When Christmas rolls around it feels like everything changes. In some ways, it feels like we live in a different city. The stores start to look different, a new crowd shuffles in, us New Yorkers are generally in a better mood and of course the plentiful decorations and lights! There are Christmas lights and then there are New York Christmas lights. Beyond the obvious Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue shops, we do things a little different here. A little extra. Especially in Brooklyn.
If you’re not from here, you may not know of one of the most popular attractions to enjoy during the Holiday Season. While it’s no longer the secret it once was, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights display is something to be seen. Sure, your neighbors may decorate but it’s not how this neighborhood does it. Trust us. Every year around this time, people flock to catch a glimpse of these beautiful lights. Dyker Heights and their Christmas Lights Festival brings over 100,000 people to this area every year to see the most over-the-top decorations. When we say over-the-top, we mean Clark Griswold would be proud. The Brooklyn neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas light decorations with life-sized Santa’s, sleighs, snowmen, and some houses even have Christmas carols playing on speakers.
If you’re like us, then you will chuckle thinking of the days when your parents made you decorate your lawn. This is professionally done, and each house seems to try and out-do each other. It takes ‘keeping up with the Jones’ to a whole new level for your benefit! The best part of this display is that its FREE. All you need to do is get there and you’ll be entertained for hours! If you really want to kick it up, bring a hot beverage and spike it!
This is one of our favorite Christmas traditions and each year seems better than the last. We’re certain you won’t be disappointed.