Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Christmas in New York City is truly like nothing else in the world. Everywhere you look, there are trees, window displays, and bright twinkling lights. And in the brightest city in the world, there’s no Christmas tradition that sparkles with the holiday spirit like the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights does. ​

Where is Dyker Heights?

​Dyker Heights is located in the southwest corner of Brooklyn, near Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Borough Park. It’s a beautiful neighborhood, with tremendous homes that look about as far from “New York City” as you can get. 

Dyker Heights is well known for its park and golf course. But let’s be honest. It is most famous for the annual Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. ​Why? The lights are over the top, loud, and everything that Christmas spirit is.

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What are the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights?

Each year right after Thanksgiving, families start to hang their lights. The lights stay up until the beginning of January, when many of the elaborate display pieces are put away for storage until the holidays roll around again. ​

When did the lights start?

The history of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is a family affair. Credit tends to go to Lucy Spata, a resident of 84th Street, for starting the annual spectacle to keep her family tradition of decorating alive. At first, the neighbors hated it. Then, they joined her. The Spata household has been decorated for more than 40 years, and is today one of the most popular homes for visitors. 
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The lights are a neighborhood tradition - this isn't a competitive thing. Neighbors try to outdo each other, but it's all in good fun. 

If you’re looking at these pictures and all you can think is, “Gee, how much does all of this cost?!” then you're not alone. Most of the elaborate displays are not done by the homeowners themselves. They’re decked out by local decorating companies, with some of the yards costing more than $20,000. ​

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Each year, countless people head down to look at the Christmas lights. In 2022, it's estimated there will be more than 300,000 visitors to Dyker Heights see the decorations. It's a full spectacle. There's hot cocoa trucks, neighbors selling treats in their driveways, and a lot of fun to be had. ​

How do you get to Dyker Heights?

The easiest commute will depend on where you're coming from. I took the R down to 86th street and walked over, Starbucks latte in hand. You can also come from the opposite direction by taking the D train down to 79th street.

​The best streets for the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are from 10th to 13th Avenues and from 80th to 86th Street.

Is it worth going to see the lights?

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights should be on anyone's holiday bucket list. There’s so many “oh wow!” setups. Yes, some are absolutely super tacky. But this is such a fun way to do something different for Christmas, and it’s a great chance to see part of the city that you’ve likely never seen before. I only wish that there were more lights to see...and that it was warmer. Bundle up a little extra and make your way down before the holidays are over!​

Interested in learning more about the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights? The Bowery Boys did a great podcast episode on Dyker Heights and how the lights became so big.

Interested in more bucket list adventures in New York City? Follow along on Instagram at @fiveboroughbucketlist!