Best Neighborhoods For Holiday Lights: Dyker Heights, Whitestone, LI, More
One of the most magical things to do during the holidays is gaze at stunning light displays. Whether people plan to visit the renowned Dyker Heights lights or smaller displays throughout the area, these shows are guaranteed to put anyone in a festive mood. By John Friia
Dyker Heights
82nd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11228
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BROOKLYN: Dyker Heights is one of several New York City neighborhoods that have become synonymous with a extravagant holiday light displays. Currently in its tenth year, this Brooklyn neighborhood attracts over 100,000 visits a year with their dazzling display of lights along 82nd Street.
Whitestone Christmas Lights
166th Street and 23rd Avenue
Whitestone, NY 11357
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QUEENS: While there are various houses in Whitestone that decorated with lights, none can compare to Kevin Lynch's house, also known as "Santa's Corner." All of the wires are buried underground, so people are welcomed to walk up close to the decorations, which include lights, figures and even a miniature carousel. The light display raises money for St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children.
Lights To A Beat
4 Lincoln Street
Garden City, NY 11530
www.lightstoabeat.com
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LONG ISLAND: Located on Lincoln Street, this annual Garden City light show celebrates the holiday season by syncing dancing lights to some of today's hit songs and Christmas classics. This year's songs include Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling," "Uptown Funk," by Bruno Mars, "It's Beginning to Look A Lot like Christmas" and "Feliz Navidad." Lights to a Beat raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
North Kensico Christmas Light Show
21 North Kensico Avenue
White Plains, NY 10603
www.nychristmaslights.com
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WESTCHESTER: For more than eight years, North Kensico Avenue in White Plains has celebrated the season with a colorful Christmas light display. All of the house blend together to create a unique synchronized display that follow the music. Among the six houses participating this year is a gingerbread-themed house with swirling lights, gumdrops and other treats. Spectators should not be surprised to see Santa waving from one of the windows.
Rossville Christmas Lights
107 Sharrotts Road
Staten Island, NY 10309
STATEN ISLAND: Just over the Verrazano-Narrows bridge, people can gaze at the light display at Joseph DiMartino's home on Sharrotts Road in the Rossville section of Staten Island. The house, known as a Christmas Wonderland, is adorned with elves, reindeer and toys, making onlookers feel as if they've been transported to the North Pole. The light display also helps raise money for the Nalitt Cancer Institute at Staten Island University Hospital, in honor of DiMartino's late wife.
John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.