Things to do
The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The fabulous holiday icon of NYC, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is a must-see for both locals and visitors during the holiday season, whether...
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYC
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Most of the homeowners—and professional decorating companies—hang their Christmas lights and decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving. However, the best time to see the lights is mid-December through New Year’s Eve. We suggest going anytime between dusk and 9pm if you plan to travel by foot. Most of the houses turn their displays off after 9pm but some leave theirs on later (depending on their bedtime).
They decor usually stays up until the end of the first week of January.
You’ll see breathtaking light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
If you’re traveling by subway, take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn. However, you’ll have to walk 15 minutes to get to the houses (and the terrain is a bit hilly). Word to the wise: Traffic, as well as parking, is generally lousy, so you might want to leave your car at home, or leave enough time to sort the car.
The display is truly extraordinary. But keep in mind it can be hard to get to via transit (depending on where you live) and difficult to find parking if you're driving, so be prepared. Also make sure to keep an eye on the weather, so you're not freezing cold or sweating through your parka.
One more tip: It's a very residnential neighborhood, meaning it's tough to find bathrooms nearby, so prepare accordingly.
Yes, bus tours are back from A Slice of Brooklyn, Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and many more. There's even a Spanish language tour—vamos!
If you are heading to Dyker Heights this year, be sure to respect the neighborhood like it's your own, starting with keeping properties clean of trash in the name of respect and sanitation. There will be extra receptacles in the area. It should go without saying, but be respectful of people's privacy and don't get too close to anyone's home.
The fabulous holiday icon of NYC, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, is a must-see for both locals and visitors during the holiday season, whether...
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