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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

DHCL is a tourism company created by residents of Dyker Heights offering our guests the best experience imaginable. Our bus tour includes pick up in Manhattan just steps away from the Winter Village at Bryant Park. After traveling in style with our tour guide, guests will arrive in Dyker Heights and be chaperoned on a walking tour to the most celebrated homes ensuring a magical stroll through the prime viewing area where homeowners take holiday decorating to a whole new level. Our world-famous tour is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit and have you coming back yearly to see the beautiful Dyker Heights Christmas Lights!

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“I had the time of my life; I told everyone about how wonderful this tour is and most importantly that it is run by locals that give back to the community. Until next year (yes, I plan on making this a tradition) continue to spread the joy and kindness.”

“Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. This is one of the best New York attractions during the holiday season. The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn is home to the most over-the-top Christmas light decorations. Watch more in my IGTV. Thank you @dyker_heights_christmas_lights for the tour. Check out this company for their wonderful guided tour of the light displays originating from Manhattan. ”

Noel Y. Calingasan

“Back in NYC just in time for the holidays! I’m very excited to be taking the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour in Brooklyn, NY. This area has the best Christmas decorations, each house has a different theme. Unfortunately, it can be a major drag to get here since it’s not quite accessible by subway. This tour can take you from midtown Manhattan to South Brooklyn in comfort and offer you a walking tour and take you back. No need to find an Uber for the same price, well worth it – had a great time!”

“Congratulations to Steven, for taking the lead role to create Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. It was a magical walk through the neighborhood seeing the amazing Christmas decorations. Plus, topping off the evening with delicious Brooklyn pizza, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa made it so special. We look forward to coming back! ”

Myra Lemberg

“Such a wonderful experience! If you’re wanting to view this neighborhood during the holiday season, you must go on this tour! Steven is a great host and tour guide. He is a local, so he knows the area well plus the history of this Brooklyn Christmas tradition. 10/10!”

Amanda Marie Medrano

“I have booked a tour with DHCL and we had a blast! The tour operator was so sweet and he was giving us a little historical explanation about the place! We started the tour in the local Church and the tour guide showed us the best way to walk in order to see the best Christmas decorations! Definitely worth it to book it with DHCL!”

Sisi Bolatini

“ Absolutely brilliant, even better than I expected, it’s breath taking and so dramatic! The tour is worth every penny and the surprise at the end is a fantastic bonus. Loved every bit of it! ”

“Beautiful Place! My 2nd year going. Like it more than Rockefeller decorations. You really get into the Christmas spirit here.”

Mathys Oliviery

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• (212) 913-9917

The Original Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights

​Rockefeller Center? FUHGETTABOUDIT!

Every night in December (except for the 24th & 25th) at 6, 7, and 8 PM.

~ 3.5 hours

Adults: $65 Children under 12: $55 (Limited priority seating available)

Meeting Place:

Union Square, Manhattan (exact details provided upon purchase)

Christmas Lights Tour

Rockefeller Center? FUHGETTABOUDIT!

The most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, aka “Dyker Lights.” Over 100,000 people flock to this area every year to see the most over-the-top decorations . Now in its 17th year, this is the original and most authentic tour of the area. Don’t settle for cheap imitations. We don’t just drop you off in the area. We know the homeowners personally and escort you around like you’re family.

If this tour doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit then your name is Ebeneezer Scrooge! THIS TOUR ALWAYS SELLS OUT EARLY SO DON’T MISS OUT!

What You’ll Do and See

• Check out the gorgeous Christmas displays in Dyker Heights as well as in other neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst.
• You’ll get to experience the homes from both on and off the bus and be escorted by your guide for the best stories and photos!
• Visit Lucy Spata’s house. Lucy is the woman who started the tradition of “Dyker Lights” back in the 1980s.
• Enjoy millions of lights! You’ll even see them synchronized to music at one very special house on the tour!
• See the home used as the Commissioner’s house in the hit CBS TV series “Blue Bloods”!
• See the house described as “Christmas meets Las Vegas”!
• Everyone receives candy canes and souvenir fridge magnets to take home!
• You’ll love our multimedia presentation on the screens of the bus from vintage Christmas TV specials like Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and more!
• Experience good old-fashioned holiday cheer with family and friends.
• You’ll get the true Brooklyn experience since our guides grew up in Brooklyn and know the homeowners personally.
• Don’t settle for copycat companies who just drop you off in the area. We know the homeowners personally and escort you around like you’re family.

What people are saying:

Customer reviews

• Booking: (212) 913-9917
• Office: (917) 515-5409
• [email protected]
• Mailing Address Only: A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours 2036 61st Street Brooklyn, NY 11204
• All Tours Depart from Manhattan

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The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023 guide

If you want to see spectacular holiday decorations, you must visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023 display.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in NYC

Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our   free weekly newsletter  to get   the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.  

When can I visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023?

Most of the homeowners—and professional decorating companies—hang their Christmas lights and decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving . However, the best time to see the lights is mid-December through New Year’s Eve . We suggest going anytime between dusk and 9pm if you plan to travel by foot. Most of the houses turn their displays off after 9pm but some leave theirs on later (depending on their bedtime). 

They decor usually stays up until the end of the first week of January.

Where are the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023?

You’ll see breathtaking light displays from 11th to 13th Avenues (also known as Dyker Heights Blvd) from 83rd to 86th St in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

How do I get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023?

If you’re traveling by subway, take the D Train to 79th St and New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn. However, you’ll have to walk 15 minutes to get to the houses (and the terrain is a bit hilly). Word to the wise: Traffic, as well as parking, is generally lousy, so you might want to leave your car at home, or leave enough time to sort the car.

Is it worth going to Dyker Heights to see the lights?

The display is truly extraordinary. But keep in mind it can be hard to get to via transit (depending on where you live) and difficult to find parking if you're driving, so be prepared. Also make sure to keep an eye on the weather, so you're not freezing cold or sweating through your parka.

One more tip: It's a very residnential neighborhood, meaning it's tough to find bathrooms nearby, so prepare accordingly.

Are there tours for the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2023?

Yes, bus tours are back from A Slice of Brooklyn , Dyker Heights Christmas Lights and  many more . There's even a Spanish language tour —vamos!

Is there anything else I should be aware of for the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights   2023?

If you are heading to Dyker Heights this year, be sure to respect the neighborhood like it's your own, starting with keeping properties clean of trash in the name of respect and sanitation. There will be extra receptacles in the area. It should go without saying, but be respectful of people's privacy and don't get too close to anyone's home.

