Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights: Everything You Need to Know

What started out as a local neighborhood tradition has transformed into an international attraction in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Whether on foot, in car or via bus tour, visit the neighborhood this December to experience a glittering winter wonderland. Not only are the lights breathtaking, but the homes themselves are architectural treasures that provide the perfect backdrop for these all-out displays. Tips and Tricks: Dress warm. Especially as December continues to approach the infamously cold January, be sure to have proper gloves, scarves, hats and warm, comfortable walking boots. Take hot drinks with you if you’d like, or bring a few dollars for curb-side hot chocolate and other warm drinks and treats that locals may be selling. Don’t forget to have your phones charged as the lights will provide for plenty of photo opportunities. When to go: Anytime after December 1st is when you’re bound to see plenty of homes already decorated. Waiting another week or so might allow for the optimal amount of viewing, as by then most families will have completed their decorating. Start after sunset when it becomes dark enough to start turning on the displays. By 9pm, many homes will have turned off the lights for the night, but you may still catch a few lit after-hours. Where to go: Freetoursbyfoot.com offers maps for your phone that point you to the best homes in the area. The ideal section to walk through is between 11th and 13th Avenues and from 83rd to 86th street. How to go: Take the subway: D line to 79th StreetNew Utrecht Avenue, or the R line to 86th Street. (You can get any of these trains from Atlantic Terminal, Brooklyn). Once you arrive at either station, expect at least a 15-minute walk so opt to take a bus to stay out of the cold and save a bit of time. There are also bus tours for those who are coming from farther up in Manhattan or who want to experience the trip without the subwaywalking hassle. Find your next holiday home in Brooklyn here .