Because nobody does Christmas like New Yorkers do Christmas.
One of the many reasons I love my husband is because he, in his ultimate German-ness, is a stickler for planning and organization, especially on the weekends we find ourselves in NYC. Though his predilection for (over)scheduling is sometimes an adjustment for a “I’ll go where the wind blows me” girl like myself, I must admit that we are never wanting for cool things to do in our newly adopted city.
And so it was with quite a bit of giddy anticipation that I agreed to his suggestion that we go check out the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, the residential community renowned for having *the* most impressive light set-up in the Tri-State area. You see, while I’m only sappy about a few things ( cute elderly people, babies, puppies, and romantic comedies *ahem*), I am embarrassingly sentimental when it comes to holidays like Christmas. I adore the rituals surrounding the event, like stockings hung from chimneys, chestnuts roasting on open fires (isn’t that a song?), and scores of children lining up so they can get a bit lap time and a photo with Santa. I love being assaulted by chirpy holiday music blasting from elevator speakers, fighting my way through frenzied Christmas shoppers in malls, and how places like Starbucks come out with limited edition food and drink (Christmas blend, anyone?!) Heck, I’ll even go weak in the knees for those advent calendars, and I’m not even religious! (Must have something to do with the chocolate…)
Above all, though, I love Christmas lights. There’s just something about how a drab street, building, or pedestrian walkway is transformed by that, well, glow. It’s a visible symbol, for me at least, of cheer, of the year drawing to a close, and of hope and child-like whimsy.
Last Saturday, then, we abandoned our toasty apartment in Long Island City and headed down to Dyker Heights to see the lights. Those familiar with the geography of New York will know that this is a *trek*: the subway ride into Brooklyn was over an hour and then we still had to walk for 20 minutes before we got to Dyker Heights itself. But, despite the long journey and frigid climes, it was so worth it! Here are some of the most impressive displays:
To be honest, most of the time I was walking around in a stupor. I mean, these are people’s *houses*, y’all. I love all the enthusiasm and effort, but can you imagine what the electricity bill is like?!
I also have to admit that I was a little creeped out by the house that had someone *dressed in an Elmo suit* out front greeting spectators. Like, huh? #toofar
But as usual, I digress. Point is, if you find yourself in NYC in the coming weeks, I highly recommend a stop in the Heights: it’s a great idea for either a date night with the boo, bonding with family or friends, or contemplative navel-gazing all by your lonesome. Just make sure you come prepared: dress appropriately for this disloyal weather (O summer, why hast thou forsaken us?!) and bring enough space on your phone or camera’s memory card to capture all of this shimmering, electricity-exploiting goodness.
P.S.: 50 points to everyone who caught the reference to Kanye West’s song “All of the lights” in the title!
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Between 11th Avenue and 13th Avenue and from 83rd to 86th Street
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
43 Comments
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