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Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour (at Dyker Heights)

Public - This tour is held at 5:00pm and 7:30pm, plus some other possible times too. It's conducted from December 1 until December 30, 2022. It is a walking tour. The length is 90 minutes and the price is $25. This tour is included with the Sightseeing Pass, New York Pass and Go City Pass.

Private - This tour is offered for private or groups. It can be a walking tour, or driving/bus/step-on tour. We can provide a vehicle or we can guide the tour with your bus. Even if there is a vehicle, it is necessary to conduct most of the tour on foot (because of police restrictions). Walking distance is approximately 6-10 blocks. Please scroll lower down on this page for pricing.

Groups / DMC's / Tour Operators - Please scroll lower on this page for more information.

Description:

Prepare to see astonishing holiday light displays on a visit to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood, which has become world famous for the incredible decorations planned by its highly competitive residents. See it all for yourself, learn the story behind it, and discover how the tough attitude of one woman has led to a long beautiful tradition.

Have your camera ready for this Christmas lights excursion. You will be presented with the top homes and lighting displays in Brooklyn. You will learn about the growth of this holiday phenomenon in the Dyker Heights neighborhood, including two neighbors who fiercely stake a competing claim. Find out how one of them has put nearly 1 million dollars on the line! Also discover the unwritten codes which are followed religiously by the residents of this Brooklyn neighborhood.

Take this tour in Brooklyn to view some of the most impressive residential holiday light displays in the world, or simply to soak in a unique magical Christmas atmosphere!

Walking distance: approx. 2 miles / 3 kilometers.

Private Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tours

This tour is also offered for private groups.

It's perfect for families, friends, etc.

Please note that with all options, it is necessary to walk a large amount of the tour (because of police restrictions).

There are 3 options:

Option 1) Private walking tour - meet by subway station in Brooklyn.

Tour costs:

1-5 people: $170

6-15 people: $210

16-31 people: $270

32-49 people: $330

Option 2) Private driving tour - meet by subway station in Brooklyn. Cost: same as Option 1, plus 2 hours of vehicle time. Vehicle costs are listed below.

Option 3) Private driving tour - vehicle pickup in Manhattan (or at a location of your choice). Cost: same as Option 1, plus 3-4 hours of vehicle time. The exact cost will depend on how long the drive will take. You should tell us where you want pickup/drop off and we will tell you how long we think the drive will take.

Vehicle costs: 1-5 people: $65 per hour. 2 hour minimum. 6-15 people: $135 per hour (approximately). 4 hour minimum. 16-35 people: $160 per hour (approximately). 4 hour minimum. 36-50 people: $185 per hour (approximately). 5 hour minimum.

Groups / DMC's / Tour Operators

We can provide this as a walking tour, or driving/bus/step-on tour. We can provide a vehicle (please see vehicle costs above) or we can guide the tour with your bus. Even if there is a vehicle, it is necessary to conduct most of the tour on foot (because of police restrictions). Walking distance is approximately 6-10 blocks.

We offer tiered pricing and net rates for travel trade. All rates listed above are retail rates. Please contact us for details.

More about our group tours

Contact Us or Make a Reservation

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Guide (Tips for 2023 by a Local)

Ever heard of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn? Maybe not, but you have heard or know by now that New York City is one of the best holiday destinations in the world from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

As a matter of fact, Brooklyn is pretty special during this time of year and the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is what brings people from Manhattan to Brooklyn to see the spectacle of lights!

One of the best local spots that are catching on with popularity over the years are the famous Dyker Heights holiday lights in Brooklyn! This residential neighborhood takes Christmas pageantry to a whole new level, just like something you’d see in one of your favorite holiday movie classics!

Each year, since one resident started the tradition over 30 years ago, the giant, beautiful homes of Dyker Heights deck out their homes with over-the-top Christmas and holiday displays in an unspoken, friendly competition bringing holiday cheer to everyone who visits NYC in December .

The Dyker Heights holiday light displays attract around 100,000 visitors a year and while that seems like alot, many people are discouraged to visit because of how far away this Brooklyn neighborhood is from the other famous things to do in NYC at Christmas like the best Christmas window displays in NYC department stores to all the other fun festivities that make this city so special during the season.

That’s where this guide to visiting the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights comes in handy because we will cover everything you need to know about visiting and creating your own DIY Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour, or if you rather have someone show you we have that option at the end of this guide as well!

Seeing the Dyker Heights lights is easily one of the best things to do in Brooklyn in the winter ! So grab your winter gear and plan your visit to this seasonal attraction, especially on top of running around to see all the best Christmas lights in NYC and the best Christmas trees in NYC !

If you’re looking for more fun winter activities around Brooklyn don’t miss ice skating at Prospect Park or these Brooklyn ice skating locations!

Oh, and if you need help planning your holiday visit to the city, use our New York City Christmas itinerary for all the top attractions, places to eat, and things to see this magical time of year in the city!

Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Guide

History of the dyker heights holiday lights.

The beginning of the decked-out-to-the-max Dyker Heights holiday lights tradition started back when Lucy Spata moved to the neighborhood in the 1980s. She wanted to remember her mother’s holiday tradition of decking out the house by being as festive as possible!

(Although, some of this history is contentious as some argue homes started doing this before…however, many online sources say that this is when many homes started decorating thus starting the tradition.)

The Spata House is one of the main attractions and must-see houses when touring the Dyker Heights Christmas lights at 1152 84th Street. Each year since the 1980s this house is one of the most decorated and the angels in the front of the house and yard are to commemorate her mother’s tradition she brought with her here.

It is said at first the neighborhood and neighbors weren’t huge fans of the first Dyker Heights lights at Lucy Spata’s house but eventually that would change and it would become an unofficial annual decorating contest between the neighbors, just like in some of those classic holiday movies we all rewatch every winter.

Word got around, and now over 100,000 people gather to come see the millions of Dyker Heights Christmas lights every year!

Some homes in the neighborhood even hire professional Christmas light decorators to help them install their displays, when you walk around you’ll even see signs advertising these services! Some of the homes lavish decoration set ups are rumored to cost around $20,000! Look what Lucy Spata started!

When to See Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights are on display starting the day after Thanksgiving, which is always the third Thursday of November through New Year’s Eve.

The lights are visible every day of the week starting at around dusk when the neighborhood turns on their lights until around 10 pm.

If you come after NYE, you may still see a few homes that still have their displays up! However, the best window to see them all is Thanksgiving through NYE.

Some of the homes don’t always have their Dyker Heights Christmas lights on display right away, so some argue that the best time to go to see the most homes decked out with holiday cheer is after the first week of December up until Christmas.

Something important to consider though is that mid-December through New Year is the busiest time to enjoy the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, so if you’re okay only seeing some of the Dyker Heights lights, it can be a more enjoyable experience if you want to see all the decorations and brightly lit homes without as many people.

