The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is an annual tradition transforming the Brooklyn neighborhood into a magical winter wonderland, drawing visitors from around the world.
If you visit New York City from late November to early January, don’t miss a chance to visit Dyker Heights for its famous Christmas lights show. Yes, you can visit it for free or take a guided bus or limousine tour.
I lived in Dyker Heights for over 10 years, so I could surely tell that visiting this place creates an unforgettable New York Christmas experience and immerses you fully in the joyful and festive spirit of the holiday season. You would have numerous chances to capture beautiful photos.
Let me take you on an unforgettable exploration of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn. I’ll share everything you need to know, from how to get there, what to bring with you, how to navigate, what to expect, and so much more. If you don’t have a chance to come and visit the Christmas Lights at Dyker Height, please enjoy my photos form 2022. I haven’t taken new pictures yet, but please come back late. I’ll post them soon.
What is The Dyker Height Christmas Lights, and When Does it Begin and End?
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights usually start the weekend after Thanksgiving, with some houses decorated slightly earlier than others, but all last until early January. It happens in the Dyker Heights area of Brooklyn, New York. So, if you visit New York in November to attend the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, you also have a chance to enjoy the Dyker Heights Lights.
People in the neighborhood decorate their houses with fancy holiday lights, making the area look like a magical winter place. Families put a lot of effort into making their homes sparkle with festive decorations. Many people visit Dyker Heights during this time to enjoy the bright lights and happy holiday atmosphere.
I’ve lived in Dyker Heights for over ten years. I’ve seen these lights so many times that I no longer appreciate them. I could walk in the area daily to see these big, decorated houses attracting thousands of New Yorkers and tourists who come to the area by bus, drive through in cars with Christmas songs playing loud, or by public buses and subway. This area becomes like another Times Square during Christmas!
How to Find the Dyker Height Christmas Lights in Brooklyn
There are no strict borders on where Christmas Lights start or end in Dyker Heights. The neighborhood is a living or sleeping area of Brooklyn with private houses.
The most visited blocks stretch from 12th Avenue to 10th Avenue, 85th, 84th, and 83rd Streets. Yet, if you go a block, two, or even five in any other direction, you will also see smaller houses with beautiful Christmas decorations, sometimes even more unique than in the main area.
How to Get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Of course, you can book a bus tour that takes you to the location. Why do you need a tour when you can also get to Dyker Heights by public transportation in several ways and enjoy the lights as much as you want?
Get to Dyker Heights on a Bus from Manhattan
Coming to Dyker Heights from Manhattan by express bus is really fast and convenient. You need the x28 bus that runs from 57th St to 23rd St on Fifth Avenue and takes Broadway on 23rd Street all the way to Battery Park (the last stop in Manhattan). Just look for a bus stop on Fifth Ave or Broadway (these are one-way streets; you won’t have a problem with the direction), hop on a bus, relax, and warm up until you are in Brooklyn.
Tip #1: Bus X28 bus gets very crowded during holidays with people trying to get to Dyker Heights. If you want to ensure a sit in a bus, go several stops higher on Broadway. (Please, keep it a secret 😉). The main crowd gets on the bus at the last stop in Manhattan (Battery Park). The line for the bus becomes ridiculously long. Usually, there are no standing people on the bus. The holiday season is different. Buses are packed.
Tip #2: Get your contactless credit card ready or GooglePay or ApplePay to pay for your ticket. Express buses in New York do not accept cash. The regular Metrocard won’t work on the bus either. You need a contactless payment method or a MetroCard loaded with cash (not with unlimited rides!). The contactless terminal is next to the driver. A one-way trip on x28 will cost you $6.75.
Once you are in Brooklyn, your stop is number three – 86th Street and 12th Avenue. Get off and walk on 12th Avenue one block to 85th Street. You won’t miss it!
Take the same x28 bus back to Manhattan. It stops on 86th & 12th, just the opposite side of the street that you arrived. Optionally, you can take a subway back to Manhattan (see below).
Tip #3: Make sure you check the x28 bus schedule. Express buses run infrequently, depending on the time of day, often with only one bus per hour! It would be helpful to know because it might get really cold and you will want to get out as soon as possible.
