Christmas in the Hamptons 2026: Christmas Lights, Parades & Things to Do

Christmas in the Hamptons is our favorite secret. The summer crowds are long gone, the villages glow with white lights, and you can walk an empty ocean beach in the morning and watch a tree lighting on Main Street by dusk.

At Luxury Beach Getaway, we have spent nearly 20 years helping guests discover the East End in every season, and the Hamptons at Christmas is one of our favorite times of year. This guide covers the traditions we love most for 2026: village tree lightings, Santa parades, where to see Christmas lights, holiday shopping, winter walks, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

One important note before you plan: the villages usually publish their final 2026 schedules in November. The dates and times below are the expected 2026 dates, based on when each event has been held year after year, and we link the official source for each one so you can confirm before you book.

What December in the Hamptons Is Really Like

The Hamptons in winter feel like a different place. Traffic is light, parking is easy and the beaches are wide open and quiet.

• Weather: Expect daytime temperatures of roughly 30 to 45°F. Pack a warm coat, a hat and boots you can walk in on sand.
• Pace: Calm and local. Many shops and restaurants keep shorter winter hours, so check before you go.
• Value: Early winter is the quietest stretch of the year, which also makes it one of the best times to find a beautiful home at a lower rate than summer.

If you are still deciding when to come, our guide to the best time to visit the Hamptons compares every season.

💡 Local tip: The holiday season here starts the weekend after Thanksgiving and builds through the first two weekends of December. That window has the most events packed together.

Southampton Christmas Parade: Shop Local Saturday and the Parade of Lights

Southampton Village kicks off the season in a big way. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the village usually combines Shop Local Saturday with the Parade of Lights, a tree lighting in Agawam Park and a fireworks show.

Here is what to expect on the evening:

• Decorated fire trucks and first responders from around the area roll through the village at dusk.
• The tree in Agawam Park is lit after the parade, around 5:30 p.m.
• Fireworks follow the tree lighting.
• Local students sing holiday classics, and Santa usually makes an appearance.

The Southampton Christmas parade draws crowds of more than 4,000 people, according to the village. Our advice: arrive early, find a spot near Agawam Park and spend the afternoon shopping on Main Street and Jobs Lane before the lights come on.

When: Expected Saturday, November 28, 2026, with the parade around 4:30 p.m. and the tree lighting around 5:30 p.m. Confirm with the Village of Southampton.

Sag Harbor Christmas: The Windmill Light Up on Long Wharf

Sag Harbor might be the coziest Christmas village on the East End. The Sag Harbor Christmas season officially starts with the Light Up of the windmill on Long Wharf, presented by the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

The windmill and the village tree are lit at around 5 p.m., and the celebration is free and family friendly. Santa and Mrs. Claus also visit the windmill on a December weekend for photos with kids.

We love pairing the Light Up with a slow walk down Main Street. The old whaling village looks its best in December, with wreaths on the doors and the harbor just steps away.

When: Expected Friday, December 4, 2026, at about 5 p.m. Confirm with the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

East Hampton Christmas Parade: Santa Fest and Herrick Park

East Hampton goes all in with Santa Fest, a full day of holiday fun hosted in the village. Its Santa Parade has become one of the most popular Christmas traditions in the Hamptons.

Here is what the day looks like:

• Santa arrives by helicopter in Herrick Park at 11 a.m. (weather permitting).
• The East Hampton Christmas parade steps off at noon down Main Street.
• A holiday market, pony rides, photos with Santa and kids’ activities fill the afternoon.
• The day ends with the tree lighting in Herrick Park at 5 p.m., when the parade and window decorating winners are announced.

Most activities are free, and the village usually hosts a “Sip and Shop” evening the night before.

When: Expected Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. to the 5 p.m. tree lighting. Find the 2026 schedule and map at the East Hampton Village Foundation’s Santa Fest page (ehvf.org/santafest).

💡 Good to know: Santa Fest is the busiest holiday day in East Hampton Village. If you are staying nearby, walking in beats hunting for parking.

Where to See Christmas Lights in the Hamptons

The Hamptons do not go for over-the-top light shows. Instead, the Christmas lights in the Hamptons are classic and charming: tall village trees, a glowing windmill, a lit-up lighthouse and one very famous duck. Here is our short list.