This is also a great time if you’re hoping to get one of the most coveted New York City Christmas photo spots without people in them.

And one of the best traditions, if you’re looking for things to do on Christmas Day in NYC is to come on the 25th to see the lights!

How to Get to the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

Many people wonder how the best way to get to the Dyker Heights lights is as it’s a bit further than the normal holiday festivities sightseeing route in the rest of the city like all the famous stops in Midtown.

You can expect to prepare to spend around 60 minutes or more commuting from Manhattan to Dyker Heights, being conservative depending on the route you take and less from other spots in Brooklyn depending on your starting location.

The quickest option to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is usually always the subway.

Getting to Dyker Heights via the Subway

Wondering how to get to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights on the subway? It’s easy peasy.

There are two main subway stops we recommend taking to get to the Dyker Heights holiday lights, 86th Street Station (R train) or 79 Street Station (D train). Both of these options will require a 10-15 minute walk to get to the main area.

Both of these stations will most likely require you to pass or transfer to the D or R subway line at Atlantic Avenue Station in Downtown Brooklyn.

From this point in your journey, you have around a 20-minute ride on the subway until you reach the nearest subway stops in Dyker Heights before needing to walk an extra 15-20 minutes.

Getting to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights by Taxi/Rideshare

This is a great option for getting to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights if you aren’t comfortable navigating the subway and don’t mind spending for convenience.

Depending on your starting point and time of day, taking a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft or a taxi can vary from 40-60 minutes from different locations in Manhattan and anywhere from 20-40 minutes from various points in Brooklyn. This is assuming you’re not attempting to get a ride at rush hour.

When you are trying to leave the Dyker Heights lights you will have trouble finding a taxi, if this is what you want to take to and from, you will most likely need to order an Uber or Lyft ride to return.

Since the streets with the Christmas lights are going to be packed, it’s easiest to walk a few blocks away from the crowded streets so your driver can reach you.

Driving to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Another option for getting to the Dyker Heights holiday lights is driving if you have your own car. If you’re not used to driving in the city, expect traffic and delays on your way to and once you’re at the lights.

The huge downside to driving your own car is that it’s very difficult to find parking and almost impossible to drive up and down the streets where all the Dyker Heights Christmas lights are as people are in the streets oohing and ahhing at the lights. It’s super congested and can be a very frustrating experience.

Unless completely necessary, we wouldn’t advise taking your own car just because the parking is hard to find and it could dampen your experience.

Some people prefer to see the lights from their car, if you do this, plan to be sitting bumper to bumper at the most popular spots, especially between 11th & 12th Avenues. You will want to do this part by foot!

We have never done this way as we live in the city without a car, however, one helpful commenter noted that the best chances of parking is between 79th – 86th streets.

Where are the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights?

The best streets for viewing the Dyker Heights lights and creating your own DIY Dyker Heights lights tour is on 83rd Street and 84th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues . These are where you can find the main homes, however, there are plenty of other streets nearby where you can find more Dyker Heights holiday light displays that we will cover next.

Between 83rd Street and 84th Street between 10th and 12th Avenues you can find four of the most popular Dyker Heights Christmas light displays including the original, the Lucy Spata House at 1152 84th Street.

Next, there’s the Polizzotto Home at 1145 84th Street (former home of the famous giant 15 ft Santa Claus and large display of moving animatronic decorations) This home is now decorated differently as the house passed ownership recently.

Another notable stop on your DIY Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is the Forest of Lights at 1134 83rd Street. This fun stop is literally what it sounds like, a forest of lights! This home on the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights trail has a good amount of trees and they decorate them from the ground to the top with colorful lights making them a forest of lights!

Another one of our favorite homes is 1023 83rd Street, this home belongs to the family of. Frank Mangano and they have a magical, over the top display that is one of our top picks and must-see sights at the Dyker Heights holiday light display! They also have an Instagram account you can follow for behind the scenes @1023XMAS.

The Let It Snow House at 8401 10th Avenue has become a favorite the last few years, not only is the entire side of the house dripped with colorful lights but on the corner of 10th Avenue they have SNOW all the time! They have a creative snow machine that brings the magic of a White Christmas every night to Dyker Heights!

Another over the top home is 1270 84th Street, they go above and beyond with their themes for their holiday display, from gold fish, Super Mario, pandas, and more with this over the top LED and light display!

Pay attention to other details at the house, if you’ve got a keen eye you might even spot a Santa surprise in the window! This is also one of the many homes that has a charity you can donate extra change to if you’re in the Christmas spirit and are able to help a great cause.

Most Popular Dyker Heights Lights:

• Lucy Spata House (1152 84th Street) – The original house to start the Dyker Heights lights tradition
• Polizzotto Home (1145 84th Street) – The original owners have sold and moved on, the new owner now decorates though too! Still an impressive home
• Forest of Lights (1134 83rd Street) – Trees decked out with lights making an actual forest of lights!
• Frank Mangano House (1023 83rd Street) – Decked out home with Believe and Joy signs and tons of lights!
• Let It Snow House (8401 10th Avenue) – Where you’ll find snow all holiday season and really fun decor!
• Wild Holiday House (1270 84th Street) – this is not the official name but WOW, you’ll see why I called it that! There’s no other quite like it.

More notable spots for lights and our personal favorites include:

• House on the corner of 10th Ave & 84th Street, peek up on the side of the house for a Santa surprise in the window!

So now that you have the most popular Dyker Heights lights locations, you can see on a map quickly they are all right next to eachother. Don’t stop now though, there are so many more lights to look at if you’re up for it!

There are a few sections of Dyker Heights holiday lights to see. See the streets listed below:

• 84th Street between 7th Avenue & 13th Avenue (this is also where you will pass the Lucy Spata & Polizzotto Home)
• 83rd Street between 7th Avenue & 12th Avenue (this is where you will see the Forest of Lights)
• 82nd Street between 10th Avenue & 13th Avenue (generally no lights between 11th & 12th Avenues)
• 81st Street between 7th Avenue & 13th Avenue (generally no lights between 11th & 12th Avenues)
• 80th Street between 10th Avenue & 11th Avenue 
• 79th Street between 11th Avenue & 12th Avenue
• 12th Avenue between 77th Street & 76th Street

Tips for Visiting Dyker Heights Holiday Lights

Here are some essential tips for enjoying your DIY Dyker Heights lights tour or just visiting the area in general for holiday viewing!

You will be walking a lot, especially if you’re coming from the subway (remember there’s around a 15-minute walk to the Dyker Heights lights from the nearest subway stops and a 15-minute walk back).

