Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: The Ultimate DIY Guide (No Tour Needed)
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: The Ultimate DIY Guide (No Tour Needed)
The “King” of Christmas Lights: How to Visit NYC’s Most Over-the-Top Neighborhood Like a Local
If Rockefeller Center is the “elegant” side of New York Christmas, **Dyker Heights** is the loud, joyful, and electrifying soul of the season.
Located deep in Brooklyn, this neighborhood of Italian-American mansions transforms into “Dyker Lights”—a grid of blocks where homeowners spend upwards of $20,000 competing for the brightest, wildest display.
You do not need an expensive bus tour to see this. In fact, the best way to experience it is on foot, with a hot chocolate in hand.
“This isn’t just decoration; it’s a sport. Dyker Heights is where the ‘More is More’ philosophy meets the holiday spirit. It is the undisputed capital of Christmas lights in America.”
🎄 The DIY Manual: How to Get There
To save $60/person and have more freedom:
- Subway (The Local Way): Take the R Train to 86th Street Station in Brooklyn. From there, it is a 15-20 minute walk to the lights. Or, take the D Train to 79th Street.
- Uber/Lyft: Type “Dyker Heights Christmas Lights” into the app. Be warned: Traffic is a nightmare. It is better to get dropped off 3 blocks away (e.g., 13th Ave & 86th St) and walk in.
- Best Time: Mid-December is peak. Go on a Weekday (Mon-Thu) to avoid the crushing crowds. Arrive by 5:00 PM (sunset) to beat the rush. Lights usually turn off around 9:00 PM.
📍 The “Golden Rectangle”
Don’t wander aimlessly. The biggest and best houses are concentrated in a specific zone: 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue, between 83rd Street and 86th Street. This is where the magic happens.
🚨 Pro Tip: Bathroom Strategy
This is a residential neighborhood. There are NO public restrooms. Use the bathroom at a cafe or diner near the subway station (like Starbucks on 86th St) *before* you start the walk.
| Visuals & Lights | Dining & Shopping |
|---|---|
| Dyker Heights Guide (You are here) | Inside Rolf’s Restaurant |
| Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows | Best Hot Chocolate NYC |
| Best NYC Christmas Trees | Holiday Markets Guide |
Ranking: The Top 3 “Must-See” Houses in Dyker Heights
While every house is amazing, these three are the icons that started it all.
1. The Spata House (The Original)
Location: 1152 84th Street
Why It’s Famous: Lucy Spata started the tradition in the 1980s to honor her mother. The house is covered in *thousands* of angels, soldiers, and Santa figures. It is the “Ground Zero” of Dyker Lights.
The Vibe: Cheerful chaos. Look for the “Santa” in the window.
2. The Polizzotto House (Toyland)
Location: 1145 84th Street (Directly across from Spata)
Why It’s Famous: Alfred Polizzotto commissioned a massive display featuring two huge, 29-foot tall animatronic wooden soldiers that “wave” their arms.
The Vibe: “Toy Story” meets “The Nutcracker.” It is elegant, massive, and mechanical.
3. The “Forest of Lights” House
Location: 11th Avenue between 83rd and 84th
Why It’s Famous: This owner wraps every single inch of the massive trees on their property in bright green lights.
The Vibe: An enchanted, glowing emerald forest. It creates the best photo backdrop in the neighborhood.
Comparison: DIY Walk vs. Bus Tour
Is the tour bus worth the money?
| Feature | DIY (Walking) | Bus Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2.90 (Subway) | $55 – $80 per person |
| Time | Unlimited (Go at your pace) | Fixed (30 mins walking) |
| Experience | Immersive, buy cannolis, explore. | Comfortable, but restricted. |
| Traffic | Walking is faster than driving. | Stuck in gridlock on 86th St. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do the homeowners get paid to do this?
No! In fact, it *costs* them money. Many homeowners pay professional decorating companies (like B&R Christmas Decorators) upwards of $5,000 to install the lights, plus thousands more in electric bills. They do it for the tradition and the community.
Are the lights on every night?
Generally, yes. The displays usually start the weekend after Thanksgiving and run through the first week of January. The best time to visit is mid-December. Most lights are turned off by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM out of respect for neighbors.
Is it safe to walk around Dyker Heights at night?
Yes. Dyker Heights is one of the safest, most residential neighborhoods in Brooklyn. During December, the streets are filled with families, tourists, and police officers managing traffic. It feels like a block party.
Keywords for your next mission
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2025, Best Christmas Lights NYC, How to get to Dyker Heights, Spata House Brooklyn, Polizzotto House, NYC Holiday Guide, Christmas in Brooklyn, Dyker Heights Tour vs Subway.
🇧🇷 Love Christmas Lights? See How São Paulo Does It
If you love the lights of Dyker Heights, you must see the “Tropical Christmas” in Brazil. Check out our partners at Comércio São Paulo:
🔗 Explore the Full Christmas Special
We’ve organized all our itineraries below for easy navigation:
Christmas Special (Index):
Visuals & Lights Itinerary:
- Guide Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (You are here)
- Guide Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
- Guide 10 Best Christmas Trees (Not Rockefeller)
The Ultimate Guide to Christmas in NYC 2025
