there’s a neighborhood in south brooklyn called dyker heights where the residents go all-out with the christmas decorations, and since i moved to new york i’ve been wanting to check out all the displays. luckily for me rochelle was game for an adventure, so one monday night we ventured down to take in the spectacle.

we had a great time looking at all the lights and other decorations and speculating on the people who live in the houses. some are more traditional, with nativity scenes and “buon natale” in lights, and others are more contemporary, with mickey and minnie mouse and a dinosaur there to wish you a merry christmas.

the pictures don’t do it justice, but here are some of my favorites from our wanderings —

know before you go:

• some houses will start decorating the weekend after thanksgiving, but your best bet is go around the 2nd week of december
• most information online will tell you to take the d train, but we walked from the r at 86th st and it was an easy 15-minute walk to the lights
• give yourself a minimum of 45 minutes to walk around, but you’ll want more time if you stop for hot chocolate and for some of the more interactive houses
• there are some tour companies if you want a more in-depth history of the neighborhood, but i enjoyed going at our own pace and deciding on the spot which streets to walk down and where we wanted to spend more time
• you’re in a residential neighborhood so there aren’t restrooms; plan accordingly

merry christmas!

xx