If you plan on seeing all the homes that participate in the Dyker Heights Christmas lights decorating you could be walking alot of blocks, come prepared wearing comfortable shoes.

Don’t forget to layer up if it’s cold out too! Once you’re on the trail of all the Dyker Heights holiday lights there is nowhere to warm up! Dress for the weather so you can stand being outdoors for at least 60-90 minutes so you can leisurely enjoy all the festive homes without being uncomfortable.

We love getting hand warmers for those, especially cold winter days!

The best time to see the Dyker Heights Christmas lights is after dusk , so in late November through early January that can be as early as 5:30 (and earlier closer to the holiday around winter solstice). You have a few hours to come and see all the Dyker Heights lights as the homes typically start turning off their lights before bed around 10:00 pm and sometimes as late as 11:00 pm.

The weekends are typically more crowded and the closer to Christmas and New Year’s, the more crowded the Dyker Heights Christmas lights get.

Also, the earlier you go around Thanksgiving the less lights will be on display, some decorators don’t get them up that early so keep that in mind if you’re hoping to see everything.

Some of the homes have a money drop or box for various charities using the visitation to see the lights at their homes as a chance to give back. If you’re wanting to participate, don’t forget to bring some extra cash or change.

If you want to walk around with a hot drink, Twist Coffee at 7824 13th Avenue closes either 7 or 8 PM (depending on the day) and has hot drinks! Or you can grab a thermos and bring your own hot cocoa or if you’re boozy like me, some mulled wine (if you’re not driving of course).

Near Twist Coffee is also the INCREDIBLE Italian Bakery, Tasty Pastry Shoppe at 8216 13th Avenue that sells gingerbread starter kids, holiday cookies, and classic Italian desserts! Stop in here for a sweet treat! This is one of our picks for best Brooklyn bakeries too! They stay open until 8 PM all days except Sundays when they close at 5 PM.

One commenter and local noted that Lioni’s Italian Heros is another great spot if you’re looking for a bite to eat from a local eatery! Just note they close around 7 PM and are more of a deli, take-out but they have insanely good sandwiches if you want to have dinner on the go.

And for a great sit-down restaurant and one of the best Christmas restaurants in NYC , make your way to Skinflint’s in Bay Ridge for a pre or post Dyker Heights Christmas lights meal! I love their decor and every visitor we had during the holiday season we brought here afterwards.

Skinflints is far enough away that you may want to take a rideshare here unless you’re up for a 20 minute walk!

Also, if you’ve already been to see the Dyker Heights Christmas lights you may want to go again because like snowflakes, each year its a little different and unique!

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tours

If all of this information on how do your own DIY Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour is overwhelming and you prefer to have someone else show you around, then we recommend joining one of the Dyker Heights lights tours available!

Keep in mind, the weekend before Christmas and the days leading up to Christmas is PACKED and the tours are also packed. This is just a memo for those who don’t like crowds!

This 1.5-hour Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour starts at Mocha Mocha Coffee Shop just outside of the 86th Street Subway stop and requires you to get to Dyker Heights on your own. This Dyker Heights lights tour includes a knowledgeable guide who will take you to see the most impressive homes and the history behind this holiday tradition. Book your tickets here.

This 3.5-hour Dyker Heights Lights tour includes transportation from Manhattan and is the perfect addition to all the holiday sightseeing in the city! Your driver will pick you up from Midtown and drop you off with your guide in Dyker Heights where you will check out all the festivities. Before you finish, this Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour has a bonus stop at the Brooklyn Bridge so you can get a photo of the city skyline twinkling at night before ending your magical evening! Book your tickets here. 

What’s even more fun is that the Dyker Heights Christmas lights also make an appearance in movies and television! Get inspired and check out these best Christmas movies set in NYC to get you in the holiday spirit before or after your visit!

You have got to love the holiday season in the city! If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for any NYC or Brooklyn lovers be sure to check out our guides to the best New York City ornaments for gifting, the best New York City souvenirs & gifts , and the best Brooklyn gifts !

Oh and if you do happen to be visiting earlier or later in the holiday season, be sure to check out all the best things to do during Thanksgiving in NYC and how to celebrate New Year’s in NYC !

The closest subway to Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn is the D train to 71st Street Station or R train to 86th Street Station in Brooklyn and then walk around 15 minutes to the residential neighborhood to see the holiday light displays.

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights usually come on at dusk, around 5 or 6 PM, and stay illuminated until around 9 or 10 PM each evening during the holiday season. However, specific hours may vary among different displays which go up after Thanksgiving and stay up until New Year’s Day.

A typical walk through Dyker Heights Christmas lights can take 1 to 2 hours, but it depends on how much time you spend admiring the displays and the size of the area you choose to explore.

Yes, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights are free to visit, visitors have an option to donate to various causes at some of the homes that pick a charity of choice.

The Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn are typically on display from late November to early January, with the most elaborate displays shining brightest in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The best way to see Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is by walking through the neighborhood, particularly in the early evening when the lights are on. Many guided tours are available for a comprehensive experience that includes transportation from Midtown.

To get to Dyker Heights Christmas lights, take the D train to 71st Street or R train to 86th Street in Brooklyn. From there, it’s a short walk to the residential neighborhood. Alternatively, you can use a car or a guided tour for convenience.

From Manhattan, take the subway (D train to 71st Street or R train to 86th Street) in Brooklyn. Then walk around 15 minutes to Dyker Heights, or consider a car service or guided tour for a convenient trip to enjoy the Christmas lights that includes transportation.

Yes, you can drive to Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. The neighborhood is accessible by car, and many visitors choose to drive to view the holiday displays, making it very congested with vehicles and foot traffic.

There is on-street parking available around Dyker Heights, but it can be limited and competitive during the holiday season due to the high number of visitors. Plan to arrive early to secure parking on nearby streets.

Some of the best houses for Christmas lights in Dyker Heights are along 84th Street, from 10th to 12th Avenues. These blocks often have the most extravagant and well-known displays.

Found this easy to follow guide to the Dyker Heights Christmas lights helpful? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest!

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18 Comments

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this was great info but I am traveling from CT and would like to drive down instead of public transportation due to COVID to get to Brooklyn. I am afraid of the parking. IS there anywhere to park for a period of time? A restaurant we could dine at and park for the duration. Parking on the street? thanks

Parking is easier this year as there are less visitors. We recommend going on a week night if you can. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood, there are multiple dining options in Dyker Heights on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 13th Ave as well as tons of options in Bay Ridge next to Dyker Heights.

This is so helpful – thank you so much! Apologies if this is a silly question or not but we’re planning to drive – do you think Christmas eve (12/24)/tomorrow night will be busy? If so, do you think Monday wont be as bad or worse as its between Christmas & New Years? Thank you so much!

