During this Christmas season in New York, if you want to witness the most spectacular and ceremonial holiday lights, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn remains the unparalleled winter wonderland. Every December, this quiet residential neighborhood transforms into a fairytale town: life-sized Santa Clauses, giant nutcracker soldiers, houses adorned with layers of colorful lights, and Christmas carols playing through speakers, immersing the entire community in a holiday magic.
The Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights started from a early family-driven charity tradition and have evolved into an internationally renowned tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year who see it as a “must-see at least once in a lifetime” holiday experience. Here, families, couples, and photography enthusiasts can find their own enjoyment. The streets are filled with people, and various languages can be heard, with many visitors bringing along their elderly and children to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Walking to admire the decorations of over forty homes and strolling to appreciate the various lights and scenes typically takes at least an hour and a half.
Most residents start lighting up their displays after Thanksgiving weekend. However, the best viewing period is from mid-December to December 31, with most lights staying on until the first week of January 2026. The prime viewing hours are from sunset to around 9 p.m., as many households turn off their lights after 9 p.m., though a few may remain lit longer, depending on their “bedtime.”
The light displays in Dyker Heights are concentrated between 10th Avenue to 13th Avenue, and from 75th Street to 86th Street, often referred to as “Dyker Heights Avenue.”
The highly recommended viewing spot (chosen by locals for years) is between 84th Street and 10th-14th Avenue. It is the oldest historical and most densely decorated area, where the Lucy Spata and Polizzotto families showcase life-sized Santa Clauses, sparkling glass angels, and toy soldiers every year, captivating visitors with classic themes.
You can take the D train to 79th Street station and walk about 15 minutes. If taking a bus, you can ride the B1 or B64 buses and get off at 83rd/84th Street on 13th Avenue. If driving, be prepared for traffic congestion and difficulty finding parking due to the high number of visitors. If you must drive, allocate plenty of time to find parking.
Also, be mindful of the weather; the sea breeze in Brooklyn can be strong, and nights can be damp and cold. It is recommended to dress in layers to avoid getting too cold or sweating halfway through the visit. Additionally, note that this is a residential area with no nearby public parks or shopping malls for restroom facilities, so make sure to plan accordingly before heading out.
If you plan to visit the light displays this year, please respect the residents and the community. This is their home, not a theme park, so treat the neighborhood with the same respect as you would your own. Do not enter properties, cross lawns, or climb decorations. The community adds extra trash bins each year, so please be proactive in keeping the area clean.
The tradition of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights can be traced back to 1986 when Lucy Spata and her family moved to Dyker Heights. Seeing the dark and silent streets lacking any festive atmosphere in December, she decided to light a lamp at her doorstep and raise funds through decorations to help sick children.
Decades later, this kindness has expanded into a tradition for the entire community. Many residents spend hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars each year to update their decorations. Some do it themselves, while others hire professional teams, with preparations starting as early as November after Halloween.
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights are not a large commercial show but a holiday magic built by residents with time, effort, and money, making it particularly sincere, pure, and more worthy of appreciation.
On a clear, cool night, dress warmly and take a stroll with your family and friends, and you will understand why this place has become known as the “most beautiful Christmas village in New York” in the hearts of visitors from around the world.