Ever since I moved to NYC nearly two years ago, I’ve wanted to see the famous Christmas light display down in Dyker Heights in southern Brooklyn. I never made it down there last year, mainly due to the fact that it’s such a pain in the arse to get to and takes over an hour via subway. But this year, being unemployed and all, Lauren and I had plenty of time to make the trek. Plus, we’re suckers for everything Christmasy. But oh man, it was so worth the trip! The neighborhood is full of house after house of excessively-decorated houses adorned with all sorts of lights and inflatable characters. It’s almost like being in Disney World! And if that weren’t enough, the houses alone are huge and gorgeous and worthy of gawking even without decoration.

I must admit, I was slightly disappointed to see that most of the displays were done by companies hired specifically to decorate for Christmas. I was hoping it was sort of a neighborhood spirited thing where all the families slaved over their yards, stairs, and windows for days to make them all lit up like that… but no, they just throw money at people who specialize in Christmas decorations. Which I suppose turns it into a *who can hire the best company and choose the best decorations to adorn their house with* competition. Either way, it’s beautiful and wonderful and I absolutely need to make it back before I go home for Christmas! There are so many other houses I’m sure I missed this time.

Oh and afterwards, we stopped at Vegas Diner for fries and cheesecake. We’d gone here over the summer once on our diner tour and loved it.