It’s hard to say as this year has been less crowded in our experience, but I imagine that today would be more crowded. Now that it is the holiday break, I would imagine that it will be busier than it was earlier in December. If you’re flexible, try a weekday between Christmas and NYE earlier in the evening around dusk!

FIRST OFF THE PEOPLE IN DYKER WERE PUTTING UP XMAS LIGHTS LONG BEFORE THE SPATAS MOVED THERE. SECONDLY THERES NO MENTION THAT THE HOUSES ON 84 th STREET BETWEEN 11 th n 12 th Aves ARE THE WORST BLOCK TO GO DOWN IF UR DRIVING. BE PREPARED TO BE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC ALL AROUND THE AREA. HERES A GREAT TIP TO USE. DRIVE TO 15 th or 14 th AVES AROUND 79 th to 86 th STREETS N PARK THERE. THAT WAY U CAN WALK DOWN TWO OR THREE BLOCKS AND HAVE A PLACE TO LEAVE UR CAR SAFELY. IF U GET TO THE AREA BEFORE 5 pm GO VISIT THE LIONIS ITALIAN STORE FOR GREAT ITALIAN FOOD. OR NEXT DOOR TO THE ROMEO MEAT MARKET FOR GREAT MEATS A MUST BUY FOR ALL IS THE MOZZARELLA FROM LIONIS. NOTHING LIKE IT ANYWHERE ELSE.

Thanks for the additional tips you think will be helpful to our readers.

I’m interested in visiting Dyker Heights this upcoming 2021 holiday season around Dec. 20th or Dec. 21st

We are coming from NJ and debating if we should take subway from Manhattan, take an UBER from Manhattan or drive from NJ? The area you suggested to park back in Jan of 2021, would you recommend that this year as well? I am not familiar with this part of Brooklyn and figured it would be hard to park. Unlike Manhattan there aren’t parking garages in residential areas of Brooklyn. “HERES A GREAT TIP TO USE. DRIVE TO 15th or 14th AVES AROUND 79th to 86th STREETS N PARK THERE. THAT WAY U CAN WALK DOWN TWO OR THREE BLOCKS AND HAVE A PLACE TO LEAVE UR CAR SAFELY. “

We anticipate it will be back to its busy visitation this season (especially as it gets closer to the holidays it gets more crowded) so a car might be difficult, I would best recommend coming by subway and walking the last bit, but that’s just my personal preference. Also, if you do take an Uber you will probably want to walk a few blocks out to get a car on the way home – it can be gridlock down the main streets that have alot of displays. Hope that helps!

Could you please let me know when this ends ? Is it open in January 1st week ?

That’s answered above in the section “When to see Dyker Heights Christmas Lights” – I am sure a few homes still have lights up but typically people stop visiting after NYE and holiday decorations come down.

82nd street between 11 th and 12th ave has 2 houses in particular with cool displays. On is the old Santa on the front lawn and the neighbor has a Grinch setup. Kids love it.

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Excellent reading the only problem for me is, I live on Long Island and would prefer tour transportation without going into Manhattan. Would love to see the displays.

We are visiting this winter and I noticed some car services offer a private tour. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Would you recommend it?

Hi Robin, my friend runs this company, she focuses on private photo tours but she may do Dyker Heights tours too. I’d reach out! https://nycphotojourneys.com/

These crowds need to be controlled and a stop time needs to be inforced at night noises and crowds sometimes till 1-2 AM and also trucks selling foods outside this is not Times Square !

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 100+ Things To Do in Brooklyn 

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Where to See Brooklyn's Amazing Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

Organized vs. Self-Guided Tours

Where to go, how to get there, christmas lights tours.

While most Christmastime tourists to New York City flock to Rockefeller Center , locals know that the city's biggest holiday light show is actually in the outer-Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights.

Every year, local residents in Dyker Heights outdo one another with over-the-top Christmas light decorations. It is estimated that more than 100,000 visitors from across the city and the country come to see this neighborhood's outpouring of creativity and fun, as light displays spill over their homes, roofs, and gardens. Kids will be awed by the sheer amount of holiday decorations that typically include brightly lit rooftop Rudolphs, Santas on the lawn, and entire homes ablaze with lights.

Dyker Heights is one of the few neighborhoods in New York City with single-family homes instead of the typical apartment buildings, and the Christmas light display is notable for not being just one street or a couple of blocks, but the entire neighborhood. You can walk around on your own or join a guided tour, but definitely don't miss this holiday tradition.

If you're visiting Dyker Heights on your own for a self-guided tour, then the excursion is practically free apart from your subway trip or bus ride. It can be hard finding inexpensive outings in New York , especially in December when it's often too cold to be outside. But as long as your equipped with a metro card, seeing the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights is truly one of New York City's best seasonal activities .

But if you don't mind the extra cost, joining an organized tour is a more comfortable way to enjoy the display. The journey from Manhattan or other parts of Brooklyn to Dyker Heights is a trek on public transit, but bus tours provide roundtrip transportation. And even though there's an undeniable charm to walking around all bundled up with hot chocolate in hand, it's also nice to have a heated bus nearby for defrosting on particularly cold nights.

The most dazzling lights displays are concentrated in the heart of Dyker Heights, between Seventh and 13th avenues from west to east and 76th Street and Bay Ridge Parkway from south to north. As long as you're within this area, walk around and you're guaranteed to see lights.

If you're taking a self-guided tour, however, there are a few homes you don't want to miss.

• Lucy Spata's Home : The house of Lucy Spata is purportedly the home that started the holiday tradition in Dyker Heights, and every year she adds more so it continues to be one of the best. Her house is located at 1152, 84th Street.
• Polizzotto Home : The Pollizzoto's home, also known as Toyland, is another house that claims to be the first. Regardless of who started the tradition, Toyland is another worthwhile stop that specializes in animatronic characters. The house is at 1145, 84th Street.
• Forest of Lights : This home has many trees in the front yard, and each one is covered from roots to every branch tip in colorful lights. The Forest of Lights is at 1134, 83rd Street.
• Community Mayor's Home : While most homes go over the top with lights, this home goes over the top with giant inflatable characters. The yard has an army of festive balloons and is always a favorite. It's located at 8312, 12th Avenue.

If you need to get energized, the most options for places to grab a snack or hot drink are around the 86th Street subway station. You'll find plenty of familiar chains as well as local Brooklyn eateries, such as Cocoa Grinder coffeeshop or Annabelle's Pastaria for homemade Italian fare (Dyker Heights is one of Brooklyn's most Italian neighborhoods ).

