Hi friends, welcome back! This past weekend we made the trek out to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to see the most decked out homes in NYC. This neighborhood really goes all out and there are even organized tours to see it. I hadn’t been since 2022 and this was Jon’s first time. We drove, and finding street parking was a bit challenging, but we persevered and got to listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album. I’d previously taken the subway and it takes about fifty minutes. We both agreed we’d take the subway next time because it ended up taking the same amount of time after parking.
The main area of the lights is from 85th to 82nd Street between 11th and 13th Avenue, but there are houses participating on nearby streets too. It seemed like more houses participated than I remembered. I took pictures of the most extravagant decorations, but there were a lot of classic lights and wreaths too.
This house had a little video in the upper windows and a sign that said “Christmas Lights by US!”. They must not be happy with their neighbors that hire it out…
I think you could spend hours looking at all these houses. It was a struggle narrowing down pictures for this post!
I used to go during the week so it wasn’t crowded. When we were there cops were patrolling the streets to move along traffic and deter people from being in the road by the popular houses.
I also saw a lot of people selling hot chocolate, snacks, and there were even a few Auntie Annes trucks. I don’t think Charlie Brown would like the commercialization of this.
This is the house that started it all in the 1980s by Lucy Spata. They had a fun fake snow machine, photo ops, and lots of treats for sale.
Despite the crowds and challenge finding parking, we had a great time! I’d recommend going right at dusk during the week for the optimal experience. What do you think of this festive neighborhood?
The fifth photo strikes me as a tastefully decorated house, probably because it’s done in all white lights. The others are just too much for me (and the Spata house is WAY too much, LOL). I can only imagine the scene when these displays are being put together. Trucks, ladders, workers, and noise for days, right? It’s apparent there’s a lot of wealth in this neighborhood. I’m also wondering about the conversation between the owner and the decorator beforehand. How would you possible price these displays? I’m sure the owners simply agree to a round number and a lot of creative license. Make me wonder if the one all-green house was by request of the owner or was it simply, “Surprise!” 🙂
If I had a house I would have it more like the fifth house with lights outlining the windows and roof. Jon has some work to do one day! I bet the streets are full of people when it goes up. I just looked on Zillow and it is interesting what some of the homes look like. It would be interesting to hear those conversations! I think the all green one was in memory of someone, but I couldn’t hear the whole story.
Wow. These folks go all out Lyssy. It looks like each is trying to one-up the others. We have a street here called Candy Cane Lane which uses their lighting efforts and the traffic they generate to collect donations for the local Food Bank. Do these folks raise money for any cause. As to the vendors, where there customer traffic, there will be vendors. The police must dread the traffic detail here. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Allan
That sounds like something in a Hallmark movie! That is great they donate the proceeds to a local food bank. One of the houses had a Santa and all the proceeds from the pics with Santa went to St. Judes. Gotta admire the other people’s hustle. It is nice to have some hot chocolate in the cold. The police did seem frustrated haha.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Those houses are all so amazing. Thanks for sharing. I like that I don’t have to battle the crowds or the cold to enjoy.
It is amazing how many homes participate and how many people there were! Not sure why I was surprised ha.
I can’t image the pressure that one must feel living in that neighborhood. I have seen neighborhoods like that, they start putting up displays in October but eventually, it died out as people moved in and out. Next year will be so magical for Violet.
I agree, especially if you buy from someone that really went all out. Next year will be so magical! She’s come a long way from last year when she was a little potato. I say now she’s a crazy fry.
Wow, some houses are really over the top while others are restrained by (possibly) good taste. I confess I favour a “less is more” approach to decor and there are some great examples above.
I agree I prefer the ones that have the windows and roof outlined with simple lights and garland.
Although I may want to visit, I can’t imagine living on those streets. They really go all out in the decorations, their electricity bills must be huge! Thanks for the tour Lyssy. Maggie
I can’t either! Although I’d feel proud if people were impressed and took pics of my house. I am glad I’m not footing that bill!
The Dyker Heights Christmas light displays are insane! There’s nothing better than seeing spectacular holiday decorations with life-sized Santas, sleighs and snowmen taking over the neighbourhood’s homes. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Insane is right! It is fun to see so many lights up and down all the streets. It’s fun to see the creativity too.
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Amazing!
I thought so too!
I’ve not heard of Dyker Heights, but wow, it’s absolutely stunning! The lights look standard, but well-put together for that cheery, festive glow. Another great place to check out holidays lights in NYC!
It’s a fun neighborhood to wander during the holidays! Apparently a few streets do a lot of Halloween decor too. Maybe one year!
I hadn’t heard of Dyker Heights Lyssy so thanks for taking us there. I liked the festive illuminations but thought some of them were a little over the top . For locals not feeling the need to participate, they must dread all the traffic, food trucks and pedestrians at this time of year!
There really was a wide range from over the top to tasteful. Both the car and people traffic was very crazy on the weekend. I’d plan on staying in all night if I lived there.
WOW!
I agree!
Wow what an incredible place. Buying a house there is quite the Christmas commitment!!!
Love how people went all out with the Christmas lights and outdoor decorations in this neighbourhood. Crazy to hear how cops were patrolling the streets to help move the traffic and people along!
Oh my gosh, that last house is almost too much. I can’t imagine setting that all up (or paying that electric bill haha). But all the others were lovely. Definitely seems worth the trip, thanks for the virtual tour!
Dyker Heights- always a delight!
Absolutely stunning displays!