Despite COVID-19, Brooklyn neighbourhood still a flashy Christmas village

In-your-face Christmas glow is still drawing large crowds, albeit with most in masks

Last updated: December 21, 2020 | 12:54

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

2 MIN READ

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In a New York where traditional holiday performances are cancelled, Rockefeller Center tree viewings are timed and travel is ill-advised, it's beginning to feel a lot like the COVID-19 Grinch stole Christmas.

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But in Brooklyn's illuminated Dyker Heights neighbourhood, not even a pandemic can keep the festive spirit down.

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The quasi-suburban residential district features large single-family homes that in late November start shimmering with elaborate holiday displays.

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This year tourism is reined in as are bus tours to the southwestern Brooklyn neighborhood that proudly displays its Italian-American heritage.

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But its in-your-face Christmas glow is still drawing large crowds, albeit with most in masks.

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A house is decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights.

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"I'm in awe," said Eric Steiner, who journeyed from Manhattan with his husband to see the displays for the first time.

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"It's such a festive spirit at a time when things are, you know, uncertain and scary for a lot of people," the 47-year-old told AFP in front of a home draped with thousands of glittering lights.

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According to local lore the tradition began in the mid-1980s, started by a woman named Lucy Spata in honor of her mother's memory.

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Homes are decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights.

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Her home is barely visible behind the lavish display featuring angels, Santas, nutcrackers and a gold throne with crimson upholstery where gawkers can snap photos.

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"A lot of people are getting depressed," said holiday lights tour guide Robert Perez. "I think this brings a little laughter and happiness."

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Tour guide Perez said this year is different in that most people coming for the lights are local - "you had people coming in from Italy, Europe" in the past, he said.

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The festivities gridlock traffic and make parking impossible but the lights are a boon to local businesses.

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