Dyker Heights in Brooklyn New York rolls out some of the very best elaborately decorated homes for Christmas, turning an otherwise ordinary neighborhood into a winter wonderland.
Every year on Thanksgiving Day, residents start decorating their homes, with each one trying to out-do the next with jaw dropping, fantastic displays.
Some homes boast up to 30,000 lights, 25-foot tall nutcrackers and larger than life talking Santas.
In 2010, Lucy’s husband Angelo gifted her the two 25-foot tall toy soldiers which were delivered on a flat bed truck.
Now, the otherwise quiet tiny Italian enclave sees over 100,000 visitors a year.
The NYPD is even on patrol just to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities safely.
There are even bus tours with ‘A Slice of Brooklyn’ that will take you down the most spectacular blocks, while the bus plays Christmas movies and gives out candy canes.
The displays usually stay up until January 4 or 5.
The blocks that have the most lights are from 11th to 13th Avenues and from 83rd to 86th Streets.
Some houses are so loaded with decorations that its nearly impossible to fit all of the Christmas eye candy into one shot
This is the home that started it all, with Lucy Spata who began doing her decorations in the 1980s
Those toy soldiers are 25-feet tall and are surrounded by a dazzling light display
Taking a step back you get a better idea of just how many ornaments are covering the home
This home didn’t stop at the gorgeous light works, they made sure to have a larger than life Santa greeting the neighborhood
Hark the herald angels sing! This tastefully done home has a symmetrical appeal
Again, as you go further from the home you get a better idea on the scope of the lights and decorations. Just before you meet the angels you have two large snowmen
Merry Christmas: Loads of lights blanket this family’s front garden with candy canes, presents
Massive Frosty the Snowman head peers out onto the street while Santa waves at revelers
Merry and bright: This home went with the tasteful light display with large wreaths and well placed snowflakes all about the exterior
A lit up horse for the holidays to go with a blue hued tree, because its Christmas so why not?
This home utilized blow up decorations alongside the traditional toy soldiers
A massive snow globe next to a manger scene just screams Christmas time
JOY! This sign gets plenty of attention from the eager social media crowd ready for a picture perfect snap
Even though the lights aren’t on in the middle- the home is still decked out like their neighbors
The festive tradition has been going on since the mid-1980s when a resident named Lucy Spata, now 58-years-old, started her own over-the-top decorating to spread the yuletide cheer.
She said it initially started in honor of her late mother, who loved Christmas decorations.
Initially, Lucy’s neighbors weren’t thrilled with the spectacle.
However, she persisted, and as the years went on, more and more residents joined in in the spirit of spreading merriment and wonder to all who stroll the blocks.
Massive Santa teddy bears flank the sides of the lawn at this done up lawn in Dyker Heights
Stunning: The twinkling lights adorning this home’s trees give a fairyland effect
For a little more kid-type fun this resident packed the front yard with massive inflatable decorations
Red and green lights everywhere lining this block, which makes you wonder if the neighbors coordinated for just the right effect
Massive trees require massive lights! Someone had to climb a ladder to get these trees decorated just right
Christmas carolers, a manger scene and candy canes… look closely, there is an angel atop the home
No room, no problem! This resident crammed in decorations fully despite not having a lot of runway to work with
Simple yet effective: This resident went for big bulbs to border off their front lawn areas
Winter wonders: This home is beautifully decorated in blue hues just perfect to stand out among the more frenzied decors
Classic decor for a lovely multiple family home in Dyker Heights