Get To Dyker Heights Christmas Lights by Subway
Another option is to go to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights from Manhattan by subway. It will cost you $2.90 one way. You need the D train ( the orange line). There are no other trains in the area.
It will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your location in Manhattan. Then you’ll need to walk for 20-30 minutes. It is a safe neighborhood, and you will have a chance to enjoy the neighborhood and Christmas lights even more.
You have three subway station options to get off – 71st Street, 79th Street, and 18th Avenue.
Walking from the 71st Street subway station would be your longest walk, ~ 30 minutes, but you have a small bonus if you choose this option. Get off the train from the head and start walking on 71st Street towards 15th Avenue (15th Avenue would be to your right if you are looking in the moving direction of the train you came by). There is a beautifully decorated house on 71st and 14th Avenue. You won’t see anything like it anywhere else, I promise! Keep walking along 14th Avenue to 83rd, 84th, or 85th Streets while enjoying decorated houses. Turn right on one of the streets and continue to 12th Avenue, to the main area of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights show.
Walking from the 79th Street subway station will take 20-25 to reach the main Dyker Heights Christmas Lights area. Get off the train from the head and start walking on 78th or 79th Street towards 16th Avenue, which would be to your right if you are looking in the moving direction of the train you came by. Turn left on 14th Avenue and walk down the Avenue to 85th Street. Continue on 85th Street until you reach 12th Avenue. You won’t miss it!
Walking from the 18th Avenue subway station will take 20-25 to reach the main Dyker Heights Christmas Lights area. Get off the train. You will be on 85th Street and 18th Avenue. Start walking towards 17th Avenue, which would be to your right if you are looking in the moving direction of the train you came by. Keep walking until you reach 12th Avenue. You’ll see more and more decorated houses the closer you get to 12th Avenue.
Get to Dyker Heights if You Are Driving
If you are driving, it is really easy to get to Dyker Heights! Use your navigator! Drive through the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in your car and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate!
The best place to start your drive-through is the intersection of 12th Avenue & 85th Street. Do not expect to find parking in the area. During the holiday season, there are a lot of police cars and traffic police. Parking is restricted around the busiest areas for the safety of the local people and numerous spectators.
It is good to know if you are driving to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: The closer to Christmas, the more difficult it becomes to drive as more and more people arrive to enjoy Christmas Lights. The area becomes packed with people, literally as if you were in Times Square. It becomes hard to believe that this neighborhood is hidden deep in Brooklyn.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours
Several companies offer guided tours, providing insights into the history and significance of the tradition. These festive tours offer a hassle-free way to witness the dazzling holiday displays adorning homes in Brooklyn.
Guided bus tours make it easy to navigate the sparkling streets of Dyker Heights, ensuring a joyful and memorable experience for all who join in the festive celebration. You can even book a limousine tour to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights!
The Best Christmas Displays in Dyker Heights
As you wander through the neighborhood, certain houses stand out as iconic showcases of the holiday spirit. From themed decorations telling a story to elaborate light displays synced with festive music, each home has its unique charm. Must-see displays include the “Winter Wonderland” house and the “Nutcracker.”
Know Before You Go to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
- Dyker Heights is a living area. There are no restrooms. Keep it in mind.
- While some residents embrace the festive atmosphere, others express concerns about the impact on their daily lives. It’s essential to be respectful and mindful when visiting.
- It gets freezing. Take a beanie, a warm scarf, and gloves. Trust me; you’ll need it all.
- There are limited stores around (unless you go to 13th Avenue, a small shop on 86th & 12 Avenue). Take an insulated tumbler with hot tea, coffee, or chocolate. You would be grateful to have a warm drink with you.
- Depending on the day and time, you may purchase some hot chocolate, tea or coffee, snacks, and holiday cookies from locals.
- Navigating the neighborhood is very easy, very similar to Manhattan. The area has a grid plan – numeric streets crossed by numeric avenues. Remember where you came from if you get lost while enjoying endless decorated houses. 12th Avenue and 85th Street are the starting points of the light show.
Happy Holidays!
Leave a Reply