Dyker Heights

Located between Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst, the neighborhood of Dyker Heights is best known as a winter destination. Come during the holiday season to see over-the-top Christmas light decorations adorning the neighborhood's historical homes. 

Consider booking a guided walking tour or bus tour of the neighborhood to see all of the most festive houses. Tours often provide transportation to and from Manhattan via one of Brooklyn's lovely bridges. They're a convenient option if you want to avoid spotty weekend subway service and simply enjoy the views.

• Dyker Heights is great for families with kids who want to get into the Christmas spirit. 

• Dyker Heights has only one subway line, so make sure service is running on schedule before you venture out.

• Winter in New York City can be very cold and windy, so wear warm layers.

• Bring a camera, since you'll want to snap photos of the festively decorated trees and homes around the holidays.

To access Dyker Heights, take the subway's R train to 77th, 95th, or 86th Street station on Bay Ridge Avenue. From midtown Manhattan or Queens, take the Gowanus Expressway; from Long Island and eastern Brooklyn, take the Belt Parkway. Alternatively, consider booking a car-share service. There are many options available in Brooklyn offering reasonably priced rides around the borough.

The best time to visit the tree-lined streets of Dyker Heights is during the holiday season. Expect to see Christmas light displays and holiday decorations every evening from mid-November and early January. For a round of golf—or a stroll to the shops and restaurants on 13th Avenue—plan to visit during the warmer months.

In spring and summer, the Dyker Beach Golf Course is a great place to play a round. With views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the course provides a unique vantage point on the city as you play 18 holes. After a day on the green, enjoy a drink and a burger at the course's full-service bar.

Yes, you can visit Dyker Heights without a tour. You can get near the Brooklyn neighborhood via the D, N, or R Subway lines. However, you may need to walk or take a bus depending on your final destination. Taxi, rideshare, or driving are options. Street parking is usuallly limited.

Yes, you can explore Dyker Heights on foot. The neighborhood is primarily residential, and you can safely explore it independently. Just expect crowds when visiting in the lead-up to Christmas. Note that most loops of the neighborhood involve at least 1–2 miles (1.6–3.2 kilometers) of walking.

Yes, Dyker Heights is worth visiting as one of New York City's kitschiest and most beloved Christmas traditions. Its holiday lights displays are magnificent. For many, seeing Christmas decorations is a good excuse to explore this lesser-known part of Brooklyn.

That depends on the option that you choose, but most Dyker Heights tours range between two and five hours. Longer tours typically include round-trip transit from destinations in Manhattan. Shorter tours kick off directly in the neighborhood. Either way, expect to tour the lights for around two hours.

Yes, you can drive through Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights. Try to visit on a weekday evening in early December before the peak Christmas lights throngs arrive. Note that parking can be very limited, so you may not be able to stop for photos.

Most homeowners put up their Christmas lights after Thanksgiving and they stay up through early January. Lights typically go on between dusk and 9pm or 10pm. Arrive early, and visit on a weekday to avoid the worst of the holiday crowds. Aim for early December, if you can.