Dyker Heights Lights 2009 in Photos

It it's December, it must be time to visit Dyker Heights, that Brooklyn neighborhood famous for its transcendent Christmas light displays. The spectacle draws onlookers from around the world, and was immortalized in a truly hilarious documentary called Dyker Lights, which takes a priceless "behind-the-scenes" look at the predominantly Italian-American families during preparations for the annual festivities. (PBS will be broadcasting Dyker Lights again this year on Christmas Eve and Christmas day—it's not to be missed.)

New York Daily Photo just got back from a visit to the old neighborhood (map) and notes that "the start of the over-the-top tradition is generally credited to Lucy Spata. The Spatas residence is located at 1152 84th Street. This block, 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue, is the epicenter of the displays, with the homes of the Polizzottos (Toyland) (1145 84th St.), The Rizzutos (1062 84th St.), the Lambrones (8304 12th Ave.) and Jerry Bonanno. Donations are collected for various charities such as St. Anthony's and the American Cancer Society."

If you don't have wheels or aren't up for the subway commute, Brooklyn's own Tony Muia will once again be operating a weekend tour bus from Union Square to Dyker Heights, culminating with cannoli and cappuccino at Mona Lisa Bakery before heading back to Manhattan.