. They don’t just string a few lights and add inflatable characters to their lawns. Each house is a magical masterpiece of light, sight and, sometimes, sound.
If you want to get into the holiday spirit, we suggest you take a trip to Dyker Heights. They are without a doubt the best holiday and Christmas light decorations in Brooklyn – and maybe even in the whole state!
Here are a few things to know before you go!
Where is Dyker Heights?
Located about six miles away from Gowanus, Dyker Heights is one of Brooklyn’s most quiet and residential neighborhoods. Originally designed as a luxury housing development in the late 19th century, Dyker Heights has remained a very exclusive community throughout the 20th and 21sy centuries. Since the 1980s, Dyker Heights has become most famous for its Christmas lights display. Locals joke that the community is “Con Ed’s dream come true” based on the numbers of holiday lights used during the holiday season.
Which Houses Are Participating?
The answer to this question is easy: all of them. While some of the residents decorate their homes themselves, many others hire professional lighting and designing experts to create completely original displays each year. The results are breathtaking.
Neighbors began to display their decor the weekend after Thanksgiving. And the fun continues until after the New Year. Each house offers something different. Some may be more low-key displays with traditional decor like wreaths and trees. Others may be full-blow productions featuring digital displays, characters, loudspeakers and more accessories to dazzle and delight.
Spectators may see replicas of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at one house and a tribute to the Nutcracker at another. No matter what themes are presented this year, you’ll be blown away by the wonder of it all.
Are Tours Available?
Most years, various local bus and walking tours descend upon the Dyker Heights community. In 2020, many tour companies opted to not participate due to health concerns brought on by the pandemic. This year however, many of the Christmas light tours have resumed with new health and safety guidelines and protocols. So be sure to check with the touring companies with their respective rules and regulations before purchasing tickets.
Dyker Heights Dos and Don’ts
If you’re not interested in taking a dedicated tour, that’s ok, too. You are welcome to take a walk or short drive over to the neighborhood to witness the marvelous lighting displays. Before you go, please bear a few things in mind. The Dyker Heights Holiday Lights displays are a popular tourist attraction. And the community wants all to enjoy them.
However, this is a residential neighborhood. These are people’s homes and not public places. So please, be respectful of the residents’ privacy. Don’t take pictures of the owners without permission. Do not trespass on their property. Most of all, only visit during appropriate times in the early evening – and not late at night.
If you’d like to join the festive fun in the Gowanus and Brooklyn communities, then consider a luxury apartment at 363 Bond Street. Contact us today to learn more about our available apartments and life in Gowanus!