In keeping with the Dyker Heights Italian American theme, last Wednesday we ate at Spumoni Gardens. (The Sicilian style pizza is amazing. The pasta, mediocre.) Afterwards we parked on 86th street between 11th and 12th Avenues so we could stroll through the lights on foot.
The mansions were decked out in holiday style: a two-story Frosty the Snowman, an inflatable Santa Clause, working carousels going round and round on a second story deck, gingerbread men and toy soldiers! House after house was lit with holiday charm. Some were garish and tacky; others decked fully in white Christmas lights. All were festive!
Next year we will again enjoy our new Christmas tradition: pizza and Christmas lights.
Dyker Lights—where to go
11th, 12th and 13th Aves between 83rd and 86th Streets.
Best viewed after 6:30 or 7:00pm to give home owners time to arrive home and turn on their lights.
Public transportation—you will have a long walk from the R or the B63, which is why this is our first year touring Dyker Heghts. This may be an activity for the Zipcar rental.
Trains
R to 86 St
D to 18th Ave
Buses
B1
B4
B16
B63
Where to eat:
L&B Spumoni Gardens—Delicious pizza and spumoni!
Hinsch’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor—to eat diner food, ice cream, homemade chocolate treats and to support a local business.
Mona Lisa Pastry and Café—although I haven’t been there, I’ve heard it recommended many times to stop at Mona Lisa’s for a cannoli and cappuccino after touring the lights.
Amber Ceffalio
