Dyker Heights. You've heard of the place. Every year people come from the 5 boroughs and Long Island and even from around the world, to walk around a few blocks in Brooklyn to look at pretty Christmas lights. Some families have made it a tradition. And when tourists are in town, it is on the list of Christmas sights to see and has been for the last 3 decades.
The area of Dyker Heights in Brooklyn extends from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) and from 83rd to 86th St. It is situated near the Verrazano Bridge and you take Belt Parkway to get there.
The crowds of people on foot get bigger each year. If you want to see the sights by car, be aware there is a lot of traffic. In past years there were tour buses as well, but not this year. And you can often see an ice cream truck and someone selling hand held lights for the kids as well.
Did You Know?
• Rumor has it that some houses pay $10,000 for electricity for the month of December.
• Most people hire professional companies to put up decorations, and take them down and store then. The cost ranges from $3000-$6000.
This year, 2020, the year of Covid, is not the year you want to gather in crowds. But if you go early or go by car, and wear your mask and social distance, it is safe. Some houses turn their lights off around 9 pm so don't go too late. But it will get crowded soon after dusk, so go early if you can. Or come around 8 pm when it dies down again.
Some houses opted out this year, but still many many houses are lit up.
My family and I went just around sundown a few days before Christmas. I was ready to leave if it had been crowded. But it was pretty empty. We found a convenient parking spot and walked up and down long streets, until slowly more people arrived. Then it was time to go. But we had managed to see some of our favorites, plus we saw some more from the car.
There are a few of the popular houses you may want to drive by: 71st St. & 14th Avenue, 1145 84th St. between 11th & 12th Ave, 1152 84th St. between 11th & 12th Ave. The most popular streets are 83rd and 84 between 11th and 12th Ave.
Most of the lights will be up until New Years Day. So now is the time to go!
Stay safe, dress warm and enjoy!
Did You Know?
Anthony Fauci (yes, that Anthony Fauci). His family is from Dyker Heights & they had a family pharmacy at 13th Ave & 83rd St.
Some houses that we saw:
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 | SILVER BELLS "City sidewalks Busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style In the air There's a feeling Of Christmas..." |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 | "I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet The word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!" — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |  |
Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to get weekly articles & events calendar in your inbox!