The neighborhood's light displays typically go up after Thanksgiving, but there's no official date and it's up to each individual home to decide when to start decorating. The best time to go is in mid-December when all the lights are up, although this is also the busiest time of year. Most neighbors keep their decorations up until New Year's Day, which is the unofficial end of the light season in Dyker Heights.

The lights go on at dusk and stay on until about 9 p.m., although some families may choose to leave theirs on later.

To avoid the biggest crowds, go in early December or during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Weekends in December are the busiest days, so visit on a weekday if you want fewer people around.

If you're coming from Manhattan, it's a long ride on the bus or subway to get to Dyker Heights, but the trip is direct and doesn't require many changes, if any. If you're coming from the northern neighborhoods of Brooklyn, such as Williamsburg or Greenpoint, or Queens, it's usually faster to travel into Manhattan first and then take transit from there.

Coming from Manhattan, the bus is one of the most direct ways to get to Dyker Heights. The X28 bus runs all the way through Midtown and stops near major attractions like Grand Central Station and Union Square. The bus stop to get off at is 86th Street/Seventh Avenue, right in front of the Dyker Heights Golf Course. The total bus ride is about an hour from Manhattan, depending on where you get on.

Regardless of which train you take, you'll need to walk at least a few blocks to reach the holiday lights. The D train to 79th Street Station is one of the fastest options since it's an express train and skips a lot of the intermediary stations, taking about 40 minutes from Washington Square Park. You can also take the R train to 86th Street Station. It's a shorter walk from the station to the lights, but the local R train takes longer to reach Dyker Heights, taking about 45 minutes from Union Square.

If you're going by car or taxi , be aware that the drive time fluctuates dramatically based on traffic. In ideal conditions, the drive takes roughly 30 minutes from Manhattan. However, between weekday rush hour and frequent traffic jams of holiday visitors, the time in a car can easily jump to over an hour. If you're driving, you will need to be patient and allow for extra time to see the sights—and be aware of delays in case you're taking a taxi and running up the meter.

Depending on the weather, one of the best ways to see this stunning display of festivities is by taking a walking tour or bus tour of the holiday lights. There are several options to choose from.

A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour is available every night in December (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas), with buses that conveniently pick up and drop off tourists at Union Square in Manhattan. Tours are three and a half hours long and start every hour on the hour from 5–8 p.m.

Royal City Tours

This Dyker Heights Christmas Tour is offered in both English and Spanish. Passengers are picked up from and dropped off at Times Square, which is a convenient meet-up point for visitors staying in Midtown. The tour lasts three and a half hours and includes a stop under the Brooklyn Bridge on your way back.

Brooklyn Unplugged Tours

This Brooklyn Christmas Lights tour is shorter than the others at an hour and a half long because it doesn't include transportation, but it is also more cost-friendly. Tours are held almost every day throughout the holiday season, and you can choose between a public walking tour or a private tour with a vehicle.

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Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour

Tour Information

Dyker heights christmas tour, dyker heights christmas tour highlights, the polizotto house , saita house, lucy spata house.

• Motorized Displays
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We are happy once again to offer our very own walking tour of the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights Brooklyn.

For our walking tour, meet your tour guide in Dyker Heights, where we will walk as a group to the main "show".

There, your tour guide will show you all the important light displays and tell you the history behind each of them.  

It's a great experience and a great way to make some new friends.  

NOTE: There are also several bus tours of Dyker Heights to choose from. Just click the link.

GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF THE LIGHTS 

Reservations:  Required. 

Duration:  Tour is 2 hours (4 hours total if coming from Midtown Manhattan). In total, you can expect to walk approximately 3 miles (4.8 km).

When:  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:15 pm

Cost:  $25/person (48 hours notice needed for refund)

Where:  Meet your guide outside the Taco Bell on 4th Ave and 87th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. ( map ). It's located just outside the subway station exit.

The tour guides for this tour are Free Tours by Foot tour guides, so you can expect excellence.

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• Dyker Heights Bus Tours
• Guide to Visiting Brooklyn
• Christmas in NYC Guide

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7 Top Tips For Experiencing Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

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Who doesn’t love glitzy, glamorous lights at Christmastime? There’s no better place to see the lights than New York City. 

Everyone knows about the lights the city is famous for, like those in Rockefeller Center or on Saks Fifth Avenue. But if you want a different way to experience the lights of New York at Christmastime, I suggest going to the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Southwest Brooklyn for an unbelievable display. 

What began in the 1980s with a couple of houses donning Christmas lights during the holiday season has grown into a friendly contest of one-upmanship with no neighbor wanting to be outdone by another. This neighborhood pulls out all the stops, and the homeowners here are famous for their tremendous Christmas decorations. This is a definite only-in-New-York experience that’s more than worth the trip.

Depending on your starting point, you may not immediately see what all the hype is about. However, once you get into the heart of the displays, you’ll be amazed. Twinkling blue lights, huge animated bears, toy soldiers — some of which are so big they had to be brought in with a crane — and giant snowmen are just some of the spectacular sights you’ll see in this holiday wonderland. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll see house after house on block after block decorated in their Christmas best. With towering evergreens and sparkling white lights, candy canes, and shimmering garland surrounding the doors to each house, it’s a magnificent scene. Everything in the neighborhood is aglow with holiday lights.

Some say it’s the best holiday light display in the whole New York City area. You can decide for yourself. After seeing the wonderful Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, I think you’ll be just a little happier than you were before — your smile will be a little brighter, and you may even feel like a kid again. One thing’s for sure: There’s no way you won’t be in the Christmas spirit after touring Dyker Heights.

1. Choose Your Transportation Wisely

The Southwest Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights is about 8 miles from Lower Manhattan. It is a predominantly residential, traditionally Italian-American neighborhood full of brownstones and brick houses. The best light displays are in the more exclusive area of Dyker Heights, located between 14th Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway. 

To start with, decide whether you want to view the lights on your own or with a tour group (more on tours below). If you go on your own, you will need to determine how you get to and from Dyker Heights. If you go on your own, two of the most common transportation options are taking the subway or driving your own car. Keep in mind that if you take the subway, you’ll still need to walk about 20 minutes from the closest subway stop to the decorated streets of Dyker. And you’ll have to walk back to the subway stop after viewing the lights. If you drive yourself, the traffic is heavy, and the parking is very limited in the neighborhood, so you’ll have to take this into account to make your decision. 

If you don’t want to drive or take the subway, other options are to take another form of public transportation like Uber, a taxi, or my favorite option, a bus tour.

2. Choose The Best Tour For You

If you’d like to go on a Christmas lights tour through Dyker Heights, there are a few bus tour options that depart from NYC. You’ll meet your tour group at the pre-destined spot and take the bus from there. Book early because bus tours are very popular and will most likely sell out. 

