Joseph Rowdis ’25
Staff Writer
It is one thing to say there is nothing like Christmas in New York City. But then it is another thing to say there is nothing like Christmas in the place known as the “King of Christmas Lights,” Dyker Heights. The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are on another level. Born and raised in this southwest neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, I can truly tell you that from Black Friday until early January (generally the Epiphany), the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are a must-see during this wonderful time of the year. Trust me, the atmosphere here is so unique, and this is where long-lasting memories are made.
If you are looking to get away from all the hustle and bustle in Manhattan, Dyker Heights is the place to experience true Christmas vibes. Making this trip is a great chance to explore the borough of Brooklyn, in a well-spread out neighborhood full of joy all around. It may even bring a similar feel to Manhattan in that some might say Dyker Heights during Christmas is like Central Park on the streets due to the tons of tourists that visit just for the lights. I find it incredible how I have encountered a wide range of people with all different backgrounds just from the view on my porch. When visiting, you could run into someone as local as a Brooklyn resident from another neighborhood, or you could be talking to someone who came from another country, such as Italy or China, just to see these marvelous Christmas lights. I’m not kidding, there are so many tour buses a few blocks away from my house that let off people in large groups from other countries, with a tour guide showing them around the neighborhood.
The amazing thing is that when I step outside, there are many people whom I do not know waving at me from my steps — it is as if I am a part of their show and entertainment. Funny enough, some houses, like my next-door neighbor, put on real entertainment shows by blasting loud Christmas music and shooting a snow machine onto the streets. I love all this because with the crowds that make their way over, the Christmas spirits and energy are felt across everyone there. Due to the large amounts of crowds outside, the police officers have to close down popular streets (on the weekends primarily) in order to let the people walk freely up and down. The pride I get from these tourists bringing so much energy to the neighborhood and seeing how happy they are from capturing such beautiful houses around them, such as my house, is unmatched.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights leave people in awe because of the many houses that are all lit up with bright lights that illuminate the neighborhood and huge Christmas attractions and figures that add a nice touch to the decorations (a lot of which is professionally put up). Besides taking pictures and videos of the houses and streets, visitors can get food, coffee, and ice cream from the busy trucks on the corners. This is a great way to pause and refresh after walking many blocks surrounded by other tourists.
Dyker Heights really is renowned for its Christmas Lights because every year, there are newscasters (such as from ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) who make it a point to highlight all the festivities that this neighborhood offers. Sometimes they interview residents and tourists to get a perspective on how special the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights are. Everything about Dyker Heights during the Christmas season is what I love and look forward to when I come home from Holy Cross after finals. There is so much to see and do, and ignoring my neighborhood bias, I highly recommend going to Dyker Heights during Christmas because you will experience something so spectacular and one-of-a-kind in the world where you will not find anything like it elsewhere.
Featured images courtesy of Joseph Rowdis ’25
Copy Edited by Caroline Kramer ’26
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