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Dyker Heights Lights 2009 in Photos
By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 9, 2009
Modified Dec 9, 2009
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By
John Del Signore
Published Dec 9, 2009
Modified Dec 9, 2009
Share
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It it's December, it must be time to visit Dyker Heights, that Brooklyn neighborhood famous for its transcendent Christmas light displays. The spectacle draws onlookers from around the world, and was immortalized in a truly hilarious documentary called Dyker Lights, which takes a priceless "behind-the-scenes" look at the predominantly Italian-American families during preparations for the annual festivities. (PBS will be broadcasting Dyker Lights again this year on Christmas Eve and Christmas day—it's not to be missed.)
New York Daily Photo just got back from a visit to the old neighborhood (map) and notes that "the start of the over-the-top tradition is generally credited to Lucy Spata. The Spatas residence is located at 1152 84th Street. This block, 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue, is the epicenter of the displays, with the homes of the Polizzottos (Toyland) (1145 84th St.), The Rizzutos (1062 84th St.), the Lambrones (8304 12th Ave.) and Jerry Bonanno. Donations are collected for various charities such as St. Anthony's and the American Cancer Society."
If you don't have wheels or aren't up for the subway commute, Brooklyn's own Tony Muia will once again be operating a weekend tour bus from Union Square to Dyker Heights, culminating with cannoli and cappuccino at Mona Lisa Bakery before heading back to Manhattan.
Tagged
2009
best
brooklyn
christmas tree
display
dyker heights
lights
new york
nyc
photos
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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