My favorite bus tour is the original, authentic tour from A Slice of Brooklyn . It proves to be very engaging and authentic as the tour guides are Brooklynites, complete with the accent you’d expect; and the tour owners actually know some of the families that live in the neighborhood, including some of the families that actually started the light displays back in the day. You’ll be getting the real deal along with the inside scoop on the history of the display with this Dyker Heights Christmas lights tour. 

The bus tour is offered every night beginning December 1 through New Year’s Eve, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tour times are 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. nightly. The tour meets in Union Square and goes to Dyker Heights from there, for a 3.5-hour tour. On the bus, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, heated ride to and from Dyker Heights. Along the way, you’ll enjoy vintage movies and hear traditional Christmas carols. Once you arrive in Dyker Heights, your guided tour will begin! The tour is less than $60 per person for adults unless you’d like priority seating, which is a little more. For kids 12 and under, the tour is less than $50.

Another tour option is a guided tour on foot . You’re responsible for getting yourself to and from Dyker Heights, but once you’re there, you’ll be escorted around by a knowledgeable tour guide who will take you to the best houses and provide you with the history of the area. At around $20, this walking tour is a lot less expensive than the bus tours, but it’s also a lot shorter, at about 2 hours. You’ll walk about 3 miles. And remember, December can be cold, rainy, or snowy. It just depends on the type of tour you’re looking for.

3. Know When And Where To View The Lights

Some houses are decorated right after Thanksgiving, but not all homes are decked out that early in the season. For prime viewing, I’d wait until December so you can make sure you see all the decorations. The best time of the day to go is the evening between 5 and 9 p.m. Most houses aren’t lit until everyone gets home from work between 5 and 6 p.m. Some families start turning off lights around 9 p.m. for bedtime. 

The best viewing is between 83rd and 86th Street between 11th and 13th Avenue. The most popular houses are the ones that started the tradition, including the Spata House and the Polizzotto House on 84th Street.

4. Dress Warmly And Bring A Thermos

It’s cold in New York in December, so remember to dress warmly. If you’ve opted to take the subway and walk to Dyker Heights, dress especially warm because it’s a good 20-minute walk. Also, think about bringing a thermos with something hot to keep you warm. There may or may not be any local vendors selling hot drinks in the neighborhood, so if not, you’ll be all set with your own thermos. 

If you’re bringing kids, make sure you bring along easy snacks and drinks for them, as there are no restaurants extremely close to pop into.

5. Bring A Portable Phone Charger

Even if you have the latest iPhone, do yourself a favor and bring a portable charger. You will be taking a lot of videos and photos, so your phone battery may not last like you’re used to. If you have a portable charger, you won’t have to worry about your phone dying just before you get that perfect shot. And if you’re not taking a bus tour, you’ll most likely need to use your phone to make arrangements to get back, so it’s doubly important to make sure it’s charged up for you.

6. Be Polite And Respectful, And Plan For Crowds

Keep in mind that this is a neighborhood. You’re not in Times Square. You’re in someone’s neighborhood where families live. So keep the noise level down, pick up your trash, don’t block driveways, and just be courteous overall. 

Also, remember, there are no public restrooms in the neighborhood, so make sure you use the facilities before you get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Be patient, as there will be a lot of excited kids running around and a lot of babies being pushed in strollers up and down the sidewalks. So don’t be in a hurry. Just relax and take in the surroundings.

7. Don’t Forget Cash

Many families collect money for various organizations and will have a box at the end of their driveway or near their display so you can slip a $1 or $5 bill in. Sometimes, people have small tables set up around the neighborhood where they’re selling hot chocolate or tea, and you’ll need cash to pay for a drink.

No matter which option you decide on, checking out the Christmas trees and holiday lights in Dyker Heights will be a highlight of your holiday trip to NYC. And since Dyker Heights is so close to Manhattan, you can pretty easily make time in your itinerary for this fabulous, over-the-top slice of cheer to get you into the Christmas spirit.

To complete your New York City Christmas trip, check out:

• 10 Magical Christmas Window Displays To Visit In New York City
• 6 Incredible Christmas Markets To Visit In New York City

SJ is a professional travel writer based in the Midwest. She has a background in credit card points and miles, having spent years working on loyalty campaigns for various financial institutions. She has a B.A. in history and is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, and the International Travel Writers Alliance. SJ specializes in writing about travel, food, and wine.

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Moscow by Night

One of the most popular tours of my guests is a walk through Moscow at night. This tour helps tourists to see Moscow not as a bustling hive, but as a majestic Empress full of ceremonial glory. Moscow night tour lasts nearly for three hours, but at the end of the walk it seems to be gone only an hour. During the excursion around Moscow at night, guests can enjoy not only the beauty of illumination, but also to learn more about the history of the city and its architecture, see  legendary cathedrals, buildings and squares of Moscow, famous over the world, and to make great shots of attractions.

Night Moscow is full of magic. It is fascinating and enigmatic. If you decided to visit Russia in winter season, you will feel the fairytale atmoshere of the capital decorated with festive New Year and Christmas decorations. Walking through Moscow's streets at night you would never believe that just a few hours before you wandered through the same ones, only in the light of day. It is amazing how the city can change in the glow of night illumination. The incredible beauty of the city at night fascinates.

Excellent illumination turns the capital to the city of a fairy tale, dream-city of the children's book.

A wonderful excursion begins with perhaps the most famous places in the whole Moscow - Red Square , located at the north-eastern wall of the Kremlin. History of Russia's main square has its roots in the end of 15th century.

Nowadays, parades and celebrations of important events in the life of the Russian Federation are held at this famous square. At night Red Square stuns with its magnificent illuminations. Solemn and austere in daylight, it looks elegant and festive in the glow of night lights.

Patriarchy Bridge

Our path lies to the Patriarchy Bridge than. There is a beautiful view of the night Red Square, The Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the monument to Peter the Great at this point.

Built in Russian-Byzantine style in honor of the victory of the Russian people over Napoleon's troops the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Savior seems to be a magical castle from a fairy tale, full of mysterious charm. Its white silhouette stands out brightly against the night sky. It seems that the walls of the Cathedral lit from within by the divine light. It is really a stunning effect.

Sparrow Hills

Next place that deserves special attention are the Sparrow Hills . There is a unique view on Moscow at night with bird's-eye view from this place - at least 85 meters over of the Moscow-River. Looking at the capital full of illumination, lit by millions of lights, stretching out at the feet, you feel on top of the world. It seems that you are a magician, surveying your luxurious land. You will have the opportunity to see a spectacular view of the Luzhniki stadium - the largest one in Russia and one of the largest stadiums in the world. This stadium was built in 1955-1956 years. It was here the Olympic Games took place and a lot of sport competitions and concerts of well-known artists and bands were conducted.

