Dyker Heights Met kerst naar New York Going to New York for Christmas

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour: Is It Worth It?

April 12, 2025 New York Info Comments Off

One of the most magical experiences during the Christmas season in New York is undoubtedly the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour. In this quiet residential neighborhood in Brooklyn, residents go all out each year with thousands of lights, Christmas figures, snowmen, and even music. If you love Christmas, this is a place you really shouldn’t miss.

In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Dyker Heights during the Christmas season.

History of Dyker Heights

Dyker Heights is an upscale and quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn known primarily for its beautiful houses and tidy streets. The Christmas lights tradition began in the 1980s when some residents started decorating their homes. What started as a few lights has now grown into an annual spectacle that attracts people from all over the world.

What Kind of Neighborhood is Dyker Heights?

Dyker Heights is a tidy and family-friendly neighborhood with many large houses and wide streets. It’s located a bit further from the busy center of Manhattan, making it a quiet place. During Christmas time, however, this neighborhood transforms into a fairytale winter wonderland, full of color and light.

Why Are There Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights?

The tradition began as a friendly neighborhood competition. Residents tried to outdo each other with their decorations. It has now grown into a fixed tradition that some families spend months preparing for. It has become a way to celebrate the holidays together and let others enjoy the festivities.

On What Date Do the Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights Begin?

Most residents start turning on their Christmas lights in the first week of December. The peak is between mid-December and Christmas week. The lights usually stay up until New Year’s.

Is Dyker Heights Free During Christmas?

Yes, Dyker Heights is completely free to visit during Christmas. You can just go there and walk around. You only pay if you book an organized Christmas Lights Tour with transportation and a guide. But walking around on your own is also a great experience.

What is the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour?

The Christmas Lights Tour through Dyker Heights is a popular activity where you walk (or drive) along the beautifully decorated houses to soak up the festive atmosphere. You can do this on your own or with an organized tour. The houses are so beautifully decorated that it feels like you’re walking through a Christmas movie.

What Can You See During the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour?

During the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour, you’ll see houses that have been completely transformed into Christmas paradises. Think of:

1. Giant inflatable Santas

2. Dancing light shows set to music

3. Life-sized nutcrackers and snowmen

4. Hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights

5. Themed presentations such as Disney, Nativity scenes, or Snoopy

Some residents even work with professional decorators!

Where is Dyker Heights Located?

Dyker Heights is located in the southwest of Brooklyn, New York City. It’s situated between the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst.

How Do You Get to Dyker Heights?

There are several ways to get to Dyker Heights:

1. By subway: Take the D line to 79th Street or 71st Street and walk about 20 minutes to the heart of Dyker Heights.

2. With an organized tour: From Manhattan, there are various tours that will take you to the neighborhood by bus.

3. By car: If you have a rental car, driving is possible, but parking is difficult in December due to the crowds.

Is the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour Worth It?

We did the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour ourselves and found it absolutely worthwhile. We joined an organized tour from Manhattan. The bus ride was comfortable, and the guide provided interesting information about the neighborhood and the tradition along the way. We arrived in Dyker Heights around sunset. Fortunately, it wasn’t too crowded yet, so we could leisurely walk around to admire the beautifully decorated houses. It was remarkable to see how much effort the residents put into their decorations. Some houses were truly impressive, while others were simple but atmospheric. It was fun to walk through, take photos, and just enjoy the whole experience. If you’re in New York in December and have some time, this is a fun and unique activity away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

Edward en Raziye

authors of New York Info

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