Feed your annual holiday spirit addiction with a trip to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, which has become internationally renowned for its Christmas lights display so over the top that Con Edison is rumored to send gift baskets to its top electric-hungry houses.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights for their annual Christmas Lights extravaganza, which attracts nearly 100,000 visitors each December to its houses and mansions packed with hundreds of lawn ornamentations, giant inflatables, and mechanical decorations.

Led by neighborhood expert and guide Norman Oder, our exploration of this famed Christmas Lights spectacle (broader than what the mass bus tours focus on) will include:

The origin story of the 31-year-old Christmas tradition, which all started when a Dyker Heights resident installed a large Christmas lights display after her mother passed away

A look at the neighborhood’s history, including churches and some handsome turn-of-the-century architecture

A visit to several blocks to see Christmas lighting displays ranging from modest to extravagant, where some homeowners spend upward of $20,000 dollars to claim the unofficial title of the best-dressed house

A stroll down Dyker’s main shopping street, including a chance to stop at an Italian pastry shop

While the tour will officially end at 13th Avenue and 86th St, Norman will point out some food and drinks spots within walking distance, or near the 86th St. subway station in Bay Ridge, easily accessible by bus, so come join!

*Please bring a water bottle, dress warmly, and wear a comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

Public Transportation

Subway: Take the D train to 71st Street
Bus: B64 to 13 Av/71 St

About Norman

“In the 1990s, I began leading family/friends on informal tours of Brooklyn. My goal: to lead the type of energetic, interesting tours I’d take myself. After founding New York Like a Native in 2000 with one tour, I’ve added many more neighborhoods, thanks to visitors and my own curiosity. I specialize in Brooklyn and as both a tour guide and journalist am always trying to understand it better.

“New York Like a Native is a member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. I’m a licensed New York City tour guide and have long been a member of the Guides Association of NYC.”