As seen on TV – Samantha Brown’s Christmas Special, PBS, TLC, Britain’s GMTV, and more. The bright and colorful Christmas lights displays in the Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights (AKA Dyker Lights) areas of  Brooklyn are sights to behold.

The tag line on the Slice of Brooklyn Tour is, “Rockefeller Center? FUHGETTABOUDIT!”  (In case you don’t know – that is the way they talk in Brooklyn.  I guess you could call it Brooklynese.)  Let it be known – Brooklyn is the place to see dazzling lights.  These Italian-Americans know how to celebrate the Christmas season.

Backstory:  While having soup at the Met, the couple who sat next to us mentioned that they had been on a tour of the Dyker Heights area of Brooklyn the night before.  They raved about touring the fabulous light displays in the Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn.  Within a few minutes, we had our reservations.

We began our tour in the Bay Ridge neighborhood and were duly impressed.

This yard was covered with blue lights – Sunglasses recommended.  By The Way – The man is Christian and his wife is Jewish, so he uses blue lights for his decorations.

Our tour guide warned us  – “You ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!”

Sweet Mother of Pearl.  We arrived at Lucy’s house.  Lucy is the lady that is credited with beginning the Dyker Lights Christmas.

Lucy inherited this set of angels from her mother.

Some neighbors complained, but the more they complained, the more lights Lucy added to her display.  She added more, and more, and MORE.  Every inch of her yard is covered with Christmas.  It takes professionals almost three weeks to install all of her decorations.  Most of the neighbors join in the fun, and now enjoy the benefits of the thousands of tourist that visit Dyker Heights each Christmas season.

So many homes were covered with glitz and glam.

Down the street, Tony’s yard was filled with lights, humongous toy soldiers, a very tall Santa, and so much more.  Tony has to employ a crane to place Santa on the porch.

More than one home had working carrousels.  Truly amazing.

It was the perfect night to be walking the streets to view the lights.  Snow was still on the ground, and it was cold but not bitter cold.

Be still my heart.  This home was elegant and beautiful.

Spectacular decorations were everywhere we looked.

How pretty is that!

 

This creche was beautiful.  Many of the yards of these Italian Catholics had nativity scenes in their displays.

This home was probably decorated by the home owners rather than professionals.   I liked it.  I loved it.

More eye candy.

I do believe that the people who own this home have invested in every inflatable on the market.  So cute.

Simple and good looking.

Viewing these lights was like being in a magical toy land.

Merry Christmas!  Oh, I forgot to mention.  Many of the homes provided Christmas music for our enjoyment.

At the end of the tour we were treated to hot chocolate and cannoli.  Life is good.  After being outside on that cold winter night, we were ready to drink something warm.  The cannoli is from an authentic Italian bakery in Brooklyn.  Yummy!  But I warn you – It was delicious but very rich.

What a wonderful evening we enjoyed in Brooklyn.  We were definitely in the Christmas spirit after visiting Dyker Lights.

Blessings to you and yours,

I think I am ready to see some Texas lights.