Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Walking Tour: Best Displays

Dyker Heights residents transform their homes into elaborate light shows that draw crowds every December.

A walking tour of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, that takes you past the neighborhood's most decorated homes during the Christmas season. A guide leads you through the residential streets for about 90 minutes, covering roughly 3 miles on foot while explaining the history and tradition of the displays. The lights themselves are free and open to the public. The tour's value is in knowing which houses to see and understanding why the neighborhood became famous for this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Dyker Heights Christmas lights

• Walk through Dyker Heights neighborhood
• View decorated homes and light displays
• Learn about neighborhood holiday traditions

The experience

Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn where homeowners compete each December to create the most elaborate Christmas light displays. You'll walk the streets with a guide who knows the best houses and can tell you about the tradition that has made this corner of Brooklyn a seasonal destination. The tour covers about 3 miles on foot over roughly 90 minutes, moving at a steady pace through the neighborhood.

The meeting point is near the subway, followed by a 15-minute walk to reach the lit homes. If you're driving, contact the operator more than 48 hours ahead for parking guidance. The weather in December is cold, and the entire experience is walking. There's no vehicle or transportation provided during the tour. The lights themselves are 100% free and open to the public. What the guide offers is the knowledge of which houses are worth seeing and the context for why these displays matter to the neighborhood.

This tour requires a high level of physical fitness and involves sustained walking at a brisk pace. It's not recommended for young children, babies, elderly travelers, or anyone who walks slowly or dislikes cold weather for extended periods. The guide speaks English and leads the group as a whole, so keeping up with the group's walking speed is part of the experience.

What’s included

A knowledgeable tour guide who leads you through the neighborhood and explains the history of the Christmas light tradition in Dyker Heights.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday6 departure times: the first at 16:30, the last at 20:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demanding

Operated by Brooklyn Unplugged Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're comfortable with sustained walking in cold weather and want to understand which homes are worth seeing and why the neighborhood's displays matter, not just to walk the streets on your own.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I see on this Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour?

You walk past the neighborhood's most decorated homes, which feature elaborate light displays and holiday decorations. The guide shows you the best houses and explains the tradition behind why Dyker Heights became famous for these displays each December.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour covers approximately 3 miles on foot over about 90 minutes at a steady, brisk pace. You'll need a high level of physical fitness, and the guide moves at a speed that keeps the group together, so slow walkers will struggle to keep up.

Do I need to pay to see the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights?

The lights are completely free and open to the public: anyone can walk the neighborhood on their own without a tour. The guided tour's value is in knowing which houses are worth visiting and learning the history and tradition behind the displays.

Where do I meet for this tour, and can I drive there?

The meeting point is near the subway station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the lit homes. If you're driving, contact the operator more than 48 hours in advance for parking assistance or information about where to leave your vehicle.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly family members?

The tour is not recommended for young children, babies, or elderly travelers. It requires sustained walking in cold December weather at a brisk pace, and participants need to keep up with the group's speed throughout the 90 minutes.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Dress warmly: December weather in Brooklyn is cold, and you'll be walking outdoors for the entire 90 minutes. Bring appropriate winter clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and anything else you'd need for an extended walk in cold conditions.