house is a winter wonderland

In New York City’s Dyker Heights, “deck the halls” is more than a Christmas tune — it’s a way of life.In fact, local residents are decking not just the halls, but their porches, awnings, yards and more with Christmas cheer.

The neighborhood, nestled in the south of Brooklyn, has become a tourist attraction because of its show-stopping holiday decorations. Dozens of homes participate in a now-annual tradition by constructing elaborate festive displays: Massive inflatable snowmen, huge Santa sculptures, snow machines, and dazzling arrays of lights transform residential streets into a scene from a Christmas movie.

During December, thousands of visitors from across the city — and beyond — come to admire the spectacle, sampling hot chocolate or other treats sold by streetside vendors as they take in the sights.