Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
Located in Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is a beautiful residential neighborhood and these neighbors go all out for the holiday season. I've heard that some of the residents spend up to $20,000 to have their light displays professionally done! I've only been once, but rumor has it that they get better and better every year.
A lot of tourists miss out on this holiday treasure because it is lesser-known than your typical NYC holiday adventures or because they don't want to go out to Brooklyn. Trust me, it's definitely worth the short trip! It's one of the most awesome things I've ever seen.
The nearest train is about a mile away so it’s a good idea to drive if you can. The traffic can be a little hectic but it’s not too hard to find parking on an off-street like 10th Ave or even as close as 11th Ave. Parking is almost impossible within the streets of the biggest displays! Don’t forget to bundle up and bring your camera!
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12 Random Facts out the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights
- Origin: Dyker Heights Holiday Lights originated in the 1980s when Lucy Spata, a resident of Dyker Heights, started decorating her home extravagantly for Christmas. The tradition grew as neighbors joined in, turning the area into a festive spectacle.
- Neighborhood Participation: Many residents in Dyker Heights actively participate in the holiday lights tradition, transforming their homes into dazzling displays of festive decorations, lights, and themed installations.
- Tourist Attraction: Dyker Heights Holiday Lights have become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over New York City and beyond. Guided tours are often organized during the holiday season to showcase the impressive displays.
- Competitive Spirit: Some homeowners in Dyker Heights have a friendly competitive spirit when it comes to decorating their houses. Each year, they try to outdo their neighbors with more elaborate and creative displays.
- Themes and Characters: The decorations range from traditional Christmas motifs to modern and whimsical themes. Visitors can expect to see everything from classic nativity scenes to life-sized Santa Clauses, reindeer, and even popular cartoon characters.
- Professional Decorators: Some homeowners enlist the services of professional decorators to ensure their displays are truly spectacular. These decorators may use intricate lighting designs, animated figures, and synchronized music to enhance the visual experience.
- Electricity Usage: The holiday light displays in Dyker Heights can be so elaborate that they significantly increase electricity usage in the neighborhood during the holiday season. Some residents even have separate electric meters installed to handle the extra load.
- Media Coverage: The Dyker Heights Holiday Lights have gained widespread media coverage over the years. Local news outlets and national television programs often feature the neighborhood’s festive displays, contributing to its popularity.
- Community Events: In addition to individual home displays, Dyker Heights hosts community events during the holiday season, such as tree lighting ceremonies and parades. These events bring residents together to celebrate the festive spirit.
- Traffic Jams: The popularity of Dyker Heights Holiday Lights sometimes leads to traffic jams in the area as cars slowly drive through the neighborhood to admire the decorations. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly and be patient during peak times.
- Diverse Cultural Influences: The decorations in Dyker Heights reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of its residents. You may see displays inspired by various holiday traditions, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and others.
- Social Media Impact: With the rise of social media, Dyker Heights Holiday Lights have become Instagram-worthy, with many visitors sharing their favorite displays online. The hashtag #DykerHeightsLights is commonly used to showcase these festive creations.
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