Every December, thousands of people take the subway to a quiet corner of Brooklyn to see something you won’t find anywhere else in New York City. Houses covered in lights up to the roof. Santas two stories tall. Nutcrackers guarding front doors. Music playing out of front yards. This is Dyker Heights Christmas lights, they have become one of the most loved holiday traditions in the country.
If you’ve seen those Hollywood Christmas movies where every house looks like it’s competing for a prize, that’s pretty much what happens here. Except in Dyker Heights, some of the neighbors really are competing.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: when the lights turn on, the best hours to go, how to get there by subway, which houses you shouldn’t miss, and why a NYC Christmas lights tour can save you a lot of cold walking and guesswork.
What Is Dyker Heights?
Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in southwest Brooklyn, right next to Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst. For most of the year it’s a calm, family area with a strong Italian-American community, big single-family homes and not much going on after dark.
That changes after Thanksgiving. Once the decorations go up, the streets fill with visitors, tour buses and families with strollers, and the neighborhood earns the nickname locals and visitors use for the whole event: “Dyker Lights.”
The heart of the display is roughly between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd and 86th Streets. That’s where you’ll find the biggest houses and the most elaborate setups, so if you only have an hour or two, focus your walk there.
How the Tradition Started
It all began in 1986 with Lucy Spata, a homeowner who decided to decorate her house top to bottom in honor of her mother, who loved Christmas. Not everyone on the block was happy at first. All those lights kept some neighbors up at night.
Over the years, though, the rest of the street got into the spirit. More houses joined, the decorations got bigger, and a friendly competition started among neighbors to see who could put on the best show. Today dozens of homes take part, and the display draws visitors from all over the world.
Who Decorates the Houses?
Not every homeowner in Dyker Heights decorates, and plenty of houses stay dark. But the ones that go big usually hire professional decorating companies to design and install everything. The largest displays reportedly cost tens of thousands of dollars, and that’s before the electric bill arrives in January.
In front of many of these houses you’ll see a small sign with the name of the company that did the work. It’s free advertising for the decorators, a great show for visitors, and bragging rights for the homeowner. Everybody wins.
What to Expect at the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Walking through Dyker Heights at night feels a little like walking through a movie set. Here’s what you’ll see.
Over-the-Top Light Displays
Forget the simple string of lights on a porch. These are full productions: giant inflatable Santas, life-size nutcrackers, reindeer, angels, nativity scenes, carousels and moving figures, all covered in thousands of bulbs. Some houses sync their lights to music playing out of outdoor speakers, so it’s worth stopping for a few minutes to catch the whole show.
A Real Holiday Atmosphere
On busy nights, especially weekends, you’ll usually find a few street vendors selling hot chocolate, churros and snacks. Still, this is a residential area, not a shopping district, so don’t count on finding restaurants or public bathrooms along the way (more on that in the tips below).
Crowds, Especially on Weekends
This is the part nobody puts on Instagram. Friday and Saturday nights in mid and late December get very crowded, with packed sidewalks and slow traffic. If you can go on a weeknight, you’ll enjoy the lights much more.
When Do They Start Decorating?
The lights traditionally go up around Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday of November, and stay on until the first days of January. Some houses start a little earlier and some take their decorations down right after New Year’s.
Best Time to Visit Dyker Heights
- Best dates: mid-December until Christmas, when every house that participates is fully decorated.
- Best hours: arrive around 5:00 pm. In December the sun sets at about 4:30 pm, so by 5 it’s dark enough to see everything at its best.
- Lights off: since these are private family homes, most of them turn off their lights at around 9:00 or 10:00 pm. Don’t plan to show up late.
- Least crowded: Monday through Thursday evenings.
Plan on spending 2 or 3 hours walking the neighborhood if you’re going on your own. That gives you enough time to see the main streets without rushing.
Since there’s no official organization behind the event, dates can vary a bit each year. The community Facebook page Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is usually the best place to check updates before your trip.
How To Get To Dyker Heights
You have two options: book a New York Christmas Lights Tour or go on your own by subway. Both work, but they’re very different experiences.
Option 1: Take a NYC Christmas Lights Tour
A guided Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is the easiest way to see the neighborhood, especially if you’re traveling with kids or older family members, or it’s your first time in New York.
Here’s why many visitors choose a tour:
- Transportation included. No figuring out subway lines at night or walking long blocks in the cold.
- You go straight to the best houses. Guides know which homes have the most impressive displays that year.
- You learn the stories. The history of Lucy Spata, the neighborhood rivalries and the details you’d walk right past on your own.
- More Christmas in one night. Many tours combine Dyker Heights with other holiday stops in Manhattan, so you see more of the city’s decorations in a single evening.
Tours sell out fast in December, especially on weekends. Booking a few weeks ahead is the best way to get the date you want.
