Holiday Lights and Hot Coco

celiclu
Dec 20, 2018
2 min read

Bay Ridge is far and Dyker Heights you might want a car. If you're like me and can't do the crowd at Rockefeller Center for holiday spirits, Dyker Heights can do the job and maybe even better.

Yes, a car might be easier, but you can take public transit. It's a bit of a walk, but if you've never taken the train that far into Brooklyn it'll start to feel like an adventure. What are you going to find? Beautiful houses decorated like you're in a storybook! It'll bring out the kid in you again.

I took the R to 86th street and walked down to 83rd and 11th avenue. You will spot houses and apartment buildings lit up but you'll know when you arrive when you start to see mini crowds.

The best route most tour guides recommend is to go on 83rd to 86th passing through 11th and 13th Avenues. I didn't do the whole recommended tour but I saw a lot because almost every house is decorated! Dyker Heights started a tradition that is now bringing in crowds. If you're a photography enthusiast get ready for some eye catching bokeh!

The good news is there are traffic officers to guide crowds. There are also vendors selling hot chocolate so you can casually stroll through the blocks while satisfying your sweet tooth. The homeowners at Dyker Heights also don't mind visitors taking pictures and it's not socially weird to pose in front of a stranger's house for a holiday photo. Walking down the blocks you may also hear carols. Down 84th, a group of young girls were singing the classic Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas..

A few of my favorites were definitely on 84th street. The houses are massive! I also got great photos of houses that are not on the recommended tour but on the way back to the train.

I do Rockefeller Center almost every year, and yes, it is a wonderful location to get you in the holiday vibe, but if you're like me and wanted to see what else New York offers I would strongly recommend going down to Dyker Heights.

The neighborhood almost doesn't feel like New York, and since it's not that crowded like Manhattan you may find yourself eavesdropping on conversations. A few made me giggle,

"That's a big ass house!"

"Bella, where the hell is Bella?"

"You're the best mom ever," "and you're the best daughter ever"

"No, I said he looks like an orangutan."

"Wait, Grandma, is this like North Brooklyn?" "Oh, honey, I have no idea."

If you're hungry after I strongly recommend going to a new food spot that recently opened in Bay Ridge, Tanoshii Ramen. The food here is packed with great flavors! The ambiance is quiet and the service is friendly and quick. If you like spicy, do the Tan Tan, hands down they make the best broth. I should have asked what they added, but I also want to keep it a secret just so I can come here again.