December is always a magical time in New York City, with the city dressed up in its holiday finery. There are Christmas trees and giant menorahs in many locations, and the department store windows sparkle with competing themes. It’s always my favorite time of the year, but this year was particularly busy. I didn’t get anything written about my December adventures at the time, but I thought I’d let you in on some of what kept me busy then. And there’s an added bonus – I get to hang on to the holiday season just a little bit longer in the process!
One of the things I’ve always wanted to do is visit the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights during the month of December, as it is known for its holiday spirit. Homeowners in the neighborhood decorate their homes with Christmas lights and other holiday decor, making it a wonderful place to explore between Thanksgiving and New Year’s each year. In fact, Dyker Heights is famous throughout the United States for its Christmas decorations, as it has been featured in television shows about the topic! The only reason we haven’t gone in prior years is that Dyker Heights is a little complicated to get to if one doesn’t have a car. The subways don’t go to the neighborhood, so it requires a combination of subway and bus if you are traveling by public transportation. This year, we were fortunate to go with a friend who has a car, and so there were no transportation challenges. Having explored the Dyker Heights Christmas lights once, I think it will now be part of our annual traditions.
So let me give you a glimpse of the lights. As you can see, they vary significantly in style, from the elegant to child-like Christmas glee. After walking the neighborhood, visitors were guaranteed to be in the holiday spirit!
So which do you prefer? The delicate, elegant lighting that casts a magical glow, or the fun, over-the-top exuberance of the blow-up decorations and their accompaniments?
Finding NYC 
Simply glorious, all of them. Best wishes for 2018 Susan xx
Best wishes to you in the New Year as well, Jo. I’ve been on hiatus from the blog for the past month, finishing up the semester, grading, and celebrating the holidays, but now I’m back! I’m looking forward to getting caught up on your walks.
Sorry, darlin! I was already offline when I saw your comment on my phone last night and just remembered it now. Quite a few people were missing, Susan. Welcome back 🙂 🙂
What beautiful Illuminations Susan – I loved them all! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you as well, Marion! I’m looking forward to getting caught up on your blog, especially the Moscow trip.
Beautiful photos, as always!
Thank you!
extraordinary! Nothing like a good old piece of exuberance from the US of A, though goodness knows the power bills!
That was my thought as well!
Wow! That is really something!
The soldiers on the steps with the giant wreath above the door look very elegant (in an over the top way of course) – but the message at the end isn’t terribly welcoming! Hope you’ve had a lovely break and happy 2018 to you.
Happy New Year to you as well, Anabel! I hope it’s a great year for you.
Elegance and grace for me! What a neighbourhood, and what great shots of lights. I enjoy watching you create traditions – a lovely idea. Best wishes to you and your partner for 2018. I’m looking forward to sharing bits of it with you.
The elegant ones are my favorite as well, although the kid in me appreciates the over-the-top ones. Wishing you and your family a happy new year as well, and I look forward to seeing what you explore!
I love all the lights, and even the nutcrackers, but I have to say that the inflatables are a bit much for me. Especially when you pass houses that have them during the day, and they’re all sad and deflated. Looks like a great place to see Christmas lights though!
I agree! It was a lot of fun, and great for placing me in the Christmas spirit before I went out and finished my Christmas shopping!.
I have to agree that I’m normally not a fan of the inflatables either – but somehow the over-the-top aspect of the homes that used them here appealed to me.