Check availability for the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
Option 2: Go on Your Own by Subway
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the subway is the cheapest way to get there. The ride out of Midtown Manhattan takes about 40 or 50 minutes.
- R train: get off at 86th Street in Bay Ridge. Then walk east for about 15 or 20 minutes to reach the main display area.
- D train: get off at 79th Street in Bensonhurst. It’s a walk of around 15 or 20 minutes west to the lights.
You’ll know you’re close when you start seeing the glow over the rooftops. Before you go, check service changes on the MTA website, since weekend and nighttime work sometimes affects these lines.
Driving is possible, but parking in December is really hard and traffic around the main blocks moves very slowly. The subway or a tour is a much better choice.
The Most Famous Houses in Dyker Heights
You could spend the whole night wandering, but these two houses are the ones everyone comes to see. The good news is they’re almost across the street from each other on 84th Street.
The Lucy Spata House (1152 84th Street)
This is where it all started. Lucy Spata’s house is famous for its army of toy soldiers, snowmen, angels and figures surrounded by hundreds of lights. It’s usually one of the most photographed homes in the neighborhood.
The Polizzotto House (1145 84th Street)
Right across the street, the Polizzotto family house is known for its giant Santa Claus at the entrance, flanked by oversized toy soldiers. The family has kept the tradition alive for decades, and it’s one of the displays that made Dyker Heights famous.
Keep walking along 83rd, 84th, 85th and 86th Streets between 11th and 13th Avenues and you’ll find plenty of other houses that are just as impressive. Some of the best surprises are on the side blocks.
Tips for Visiting the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
A few practical things that will make your night much better:
- Dress for real cold. New York in December can drop below freezing, and you’ll be standing outside for hours. Wear a warm coat, gloves, a hat, a scarf and comfortable shoes.
- Eat and use the bathroom before you arrive. There are almost no cafes or public restrooms inside the display area. Take care of it near the subway station, where you’ll find shops on 86th Street and 13th Avenue.
- Bring snacks and a drink for the walk, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
- Go early. Arriving right after dark gives you the most time before homes start turning off their lights.
- Be respectful. People live here. Stay on the sidewalk, don’t step on lawns or touch the decorations, and keep the noise down on quieter blocks.
- Charge your phone. Cold weather drains batteries fast, and you’ll be taking a lot of photos.
- Book your tour in advance if you want a guided visit. December dates fill up quickly.
Make It a Full Christmas Night in New York
Dyker Heights is the highlight of the season for many visitors, but it’s only one part of Christmas in New York. If you have a few days in the city, combine your visit with other holiday classics:
- The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, lit every year in early December.
- Ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park or at the rink in Rockefeller Center.
- The Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, with its holiday market and free-admission skating rink.
- The famous holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue.
For more ideas, read our guides to the Top Spots for Christmas Lights in New York City, 8 Things to Do in New York at Christmas and our Winter in New York: Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
When are the Dyker Heights Christmas lights on in 2026?
The lights usually go up around Thanksgiving (late November) and stay on until the first days of January. The best time to see every house fully decorated is mid-December until Christmas.
What time do the Dyker Heights lights turn on and off?
Most houses turn on their lights at dusk, around 4:30 or 5:00 pm, and turn them off between 9:00 and 10:00 pm. Arrive early to see as much as possible.
Is it free to see the Dyker Heights Christmas lights?
Yes. Walking around the neighborhood is completely free. You only pay for your subway fare, or for a guided tour if you prefer transportation and a guide.
How long do you need in Dyker Heights?
Around 2 or 3 hours is enough to see the main streets on foot. A guided NYC Christmas lights tour usually lasts about 3 or 4 hours including transportation out of Manhattan.
What is the closest subway station to Dyker Heights?
The 86th Street station on the R train in Bay Ridge and the 79th Street station on the D train in Bensonhurst. Both are about a 15 or 20 minute walk to the main display.
Is Dyker Heights good for kids?
Absolutely. It’s one of the favorite Christmas plans for families in New York. Just dress everyone warmly, bring snacks, and consider a tour if your kids aren’t up for long walks in the cold.
Is a Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour worth it?
If it’s your first time, you’re short on time or you’re traveling with family, yes. A tour takes care of transportation, takes you straight to the best houses and tells you the stories behind them.
Plan Your Visit to Dyker Heights This Christmas
Few things say Christmas in New York like walking through Dyker Heights on a cold December night, hot chocolate in hand, looking up at a house covered in lights. It’s free, it’s unforgettable, and it’s one of those experiences people talk about for years.
Go on your own if you like to explore, or let someone else handle the details and just enjoy the night. Either way, don’t leave New York in December without seeing it.
Book your Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour and save your spot before the dates sell out.