At night the stadium is light up along the whole circular length at night. It seems that the stadium is a great shining pearl in the illumination of thousands of lights. From this point of Moscow you can see the erecting buildings of Financial Center Moscow-City by projects of English architect Norman Foster. Some buildings are ready; some are in the process of erection. Completion is planned for 2015. We all look forward to completion to enjoy the magnificent view of monumental modern buildings at night in the rays of illumination.

All of Stalin's skyscrapers , erected in the mid 50-ies by the orders of Stalin are visible from the top of Sparrow Hills, including Moscow State University , known for its night laser lights. Each skyscraper has a unique lighting. Panorama from Sparrow Hills is sure to impress guests: dazzling shining of metropolis with millions of lights makes the capital an unforgettable and beautiful. Magic night in Moscow fascinates.

Novodevichy Convent

My guests are particularly impressed by the panorama of Novodevichy Convent .

This magnificent example of the Orthodox women's monastery was founded in 1524 by Prince Vasily III. There are a lot of stories and legends of Moscow connected with the monastery. It played a prominent role in the cultural life of Russia. Today Novodevichy Convent is both working monastery and a branch of the State Historical Museum. Night walk along the pond will fully appreciate the beauty of the Novodevichy convent at night. Rising above the dark surface of the water, it seems to be full of shining, light and peace. The lights of the five-headed Smolensky Cathedral and the monumental bell tower of the monastery illuminate the dark sky solemnly, cutting through the darkness and giving hope.

Victory Park

Three hours driving and walking tour ends in Victory Park on Kutuzov Avenue with a stop near the Arch of Triumph.

Victory Park was opened in Moscow in 1995 and is coincided to 50 years of victory over the fascist invaders. The original nighttime illumination of Victory Monument will not leave any spectator indifferent.

Excellent coverage of the Arch of Triumph on Kutuzov Avenue, built in honor of the victory over Napoleon in 1812, will complement this impression.

The tour will introduce you to such streets and squares as Tverskaya and New Arbat streets, Pushkinskaya Square, Gagarin’s Square, Lubyanka Square, and October Square. Also you will see such famous buildings in the night illumination, as White House, Former KGB, Stalin’s Skyscrapers, Old building of French Embassy, Bolshoy Theater and many others.

Moscow at night is a truly fascinating spectacle. City Lights beckon and create a holiday atmosphere. If you have seen Moscow at night - you looked into her very heart, saw her real - a beautiful, bright, exotic queen.

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• Moscow Evening Photoshoot Celebrating 2nd Wedding Anniversary Moscow evening (twilight) photo session on July 1st, 2019 during night tour with my Dear clients from Iran, Mozhgan and Siamak, celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary in Russia.

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About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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Theatres in Moscow

Cultural life of Moscow city is various and rich! Operas, ballets, symphonic concerts... Russian composers have created some of the most beautiful classical music. Russian classical music is very popular in Moscow. It is performed in many beautiful historical venues. Do not forget to include a visit to a concert hall in your itinerary when you are planning your stay in Moscow! And do it in advance.

There are almost no restrictions on dress code in Russian theatres. Visitors may wear jeans and sports shoes, they may have a backpack with them. Only shorts are not allowed.

A typical feature of Russian theatre – visitors are bringing a lot of flowers which they present to their favorite performers after the show.

Here are some practical advices where to go and how to buy tickets.

The Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the oldest, the most famous and popular opera and ballet theatre in Russia. The word “Bolshoi” means “big” in Russian. You can buy a ticket online in advance, 2-3 months before the date of performance on the official website . Prices for famous ballets are high: 6-8 thousand rubles for a seat in stalls. Tickets to operas are cheaper: you can get a good seat for 4-5 thousand rubles. Tickets are cheaper for daytime performances and performances on the New Stage. The New Stage is situated in the light-green building to the left of the Bolshoi's main building. The quality of operas and ballets shown on the New Stage is excellent too. However, you should pay attention that many seats of the Bolshoi’s Old and New Stages have limited visibility . If you want to see the Bolshoi’s Old Stage but all tickets are sold out, you can order a tour of the theatre. You can book such a tour on the official website.

If you want, following Russian tradition, to give flowers to the performers at the end of the show, in the Bolshoi flowers should be presented via special staff who collects these flowers in advance.

In August the Bolshoi is closed.

The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre

This theatre is noteworthy. On one hand, it offers brilliant classical opera and ballet performances. On the other hand, it is an experimental venue for modern artists. You can check the program and buy tickets online here http://stanmus.com/ . If you are opera lover, get a ticket to see superstar Hibla Gerzmava . The theatre has a very beautiful historic building and a stage with a good view from every seat. Tickets are twice cheaper than in the Bolshoi.

The Novaya Opera

“Novaya” means “New” in Russian. This opera house was founded in 1991 by a famous conductor Eugene Kolobov. Its repertoire has several directions: Russian and Western classics, original shows and divertissements, and operas of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is very popular with Muscovites for excellent quality of performances, a comfortable hall, a beautiful Art Nouveau building and a historic park Hermitage, which is situated right next to it. You can buy tickets online here http://www.novayaopera.ru/en .

Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center

The Opera Center has become one of the best theatrical venues in Moscow. It was founded in 2002 by great diva Galina Vishnevskaya. Nowadays its artistic director is Olga Rostropovich, daughter of Galina Vishnevskaya and her husband Mstislav Rostropovich, great cellist and conductor. Not only best young opera singers perform here, but also world music stars do; chamber and symphonic concerts, theatrical productions and musical festivals take place here. You can see what is on the program here http://opera-centre.ru/theatre . Unfortunately “booking tickets online” is available in Russian only. If you need help, you can contact us at and we can book a ticket for you. 

Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and The Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory

These are two major concert halls for symphonic music in Moscow. Both feature excellent acoustics, impressive interior, various repertoire and best performers. You can check the program here http://meloman.ru/calendar/ . You need just to switch to English. Booking tickets online is available only for owners of Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian phone numbers. If you need help, you can contact us and we can book a ticket for you. 

Moscow International Performing Arts Center (MIPAC)

This modern and elegant concert hall houses performances of national and foreign symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo instrumentalists, opera singers, ballet dancers, theatre companies, jazz bands, variety and traditional ensembles. Actually, it has three concert halls placed on three different levels and having separate entrances. The President of MIPAC is People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Spivakov, conductor of “Virtuosy Moskvy” orchestra. You can see pictures of the concert halls here http://www.mmdm.ru/en/content/halls . The program is impressive in its variety but is not translated into English. You can contact us at and we can find a performance for you.