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.
AFP
2/14
But in Brooklyn's illuminated Dyker Heights neighbourhood, not even a pandemic can keep the festive spirit down.
AFP
3/14
The quasi-suburban residential district features large single-family homes that in late November start shimmering with elaborate holiday displays.
AFP
4/14
This year tourism is reined in as are bus tours to the southwestern Brooklyn neighborhood that proudly displays its Italian-American heritage.
AFP
5/14
But its in-your-face Christmas glow is still drawing large crowds, albeit with most in masks.
AFP
6/14
A house is decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights.
AFP
7/14
"I'm in awe," said Eric Steiner, who journeyed from Manhattan with his husband to see the displays for the first time.
AFP
8/14
"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.
AFP
9/14
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.
AFP
10/14
Homes are decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights.
AFP
11/14
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.
AFP
12/14
"A lot of people are getting depressed," said holiday lights tour guide Robert Perez. "I think this brings a little laughter and happiness."
AFP
13/14
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.
AFP
14/14
The festivities gridlock traffic and make parking impossible but the lights are a boon to local businesses.