Holiday Light Displays in Brooklyn: Borough Hall to Prospect Park

While some believe that the holidays in NYC aren't complete without a visit to Rockefeller Center, there are several lovely holiday light displays in the other boroughs. Brooklyn may be off the island, but the residents of this eclectic borough celebrate the holidays with lots of lights and and celebrations. Here are the three best holiday lights displays that Brooklyn has to offer.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

A Brooklyn tradition, Dyker Heights Christmas Lights showcase an aray of houses decorated with tons of brilliant holiday lights. Most decorate after Thanksgiving and take the lights down after New Years, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the lights over the holidays.

The best place to view the best holiday lights at Dyker Heights is on 84th between 11th and 12th. To get to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, you can take the R train to 86th. Then walk on 86th from Fourth Avenue to 11th Avenue. The walk should take fifteen minutes, so budget your time accordingly.

Prospect Park in Lights

Prospect Park in Lights is a professional installation that uses energy saving light emitting diodes to create a beautiful holiday light display without the affect on the environment. Once again, the lights run from after Thanksgiving until the week after New Years, so plan on dropping by any time during that period after dark.

Although the lights illuminate all of the Park's entrances, Grand Army Plaza, located at Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Park West has the best light displays.

Borough Hall

If you prefer a traditional Christmas tree lighting, consider visiting Borough Hall for their annual Christmas Tree lighting. The Borough President Lights the tree the second week of December. The third week of December there the Hanukah menorah is lit. Either event is worth visiting to get into the holiday spirit.

If you can't make it for the official tree lighting, it's still worth the visit to admire the tree and the beautiful architecture of Borough Hall. If you go before Borough Hall closes, consider taking a quick trip inside. Brooklyn Tourism & Visitor's Center is located in Borough Hall and the employees often have excellent suggestions for things to do during the holidays.

Borough Hall is located on 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn. You can take the A, C, or F train to Jay Street; Borough Hall is three blocks west from there. Or, you can take the R train to Court Street.