The Village Trees

Each village tree stays lit through the season after its lighting night, so you can enjoy them on an evening stroll any time in December.

• Southampton: The tree in Agawam Park, lit after the Parade of Lights (see above).
• East Hampton: The tree in Herrick Park, lit at the end of Santa Fest (see above).
• Sag Harbor: The windmill on Long Wharf and the village tree, lit at the Light Up (see above).
• Westhampton Beach: The tree and menorah on the Village Green on Beach Road (details below).

Montauk Lighthouse Lighting

The Montauk Point Lighthouse wrapped in holiday lights is one of our favorite sights of the season. The Lighting of the Lighthouse takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is run by the Montauk Historical Society.

For 2026 it is expected on Saturday, November 28, with a singalong before the lights go on at about 5:15 p.m., hot chocolate for the crowd and Santa at the top of the tower. The lighting depends on donations each year, so confirm with the Montauk Historical Society.

The Big Duck in Flanders

The Big Duck is a beloved Long Island landmark in Flanders, in the Town of Southampton, and every December it gets dressed in holiday greens and lights. The Big Duck Holiday Lighting is run by Suffolk County Parks at Big Duck Ranch on Flanders Road, with music, caroling and Santa arriving by fire truck.

It is a quick, fun stop for families on the way out east. For 2026 it is expected on a weeknight in early December, most likely Wednesday, December 2, at 7 p.m. Confirm with Suffolk County Parks.

Montauk Christmas, Westhampton Beach and Bridgehampton Traditions

The smaller celebrations are just as sweet, and they are a great way to see more of the East End.

Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair

Montauk’s biggest Christmas event is the Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair, organized by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce on the downtown green. Since its debut in 2022, it has grown into a two-day festival.

Expect Santa, live reindeer, a hot cocoa contest, live music, a holiday train, a lighted holiday path, gift vendors and food trucks, plus a storefront decorating contest among local businesses.

When: Expected Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m. Confirm with the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. For the Montauk Lighthouse lighting, see the Christmas lights section above.

Westhampton Beach Tree and Menorah Lighting

The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce hosts a tree and menorah lighting on the Village Green on Beach Road. Santa arrives with a parade of lights from the Westhampton Beach Fire Department. For 2026 it is expected on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bridgehampton Tree Lighting at the Hampton Library

In Bridgehampton, the Hampton Library on Main Street hosts a community tree lighting with a Santa visit (courtesy of the Bridgehampton Lions Club). It is held on the first Saturday of December, so for 2026 expect Saturday, December 5, at 3:30 p.m.

Holiday Shopping on Hamptons Main Streets

Holiday shopping in the Hamptons is all about strolling. Each village Main Street is compact, walkable and dressed up for the season.

• Southampton: Main Street and Jobs Lane are lined with boutiques, and Shop Local Saturday is the big shopping day.
• East Hampton: Main Street and Newtown Lane have a polished, festive feel, especially around Santa Fest.
• Sag Harbor: Main Street has an old-fashioned, small-town charm that is perfect for unique gifts.
• Westhampton Beach: A relaxed Main Street that is easy to explore in an hour or two.

Winter hours vary, and some shops close for part of the off-season. We suggest checking hours online before you head out.

Things to Do in the Hamptons in Winter: Beaches and Walks

Guests often ask us what to do in the Hamptons in the winter between the big events. Our answer is simple: get outside. A crisp beach walk is the best way to experience the Hamptons in winter.

• Ocean beaches: Wide, empty beaches are made for long walks in December. Bundle up, bring a thermos and enjoy having the shoreline almost to yourself.
• Montauk Point: The trails around Montauk Point State Park are a winter favorite. In recent years, park staff have led walks to the seal viewing area in winter.
• Long Wharf in Sag Harbor: An easy harbor stroll, especially pretty once the windmill is lit.
• Village walks at dusk: The sun sets early in December, around 4:30 p.m., and once the holiday lights come on every village looks like a postcard.

Want more reasons to come back in the off-season? Read why we think the Hamptons are magical year-round.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in the Hamptons

New Year’s Eve in the Hamptons

New Year’s Eve in the Hamptons is more intimate than a big-city countdown. We did not find a large public fireworks show to recommend, and that is part of the charm. Most celebrations happen at local restaurants (reservations go fast) or at home.

Our favorite way to ring in the new year is with friends and family in a private home: a fire going, a long dinner, and a walk to the beach for the first sunrise. If you plan to dine out, book early and confirm holiday hours directly with the restaurant.

New Year’s Day: Polar Bear Plunge and First Day Hikes

New Year’s Day is when the Hamptons really wake up.

• East Hampton Polar Bear Plunge: Hundreds of brave swimmers run into the ocean at Main Beach on New Year’s Day, expected Friday, January 1, 2027. The plunge is organized by East Hampton Ocean Rescue and raises money for local food pantries. Registration details are usually shared in local news listings in late December.
• First Day Hike at Montauk Point State Park: On January 1, 2027, park staff are expected to lead a free, roughly two-mile walk toward the seal viewing area, with no registration needed. NY State Parks announces First Day Hikes in December.
• Hither Woods Hike: The East Hampton Trails Preservation Society has also led a longer New Year’s Day hike in Hither Woods for experienced walkers.

💡 Did you know? Southampton has its own charity plunge too. The Heart of the Hamptons Polar Bear Plunge takes place at Coopers Beach in mid-December, expected Saturday, December 12, 2026.

Where to Stay for Christmas in the Hamptons

The best part of a Hamptons Christmas happens after the parade: coming home to a warm house, a lit tree and room for the whole family.

That is where we come in. Our Hamptons Christmas rentals are spacious, beautifully designed homes close to the village celebrations, with fireplaces, open kitchens for holiday dinners and space to spread out. To compare five of them side by side, read our guide to where to stay in the Hamptons for Christmas.

A few tips from our team:

• Book early for the holiday weeks. Christmas week and New Year’s are the busiest stretch of the winter. Browse the homes still available for Christmas 2026 before the best ones go.
• Pick your village by your plans. Want Santa Fest? Stay near East Hampton. Love the Parade of Lights? Look around Southampton.
• Think beyond Christmas week. The first two weekends of December have the most events and the quietest roads.

Want an even quieter holiday? Just across the bay, our North Fork Christmas rentals pair wineries and small-town tree lightings with homes still open for Christmas 2026.

Planning a stay outside the holidays? Explore all of our Hamptons vacation rentals.

Plan Your Christmas in the Hamptons With Us

Christmas in the Hamptons is about small moments: a windmill glowing on the wharf, Santa waving from a sleigh, a quiet beach on a cold, bright morning. With so many 2026 dates still to be announced, keep an eye on each village’s official site, and plan around the weekends that matter most to you.

At Luxury Beach Getaway, we would love to help you find the perfect home base for the season. Explore our Hamptons Christmas rentals and reserve your holiday stay today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some fun things to do in the Hamptons during Christmas?
Watch a village tree lighting, catch the East Hampton Santa Parade or the Southampton Parade of Lights, see the Montauk Lighthouse and the Big Duck lit for the holidays, visit the Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair and shop the decorated Main Streets. On New Year’s Day, join a First Day Hike or the Polar Bear Plunge.

Is the Hamptons worth visiting in winter?
Yes. The Hamptons in winter are quiet, relaxed and festive. Beaches are empty, villages are easy to get around, and December is one of the most affordable times of year to stay.

What is the weather like in the Hamptons in December?
December is cold but fairly mild for the Northeast, with daytime temperatures of about 30 to 45°F. Bring warm layers and waterproof boots for beach walks.

Does it snow in the Hamptons?
Yes, but not as much as many people expect. According to NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Bridgehampton weather station, the area averages about 27 inches of snow a year, mostly from January through March. December averages only about 4 inches, so a white Christmas is possible but far from guaranteed.

When is the Southampton Parade of Lights?
It is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so for 2026 expect Saturday, November 28, with the parade around 4:30 p.m., the Agawam Park tree lighting around 5:30 p.m. and fireworks after. The Village of Southampton posts official details each fall.

What is there to do on New Year’s Eve in the Hamptons?

New Year’s Eve in the Hamptons is low-key and intimate. Most people celebrate with dinner at a local restaurant or a private gathering at home. The next morning, many head to the Polar Bear Plunge at East Hampton’s Main Beach or a First Day Hike in Montauk.