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

Photos

Login / Sign Up

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Gold / Forex

Photos News

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

Published: December 21, 2020 12:38 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 14

20201221 covid grinch — 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. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 14

Copy of 221801-01-02-1608522533888 — But in Brooklyn's illuminated Dyker Heights neighbourhood, not even a pandemic can keep the festive spirit down. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 14

Copy of 221799-01-02-1608522536600 — The quasi-suburban residential district features large single-family homes that in late November start shimmering with elaborate holiday displays. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 14

Copy of 221798-01-02-1608522540004 — This year tourism is reined in as are bus tours to the southwestern Brooklyn neighborhood that proudly displays its Italian-American heritage. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 14

Copy of 221792-01-02-1608522512453 — But its in-your-face Christmas glow is still drawing large crowds, albeit with most in masks. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 14

Copy of 221803-01-02-1608522527889 — A house is decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 14

Copy of 221802-01-02-1608522530903 — "I'm in awe," said Eric Steiner, who journeyed from Manhattan with his husband to see the displays for the first time. Image Credit: AFP

8 of 14

Copy of 221806-01-02-1608522521210 — "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. Image Credit: AFP

9 of 14

Copy of 221807-01-02-1608522518220 — 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. Image Credit: AFP

10 of 14

Copy of 221804-01-02-1608522524666 — Homes are decorated for Christmas in the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Dyker Heights. Image Credit: AFP

11 of 14

Copy of 221808-01-02-1608522515404 — 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. Image Credit: AFP

12 of 14

Copy of 221796-01-02-1608522546458 — "A lot of people are getting depressed," said holiday lights tour guide Robert Perez. "I think this brings a little laughter and happiness." Image Credit: AFP

13 of 14

Copy of 221797-01-02-1608522543007 — 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. Image Credit: AFP

14 of 14

Copy of 221795-01-02-1608522506186 — The festivities gridlock traffic and make parking impossible but the lights are a boon to local businesses. Image Credit: AFP

Latest In

UAE: Foggy weather in Abu Dhabi, temperatures decrease

24 minutes ago
Meet 10 of America’s most educated billionaires

1 hour ago
9 science-backed strategies to stay focused at work

1 hour ago
Send more for less: Rupee, peso to drop in December

1 hour ago
Fog in UAE: Accident causes traffic delays Abu Dhabi

1 hour ago

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.