Dyker Heights, the neighborhood of Christmas lights

New York is one of the most famous cities for its incredible Christmas decorations. There are countless places to visit for those who decide to visit the Big Apple during these times. From the Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Music Hall, the Christmas markets and without a doubt, the must-see is visiting Dyker Heights, a place to escape the noise and hectic life of Manhattan. It is a wonderful and magical ride; it will delight all children and adults too.

Dyker Heights is an Italian-American residential neighborhood located in the suburbs of New York that during the entire month of December, becomes the most illuminated neighborhood in the entire United States. It should be noted that it is a 100% residential neighborhood with large houses and gardens, very quiet. In fact, it’s so quiet it doesn’t seem like New York.

It all started in 1986 with Lucy Spata, who decided to fill her house at 1152 84th Street with Christmas lights in honor of her mother.

Although at the beginning it was not something that most of the neighbors liked, little by little they began to join this initiative. Soon after, the neighbors held an undeclared competition for who had the best decorated house.

This is how from that moment and every year, the neighbors decide to decorate their houses, to illuminate the streets and bathe each corner in a Christmas atmosphere. There is no particular style, but each house has its way of doing it: From garlands of all colors, life-size Santas, reindeer, gigantic nativity scenes, animated toys, it really looks like an amusement park.

Many of the houses are decorated by the owners, but there are some others that are decorated by companies that go specially to do it, which is really very expensive.

This event is so famous and special that every year more than 160,000 people come to Dyker Heights to visit the illuminated houses for Christmas.

Some peculiarities and recommendations when visiting this area are:

. If you visit this area before December 25, you will not find any figures of the baby Jesus. This is because, being families with Italian traditions, this figure does not appear until December 25.

. The best showings are generally on the weekends.

 . It is important to keep in mind that these are private houses, so it is advisable not to enter the gardens and to have respect for private property.

 . Upon arrival in Dyker Heights, a recommendation is to visit one of the pastry shops in the area and order a cannoli, a traditional Italian delicacy.

 . The recommendation is to go around 5pm when it is getting dark and until 9-10pm to see a maximum of illuminated houses.

. Carry between $1 and $5 in your wallet. Many of the families who put on these displays for your enjoyment also raise money for local charities. You may also find hot chocolate for sale on the street.

To get there, there are three options:

1. Taxi: This is undoubtedly the most comfortable option, but depending on your starting point, it could be quite expensive, and you have to take traffic into account.
2. Bus: it is an excellent alternative. Its price is included in that of the Metrocard. Consider the time to get there since the route is quite long.
3. Metro: it is the easiest and fastest option to get there. You can get on the R line and get off at the 86 St stop or get on the D subway and get off at the 79 St stop.

The most spectacular and recommended houses are:

LUCY SPATA HOUSE

Lucy Spata’s house stands out for the 40 angels located in the garden and that she placed in honor of her mother who died in 1986. It is located at 1152 84th Street

POLIZZOTO FAMILY HOUSE

On the same street is the house of the Polizzoto family, the decoration was commissioned by the late Alfred Polizzotto. It stands out for a huge Santa Claus located right at the entrance to the house, mechanized horses weighing more than 1,000 kilos and toy soldiers that measure almost 9 meters high. This house is located at 1145 84th Street.

JAMES BONAVITO HOUSE

James Bonavito is the owner of the B&R Christmas decorations company, and his house is the most elegant in the entire Dyker Heihgts neighborhood. The house is decorated in green, red, and gold lights, with life-size toy soldiers, deer, and Christmas decorations throughout. The house is located at 1134 Calle 83.

SAM THE GREEK HOUSE

Greek Sam’s house has over 295,000 lights, and although he is over seventy years old, he turns on all his lights himself every year.

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