Dyker Heights Christmas lights and countless decorations are the ultimate example of holiday spirit. The impressive display has been a tradition for more than 30 years and spans three avenues and several streets. One thing’s for certain: subtlety is not an option with this winter tradition.
Now, over 100,000 visitors make their way to the neighborhood each year to catch a glimpse of some of the most over-the-top holiday homes—and with good reason. If you’re looking to add festivities to your holiday bucket list, we’re here to answer all of your questions about the Brooklyn hotspot.
When do the Dyker Heights Christmas lights return for the season?
The holiday light displays tend to go up right after Thanksgiving.
Where can you see the lights?
The majority of decorated homes are located between 83rd and 86th Streets, and 11th and 13th Avenues (Dyker Heights Boulevard).
When is the best time to visit?
The best time of day to visit is after 5pm, right when it gets dark. Most homes keep the lights on until midnight, but others shut off as early as 9pm.
How long does it take to walk through Dyker Heights Christmas lights?
Although the length of your Dyker Heights walk-through (or drive-through) is entirely up to you, we suggest allotting about an hour and a half or so to cover the whole territory. And bear in mind that the neighborhood will likely be quite crowded, particularly over the weekend, so you might be better off perusing the displays on foot.
How long do the light displays stay up?
The light displays are normally up until New Year’s Eve, but if you’re trying to avoid the masses you may want to consider going between Christmas and NYE. If you’re going over the weekend, be prepared for large crowds.
Can you walk Dyker Heights Christmas lights for free?
The Dyker Heights spectacle is free of charge courtesy of the neighborhood’s residents who want to help fellow New Yorkers get into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for an insider scoop, there are guided bus tours with all the bells and whistles — hot cocoa, Christmas carols, etc.
Since the Brooklyn neighborhood has become such a popular Christmastime destination, those involved in the festivities formed the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tourism company to offer interested visitors an insider scoop only a local could deliver.
📍 Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
🗓️ After Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve