See the Dyker Heights Christmas lights on foot
Free house-by-house lights in south Brooklyn. Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
The short answer
Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in south Brooklyn where homeowners cover their houses and lawns in Christmas lights, inflatable figures and the occasional singing reindeer, and anyone can walk past for free. Brooklyn Paper's guide says most homes light up in late November or early December and the displays usually stay through Christmas, sometimes into early January. The best-known houses sit between 10th and 13th Avenues from 83rd to 86th Streets, with 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues the brightest block.
What it is like
Why it's on the list: it's the city's biggest free Christmas show and it needs nothing but a subway ride and warm hats. Take the R to 86 St, which the MTA lists as an accessible station, or the D to 79 St, which isn't, and walk about 10 to 15 minutes. Some houses sell hot chocolate from the front yard, which in my view is the real attraction for anyone under eight.
Honest limits: there's no organizer, so there are no official dates, no map and no public restrooms in the blocks with the lights. Brooklyn Paper says the busiest nights are mid-December weekends between 5pm and 9pm, and that drivers should expect heavy traffic and little parking. These are people's homes, so stay on the sidewalk, keep off lawns and driveways, and keep the volume down. A weeknight, an early arrival and a firm turnaround time make it a lovely hour rather than a long cold march.
Best time to go
A weeknight in the first half of December, arriving around 5pm.
Tips before you go
- Use a restroom before you set off; there are none on the lit-up blocks.
- Go Monday to Thursday and arrive around 5pm to beat the tour buses.
- Bring cash for front-yard hot chocolate and a charged phone for photos.
- Hold hands at crossings; traffic crawls but it keeps moving.
Where it is
84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues, Brooklyn, NY 11228 (residential streets). OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
- Nothing listed here in The New York Almanac for the next two months. It is refreshed every week.
Questions people ask
When do the Dyker Heights Christmas lights start?
There are no official dates. Brooklyn Paper says most homes light up in late November or early December and the displays usually stay through Christmas, sometimes into early January.
Is Dyker Heights free?
Yes. The houses are private homes on public streets, so walking past is free. Paid tours run in season but you don't need one.
How do you get to Dyker Heights by subway?
Take the R to 86 St (an accessible station) or the D to 79 St (not accessible), then walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the blocks around 84th Street and 11th Avenue.
When is Dyker Heights least crowded?
Weeknights. The busiest times are mid-December weekends between 5pm and 9pm.
Can you take a stroller?
Ordinary residential sidewalks: fine on weeknights, tight on December weekends; a carrier is easier.
How long do you need?
45 to 90 minutes on the streets, plus the subway.
Sources
The whole list
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