Where Christmas Lives: A Night Among the Lights of Dyker Heights
“There’s Christmas, and then there’s Dyker Heights”
by S.C.
Every December, something magical happens in a quiet Brooklyn neighborhood. In a world glued to screens, Dyker Heights flips the switch, throws open its doors, and lets magic spill out onto the streets. For a few weeks, it’s not just a place—it’s a feeling. The only way to get it is to walk through it. This past weekend, we did just that.
The Glow
We got there just after twilight, that soft kind of winter dark. The first thing you notice isn't the lights—it's the hush. Not silence, but something close. There's music, laughter, bundled-up families talking, and every so often, a little gasp from a stroller. Underneath it all, there's this feeling of reverence. People slow down. Heads tilt up. Strangers trade smiles. The lights are already working their magic, and what lights they are.
Towering nutcrackers stand guard at the doors, toy soldiers on duty. Trees drip with hundreds—no, thousands—of twinkling LEDs in every color you can think of. Houses wrapped head to toe in glowing garland. Rooftop Santas waving above neon Merry Christmas signs. Inflatable snowmen bobbing in the cold breeze, like cheerful ghosts from December's past. Some blocks blaze emerald green, a Christmas jungle. Others shimmer in warm white, casting golden halos on the sidewalk.
Then you turn a corner and see that house.
You know the one. Maybe it’s the one with Mickey Mouse in a marching band uniform. Maybe it’s the one with a glowing 20-foot Santa and an entire army of nutcrackers stacked like festive soldiers. Or the one with the wreaths on every single window and snowflake projectors dancing across the brick. Whatever it is, it’s the one that stops you in your tracks. You’re a kid again. You’re home.
A Tradition That’s Built on Wonder
The Dyker Heights Christmas lights tradition started in the 1980s, sparked by resident Lucy Spata on 84th Street, who began decorating elaborately in memory of her mother, inspiring neighbors to join in creating the lavish displays the Brooklyn neighborhood is famous for today, though some sources trace similar traditions back to the 1940s. Now it’s not just a New York City must-see. It’s a labor of love. Some folks hire pros, others do it all themselves, string by string.
Each house is its own universe. No two are the same. One is elegant and classic, and the other is wild and joyful in the best way. Some have religious icons, others go full-on pop culture. You’ll spot angels, reindeer, menorahs, and even a life-size Bumble holding a star. (We saw him. He’s real. He’s spectacular.)
It’s not subtle. It’s not quiet. It’s not here to be tasteful. It’s here to be magical—and it nails it.
Tips for Visiting
Here’s how to make the most of your visit to Dyker Heights. If you’re going, bundle up. Bring hot chocolate, or grab one from a street vendor. Park a few blocks away if you can. Walking is the only way to really feel it. The heart of the lights runs from about 83rd to 86th, between 11th and 13th Avenues, with surprises waiting around every corner. For public transit, you can take the R train to 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and then transfer to a local bus or take a leisurely walk to the neighborhood. Alternatively, buses like the B1 or B64 can get you close. These options provide easy access from Manhattan and other boroughs.
Weekends get packed, but that’s part of the fun. There’s something special about sharing the magic with a crowd, everyone wide-eyed and full of holiday warmth. If you want quieter streets and more time to linger, go on a weekday. Most of all, don’t rush. Let the cold bite your nose. Let your camera freeze for a second. Let your inner child wander.
Here, The Season Still Shines
In a world where holidays feel like checklists, gifts, cards, inboxes, and stress, Dyker Heights reminds us what December can be. It’s over the top in all the best ways. Joyful for no reason at all. It’s a neighborhood that asks: Why not more lights? Why not more joy?
Why not believe in magic, just for a little while? What small spark of wonder will you hold onto tonight, and how will it light your way home? Join in this dance of lights and laughter, and choose to embrace the extraordinary.
If you’ve ever wondered where Christmas lives, the answer might just be Brooklyn. Right there, on a street glowing green, where nutcrackers stand guard and strangers stop to look up together.
