New York: Christmas lights tour in Brooklyn & Manhattan

Summary

Follow the glow from Brooklyn’s wildest lights to Manhattan’s tree

You’ll wander through Brooklyn’s wildest Christmas displays in Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, catch views of Manhattan from Dumbo and Roosevelt Island, stroll 5th Ave’s decorated windows, and end under Rockefeller Center’s famous tree — all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this Christmas lights tour mostly out of curiosity. I’d heard about Dyker Heights before, but nothing really prepared me for the way the whole street just… glows. Our guide, Marco, grew up nearby and kept pointing out which houses had “upped their game” this year. The air smelled like cold plastic and pine needles, and you could hear kids laughing somewhere behind all those inflatable Santas. I tried to take a photo of the Blue House in Bay Ridge but my fingers were too cold — ended up blurry, but maybe that’s part of it.

We started off at the Brooklyn Bridge, which looked different at night — quieter somehow, except for the distant hum of traffic. In Dumbo, Marco made us pause to look back at Manhattan through the arches. The city felt almost gentle with all those tiny lights across the water. Then we headed into Dyker Heights itself. It’s not just about the decorations; it’s how people stand outside chatting with neighbors or handing out hot chocolate (I didn’t expect that part). Someone played Mariah Carey from a porch speaker and everyone kind of laughed — even Marco rolled his eyes.

After Brooklyn, we crossed over to Manhattan for 5th Ave and Rockefeller Center. The crowds got thicker here, but seeing the tree lit up with people skating below was still worth it. There was this moment where I caught someone proposing by the rink — she said yes and everyone around them cheered, strangers hugging like old friends. I still think about that view from Roosevelt Island too; something about seeing all of Manhattan dressed up for winter makes you feel small in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Christmas Lights and Iconic NYC Views

• See Brooklyn Bridge
• Visit Dumbo viewpoint
• Stop at Blue House in Bay Ridge
• Explore Dyker Heights Christmas lights
• Walk along 5th Avenue showcases
• See Rockefeller Center Christmas tree

Top questions

Does this Christmas lights tour include transportation?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included throughout the tour.

Which neighborhoods do we visit on this tour?

The tour visits Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, Dumbo in Brooklyn, plus 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

Is there a local guide on this New York Christmas lights tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the group and shares stories along the way.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is public transportation available near pickup points?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for convenience.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide leading you through Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge displays as well as stops at Dumbo, Roosevelt Island, 5th Avenue shop windows, and Rockefeller Center before returning at night.