The thing about Dyker Heights at Christmas is that it’s totally democratic. Anyone can participate. You don’t have to have big bucks. It doesn’t even have to be about Christmas. Like this first exhibit from a galaxy far, far away (I think).
Christmas. Just the right time to exhibit (and sell) Star Wars memorabilia out of your garage. Seeing as how Christ’s birth was heralded by a star, and the movie is just coming out, you can see how it would make sense. And they didn’t neglect a touching nod to this special time of year:
We gape and oogle - I think we’re kind of in shock. Bay Ridge is positively reverent compared to this. I dawdle so long I end up pissing off the Sweep (who is not allowed to leave any rider behind).
Eventually, we make our way to 85th Street and 11th Avenue where we will reconvene in 45 minutes for the ride home. It's not all that much time, given the area we have to cover - which is why I can only be grateful once again, that I came with a group - and by bike. If you walk, you’ll never see everything. If you take a car, you’re stuck in traffic.
Eventually, we make our way to 85th Street and 11th Avenue where we will reconvene in 45 minutes for the ride home. It's not all that much time, given the area we have to cover - which is why I can only be grateful once again, that I came with a group - and by bike. If you walk, you’ll never see everything. If you take a car, you’re stuck in traffic.
No, this is the way to go. And prepared by my trip last year (and the recent Star Wars display), I’m ready to take it all in:
Santa on a Harley
Santa on a Harley
Big Bird and Mr. Peanut (or a snowman, take your pick)
The Minions
And who's this guy (I see him more than once)?
It’s true, there are some very elegant displays:
But sooner or later somebody jumps the shark...
And then it's just a matter of time.
I remember last year coming to the conclusion that most of these displays were a product of companies who came and did all of it.
I remember last year coming to the conclusion that most of these displays were a product of companies who came and did all of it.
Just think: no work, no storage, and you’re way ahead of the competition.
But then recently, I saw an interview with the owner of this house:
But then recently, I saw an interview with the owner of this house:
And he said he does it himself. It takes him 6 months to put up his display (he didn’t mention how long it takes to get it all down, but you can guess).
How disappointing then, that the house right across the street totally skunks him. It not only has 2 carousels (as it did last year)
How disappointing then, that the house right across the street totally skunks him. It not only has 2 carousels (as it did last year)
But now it also has a DJ.
Spinning “All The Single Ladies” at top volume from his laptop. I try to connect it to the nativity, but it's a stretch. I mean, the Virgin Mary wasn't really single (Joseph did “Put a ring on it.”), but it doesn’t seem to matter to the crowd - or to those who have gathered to make a buck off them, the first time I notice this. Vendors selling lights so we can participate.
Or cocoa to keep us warm - so that we can stay longer (and buy more stuff?).
The way things are going, it wouldn’t surprise me if Dyker became a full-time Theme Park in the future (if they could make up their minds on the theme…).
45 minutes after arriving, we gather again for our return trip, fortifying ourselves with “Boozy Berries” (gummy bears soaked overnight in vodka). The warmth comes just in time (I turn my battery-warmed socks on).
As one of the parties heading back to Manhattan, I’m looking for others taking the route back via the N Train. But our tour isn’t over yet. Promising a subway stop that will take me home, Bill very quietly leads the group forward to the final Wow of our trip, a house owned by Sammy The Greek in Bensonhurst. We are encouraged to get off our bikes and go in for the close up, and that turns out to be a good idea.
45 minutes after arriving, we gather again for our return trip, fortifying ourselves with “Boozy Berries” (gummy bears soaked overnight in vodka). The warmth comes just in time (I turn my battery-warmed socks on).
As one of the parties heading back to Manhattan, I’m looking for others taking the route back via the N Train. But our tour isn’t over yet. Promising a subway stop that will take me home, Bill very quietly leads the group forward to the final Wow of our trip, a house owned by Sammy The Greek in Bensonhurst. We are encouraged to get off our bikes and go in for the close up, and that turns out to be a good idea.
Sammy certainly knows how to celebrate the Christmas sprit - both in English and in Greek (see upper right).
There's a creche
An enormous display case with miniature houses, moving ferris wheels, carousels and lights in a snowy scene - clearly all hand worked.
A pond of Koi
(Well, the fish is the sign of Christianity...)
Times Square-like zippers over windows and doors with everything from moving snowmen to Christmas Greetings to “Have A Nice Day” scrolling across them.
Times Square-like zippers over windows and doors with everything from moving snowmen to Christmas Greetings to “Have A Nice Day” scrolling across them.
And in neighborly consideration they play no music, but rather encourage the public to tune into their light show via 96.7 fm on the radio dial.
We all wonder how Bill ever found this place. But after marveling in detail at the entire display, we realize it’s kind of difficult to miss. You can probably see it from LaGuardia.
And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, concludes the Christmas Lights portion of our 5BBC rides for the year. Once again, Bill has outdone himself. Our over-the-top appetites sated, we head for home basking in the glow of celebration, knowing Bay Ridge, Dyker (and Bensonhurst) residents are already planning even more outrageous displays for next year.
We’ll be there.
And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, concludes the Christmas Lights portion of our 5BBC rides for the year. Once again, Bill has outdone himself. Our over-the-top appetites sated, we head for home basking in the glow of celebration, knowing Bay Ridge, Dyker (and Bensonhurst) residents are already planning even more outrageous displays for next year.
We’ll be there.