So, you've arrived in New York City around Christmas time and are looking for some festive activities that leave you feeling magical and wont break the bank? You've come to the right place! Escape the city craziness and head over to Brooklyn to see perhaps one of the most famous Christmas Streets in the world!
Incase you havent heard about Dyker Heights before, let me fill you in. Dyker heights is a selection of houses located on 86th street in Brooklyn, that goes all out with their decorations every christmas season! It is believed that some homeowners spend up to $100,000 on decorations (once you've seen them for yourself, you'll easily see how). Every house has a different theme, with everything from classy red and gold decor, to fun, blown up santas perfect for the kids! Some houses even have perfect photo opportunities with chairs outside, and members of the household will offer to take all the pictures you could ever ask for. There are also small local vendors dotted around the streets selling hot chocolate and sweet treats! Just be warned. Make sure you agree your price before you are served, as some are known to take advantage of the tourists visiting the area.
How to get there:
You can get to Dyker heights in a few different ways. Here are my tried and tested routes:
1. Excursion
The easiest way to visit Dyker Heights is through an excursion. Take the prep and planning out of the equation and let the organisers do it all for you. You can book your excursion through Viator (see link below!) and even have the option to buy now, pay later! Once you have your ticket, your meeting point will be arranged. This will usually be in the Times Square area. Pick up times vary, but personally i feel it is best to go from 4pm onwards as you NEED to see the lights when it is dark outside. Just prepare yourself for quite a bit of NY traffic as it is peak commute time for all the locals heading home. Your transfer will then take your directly to Brooklyn, so you can see the lights in no time. You will have some free time to wander around the block taking in all the festivities, and head back to the meeting point at your given time. If you're lucky, on your way back, your tour guide might even drive over the Brooklyn bridge and stop off for a photo op of the famous NYC skyline!
2. Public Transport
The most budget friendly option to get to Dyker Heights would be by the subway. For $2.90 p/w on a metro card, you can get the N train from 42nd Street subway station, towards Coney Island, all the way to Fort Hamilton, Pkwy. You will then have a 15-20 min walk into Dyker Heights. Just make sure you wrap up warm as it gets a lot colder than in the city! This is a great option if you want to take your time strolling the streets, as you are on your own time. The trains run frequently all night long, so make the most of your time in Brooklyn!
3. Private transport
Whilst i definitely would not recommend hiring a car in New York City, if you did want to hire a car for a few hours to take you to Dyker, I got you covered. I would definitey recommend hiring your car from lower manhattan, taking it to Brooklyn (over the brookly bridge duh!), and avoiding the city at all costs! Despite Dyker being a popular tourist attraction, due to the effort it takes to get there, it is not as busy as you would think. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to parking... just be sure to check each roads different parking rules to avoid getting yourself a ticket. Driving your own car, will allow you all the time in the world to explore not only the streets of Dyker Heights, but also all across Brooklyn if you wish. Why not make the most of your time and stop off at a little locally ran restaurant, right by the water, where you can tuck into delicious food, whilst watching stunning views of the lit up bridge and stunning NYC skyline!
If you have ever been to Dyker Heights before, comment down below what you thought, and feel free to share any of your top tips and tricks!
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