Bay Ridge Holiday House

Nestled on a charming street in Brooklyn's Bay Ridge neighborhood, the "Bay Ridge Holiday House" is not a traditional lodging establishment, but rather an iconic residential home at 635 79th Street that has become a beloved local landmark. This unique destination is renowned for its spectacular, elaborate, and year-round holiday decorations that transform the property into a visual wonderland. Owned and meticulously decorated by Roy Jensen, with the help of his daughters, this house has captivated the hearts of New Yorkers and tourists alike, offering a continuous display of festive cheer for every major holiday and beyond.

Far from being a typical hotel or guesthouse, the Bay Ridge Holiday House provides a different kind of "lodging" experience – a lodging for the soul, a place where joy and community spirit are paramount. It’s a testament to one family's dedication to spreading happiness, creating a vibrant spectacle that has garnered widespread attention, including local media coverage and viral social media recognition. Visitors describe it as a "beautiful" and "visual treat," a must-see for anyone living in or exploring the New York area. It stands as a shining example of how a private residence can become a public treasure, fostering a unique sense of wonder and delight in the urban landscape.

The Bay Ridge Holiday House is conveniently located at 635 79th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA. This address places it squarely in the charming and family-friendly neighborhood of Bay Ridge, a vibrant community in southwest Brooklyn. Its setting on a residential street allows for a more intimate viewing experience, inviting visitors to stroll leisurely and take in the intricate details of the displays.

Accessibility to this unique attraction is quite straightforward for New Yorkers. Bay Ridge is well-served by public transportation, making the Holiday House reachable from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The R train is a popular option, with the 77th Street station being approximately a 10-minute walk from the house. Numerous local bus routes also operate in the Bay Ridge area, with stops conveniently located within a short distance of 79th Street, providing easy access for those who prefer bus travel. For those driving, street parking can be found in the residential area, though it's always advisable to check local parking regulations and be mindful of residential needs, especially during peak viewing times.

The house's popularity means that during major holidays, there can be a significant number of visitors. However, its residential location encourages a relaxed pace, allowing for a more personal experience compared to larger, more crowded commercial holiday displays. This makes the Bay Ridge Holiday House a truly accessible and enjoyable destination for locals looking for a unique and uplifting outing.

The Bay Ridge Holiday House, as a private residence, doesn't offer conventional commercial "services" like typical lodging establishments. Instead, its primary "service" is the immense joy and visual entertainment it provides to the public, free of charge. This unique offering encompasses:

• Year-Round Holiday Displays: The core service is the continuous, rotating display of elaborate decorations for virtually every major holiday, including Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween. This ensures there's always something new and exciting to see throughout the year.
• Visual Treat and Photo Opportunities: The stunning decorations are a "visual treat" and create fantastic opportunities for visitors to take memorable photos. This encourages social sharing and allows visitors to capture their experience.
• Community Engagement and Upliftment: The house serves as a significant source of community cheer, bringing people together and providing a morale boost. Owners actively engage with visitors and receive appreciation for their efforts, fostering a strong sense of local pride.
• Free Public Access: All the displays are completely free to view, making this a highly accessible and inclusive attraction for everyone, regardless of economic background.
• Inspiring Creativity: The sheer scale and creativity of the displays inspire awe and can even encourage others to embrace holiday decorating in their own communities.
• Lights On 24/7 (for certain holidays): During some holiday periods, the lights remain on 24/7, providing constant access to the displays at any time of day or night, offering flexibility for visitors' schedules.

The Bay Ridge Holiday House is celebrated for its distinctive features that set it apart as a true spectacle in New York City. These highlights are a testament to the dedication and artistic vision behind its creation:

• Extravagant, Over-the-Top Decorations: The most prominent feature is the sheer volume and complexity of the decorations. With tens of thousands of lights and hundreds of unique ornaments, the house is transformed into an immersive holiday experience. The owner, Roy Jensen, reportedly starts small but now dedicates significant time, sometimes 20 hours, to setting up for each celebration.
• Year-Round Themed Displays: Unlike many holiday light displays that are seasonal, the Bay Ridge Holiday House continually changes its theme to match upcoming holidays. From shimmering pink Valentine's Day decor with Betty Boop statues to spooky Halloween setups with animatronics and hundreds of pumpkins, and then on to a dazzling Christmas display, the house offers a fresh experience with each visit.
• Creator's Passion and Dedication: The tradition began in 1989 by Roy Jensen, a lifelong Bay Ridge resident, who simply had a passion for decorating. This personal dedication is evident in the quality and scope of the displays, making it a genuine labor of love. His daughters, Julianna and Christina, now also contribute, with Julianna focusing on lighting technology and Christina managing their popular social media presence.
• Viral Sensation and Media Recognition: The house's reputation has grown significantly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when it offered much-needed cheer. Viral social media posts have led to millions of views and attracted media attention from outlets like Fox News, solidifying its status as a widely recognized attraction.
• Community Impact: Beyond just aesthetics, the house fosters a strong sense of community. It serves as a meeting point, a conversation starter, and a source of collective joy, with regulars passing by to cheer on the decorating efforts.
• Attention to Detail and Novelty: The owner strives to incorporate new elements each year, ensuring that repeat visitors always find something fresh and surprising. The use of advanced lighting technology, managed by Julianna, allows for "16 million possible light combinations," showcasing a modern approach to classic holiday cheer.

As a private residence offering a public visual display, the Bay Ridge Holiday House does not engage in traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Its most significant and enduring "special offer" is the continuous, free, and accessible visual delight it provides to the community and visitors from afar. The very existence of this meticulously decorated home, transforming with each passing holiday, is a year-round gift to the public.

The "promotion" of the Bay Ridge Holiday House is its consistent availability and the sheer spectacle it presents. The fact that the lights often remain on 24/7 during holiday seasons ensures that everyone, regardless of their schedule, has the opportunity to witness its magic. The dedication of the Jensen family to continually update and enhance the displays, ensuring "it's not the same time after time," is an ongoing commitment that serves as its most compelling "offer." This commitment to surprising and delighting visitors with fresh, extravagant themes for every holiday makes it a perpetually inviting and unique attraction in New York City, providing invaluable joy and entertainment without any direct cost.

While the Bay Ridge Holiday House is a private residence, its public profile means there are ways to engage or learn more about its dazzling displays. For direct communication or inquiries regarding the displays, the most effective method is often through their dedicated social media presence, as noted in recent articles.

• Address: 635 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA
• Phone: (917) 703-8384
• Mobile Phone: +1 917-703-8384

It's important to remember that these phone numbers are likely personal contacts for the owners, Roy Jensen and his family, who graciously share their home with the public. When contacting them, it is essential to be respectful of their privacy and their generous contribution to the community. For the most up-to-date information on current displays, new themes, or general excitement, following their official social media channels, particularly on platforms like Instagram (often found under @79stholidayhouse), is highly recommended. These platforms are actively managed by Roy's daughter, Christina, and serve as the primary source for news and stunning visuals of their ongoing festive transformations.

The Bay Ridge Holiday House is profoundly suitable for New Yorkers, offering a unique and deeply cherished form of "lodging" that transcends traditional accommodations. It serves as a perpetual source of joy, community spirit, and visual escapism, making it an indispensable local attraction in the heart of Brooklyn.

For locals, this house is a testament to the vibrant and caring spirit of their neighborhood. In a city often characterized by its relentless pace, the Bay Ridge Holiday House provides a consistent and accessible opportunity for delight and wonder. It’s a place where families can create cherished memories, where neighbors can connect, and where anyone can find a moment of simple happiness. The year-round nature of the displays means that the house becomes a familiar and beloved landmark, a constant beacon of festivity that locals can visit repeatedly, always finding something new to admire.

Moreover, the house offers a free and inclusive form of entertainment that is particularly valuable in an urban environment. It provides a high-quality visual experience without any financial barrier, making it accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of income. This democratic access to beauty and creativity fosters a strong sense of community pride, as residents share in the ownership of this local treasure. The personal dedication of the Jensen family, who meticulously transform their home for each holiday, resonates deeply with the local community, highlighting a genuine love for their neighborhood and its people.

Compared to the often overwhelming crowds and commercialism of larger holiday light displays (like those in nearby Dyker Heights), the Bay Ridge Holiday House offers a more intimate and authentic experience. Its residential setting encourages a leisurely stroll, allowing for greater appreciation of the intricate details and the sheer artistry involved. It’s a perfect local outing that provides a sense of discovery and genuine charm.

In conclusion, the Bay Ridge Holiday House is far more than just a home with decorations; it’s a living, breathing testament to community spirit and creative generosity. Its year-round visual spectacle, combined with its accessibility and deeply personal touch, makes it an ideal and truly suitable destination for New Yorkers seeking a dose of magic, joy, and local pride right in their own borough.

Bay Ridge Holiday House

635 79th St, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA