Dyker Heights: New York’s Santa Claus neighborhood
Every year, the houses in the residential neighborhood of Dyker Heights light up for Christmas. A magical electric wonderland!
What You Need to Know About Dyker Heights
- Dyker Heights is located in southwestern Brooklyn, between Red Hook and Coney Island. The neighborhood borders New York Bay near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island.
- Dyker Heights is a quiet residential neighborhood made up mostly of single-family homes, each with its own private yard. About 42,000 people live here—less than 2% of Brooklyn’s total population. You won’t see any apartment buildings or towers. It’s a peaceful retreat in New York.
- This neighborhood has nothing touristy about it most of the year. If you visit New York from January to October, there’s no reason to come here unless you already know the city well and want to explore somewhere completely off the beaten path. One exception: the Christmas season.
- Dyker Heights transforms as Christmas approaches and draws tourists from around the world. Starting in mid-November, residents decorate their homes and yards with elaborate light displays and magical illuminations. Dyker Heights becomes Santa’s neighborhood!
- The holiday light craze started in the 1980s. It grew when Lucy Spata, a resident on 84th Street, began decorating her home so extensively that it became the most decorated house in the neighborhood. Neighbors followed her lead, and the tradition continues today. Dyker Heights residents take their decorations seriously: some spend over $20,000 on professional equipment.
What to See in Dyker Heights
- As Christmas approaches, the decorations in Dyker Heights are absolutely stunning. You’ll see an explosion of light strings and multicolored neon. Roofs and trees are outlined with neon and LEDs, while animated figures appear in windows and yards. Santa figurines and reindeer are prominently displayed. You’ll spot many animated decorations—like a motorized Santa climbing up and down a ladder. Expect to see creative and original decorations you won’t find anywhere else.
- New displays appear every year as residents discover fresh ideas. Each homeowner tries to outdo themselves with unique themes. One neighbor has become known for high-tech decorations.
- Since the neighborhood is large, you’ll need to explore on foot to find the best houses. You can also join a guided tour of the most spectacular homes. Our guides scout the area each year to identify the best displays. We offer a guided tour that shows you the highlights worth seeing. Visit our page for the Dyker Heights guided tour. We recommend booking early—this is truly the must-do tour when you’re in New York for Christmas.
- To enjoy Dyker Heights decorations, visit after dark. There’s nothing to see during the day, so don’t arrive before 5 pm. Get ready to experience the magic of Christmas in New York.
How to Get to Dyker Heights
- You have two options. The first is to get there on your own using public transportation. Take the R subway line to Bay Ridge or the D line to 71st Street. Expect about an hour from Manhattan. You’ll need to walk a bit since no subway station is directly in Dyker Heights. The journey isn’t particularly scenic—you’ll cross a bridge over a highway.
- With our guided tour, you travel by van on the way there, which saves time compared to the subway. The return is by subway, so you’re free to stay longer if you wish. If you want to head back to Manhattan right after the tour, your guide will take you to the nearest subway station and you’ll travel together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dyker Heights famous in New York?
Dyker Heights is known for its incredible Christmas decorations during the holiday season. Residents show remarkable creativity transforming their homes and yards into Santa’s workshops. Tourists from around the world come to see this unique New York neighborhood.
What age can visit Dyker Heights?
The Christmas decorations in Dyker Heights enchant visitors of all ages. It’s a truly magical experience. Children will be amazed, but adults will be too. Adults especially appreciate the effort residents put into creating such spectacular displays. It’s a show for everyone.
Photos of Christmas Decorations
