18 Fun Things To Do During Christmas In The Hamptons
Spending this Christmas in the Hamptons and wondering what to do?
While winter is much quieter than summer, there’s still a surprising number of activities this time of year.
From live shows, festive light displays, and quiet beaches, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
I spent a year living in the Hamptons and regularly return to visit family.
Winter and the holidays are a very relaxing time of year to visit the far east end of Long Island.
Read on for the best things to do during Christmas in the Hamptons.
Top Things To Do During Christmas In The Hamptons
The Nutcracker
See the magical tale of Clara the Nutcracker and the Mouse King live on stage in the Hamptons this holiday season.
The classic show can be seen twice as it’s performed by both the The Hampton Ballet Theatre School and the Peconic Ballet Theatre.
Hampton Ballet Theatre School performs at Southampton High School during the first weekend in December.
The Peconic Ballet Theatre performs the second weekend in December at West Hampton Beach Performing Arts Center.
Lighting The Lighthouse In Montauk
New York’s oldest lighthouse, Montauk Lighthouse, is probably one of the most famous attractions in the Hamptons.
And come December it’s adorned in picture-perfect holiday lights.
The annual lighting of the light house is celebrated with sing-along carols, free hot chocolate, and lots of fun.
The event typically takes place over Thanksgiving weekend.
If you can’t make this event, the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Amagansett is another popular Christmas event near Montauk.
Visit A Holiday Market
Ready for some holiday shopping?
The local makers, designers, and creators found at holiday markets present a one-stop-shop for all of your gifting needs this Christmas season.
In addition to unique gifts, many markets also have live entertainment, holiday music, hot cocoa, and savory treats.
Popular holiday markets in the Hamptons include:
- East Hampton’s Holiday Market and annual Santa Parade
- Southampton Cultural Center’s Holiday Market
- Westhampton Beach WinterFest
- Holiday Makers Market at The Church (Sag Harbor)
- The Southampton Village Holiday Celebration
- St. Nicholas Day Craft Fair & Cookie Walk (Shelter Island)
- Bridgehampton’s Homegrown for the Holidays
- Magic of Montauk Holiday Fair
Catch A Movie
A day at the movies is a much-loved family outing and the perfect cold-weather activity.
Luckily there are several cinema choices within the Hamptons!
The Sag Harbor Cinema exudes historic charm.
The 100+ year old theater was lovingly remodeled following a fire a few years back, and now offers a well composed combination of charm and modern amenities.
They present current feature films, along with holiday classics during December.
Don’t forget to grab a bag of popcorn from Billy Joel’s popcorn machine or a cocktail from the rooftop bar, The Green Room.
Also consider East Hampton’s movie theater, Regal UA, it sits right on the main drag making it a simple addition to a day of shopping in East Hampton.
Ice Skating
Is there anything more charming than a winter day at an ice skating rink?
Buckskill Winter Club is a favorite choice for ice skating in the cooler months when this East Hampton tennis club turns skate destination.
With a full NHL regulation-sized ice rink you’ll find tons of space to spread out and enjoy your time on the ice.
Southampton Ice Rink is another popular indoor option, they even offer skate lessons.
Even if you don’t care to skate, these rinks are a great place to grab a hot chocolate and enjoy some people watching.
Go Shopping
Shopping is always a top attraction in the Hamptons.
While many businesses close their doors in the winter months, a number stay open for year-round visitors.
And it seems more and more do so each year, especially through the holidays.
Visit Southampton’s main street for the largest shopping district, and some of the best decorations — they even have a large flying Santa display.
Check out East Hampton for designer attire, Montauk for a surf-vibe, and Sag Harbor for boutiques and antique shops right on the water.
Bridgehampton, Water Mill, Westhampton, and Amagansett also have charismatic main streets worth browsing.
Whether or not you plan to shop, admiring the beautifully decorated storefronts here is always a fun pastime.
Go For Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a much-loved tradition, but especially so during this festive season.
Enjoy a variety of teas, a glass of champagne, lite bites, and sweet treats with East Hampton’s The Baker House 1650.
Afternoon tea during winter is held on Sundays in their cozy “living room” amid a warm fireplace.
Buy A Christmas Tree From Hank’s Farmstand
Hank’s Farmstand is famous in the Hamptons as a haven for family fun in summer and especially fall when it transforms into Hank’s Pumpkintown.
The much-loved farmstand remains open for the holidays.
Buy a Christmas tree, beautiful wreaths, holiday decor, and of course, pies.
This is the perfect spot to get you in the holiday spirit.
Lighting Of The Windmill
The Annual Lighting Of The Windmill is a cherished Hamptons tradition.
Stony Brook’s windmill is adorned in colorful lights for the holidays.
The first lighting of the season is celebrated with music and drinks, plus crafts and games for the little ones.
It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
The event is typically held in early December.
Stroll The Beach
The Hamptons are famous for their unspoiled and sprawling white sand beaches.
While winter is far from ideal for sunbathing, it’s still a great time to visit, just be sure to bundle up!
A quiet Christmas day is great for a walk along the shoreline — there’s very few people, untouched seashells, and no parking fees.
For some of the best beaches along the Atlantic Ocean check out:
- Main Beach (East Hampton)
- Cooper Beach (Southampton)
- Atlantic Avenue Beach (Amagansett)
- Sagg Main Beach (Sagaponack)
- Ditch Plains Beach (Montauk)
- Foster Memorial Beach / Long Beach (Sag Harbor)
- Cupsogue Beach (Westhampton)
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
Wölffer Estate Vineyard is the place to enjoy a glass of wine among the grapevines during the summer months.
But it remains open year-round and has a beautiful indoor tasting room, so consider a visit around the holidays!
The winery is famous for rosés but offers a variety of fruity — though, not overly sweet — wines.
Trying one of their rosés is a definite must, but don’t shy away from the chardonnay or red blends.
Wölffer hosts many popular events throughout the year, and even two special events during the holidays, both of which I go into below.
Annual Lighting of The Vines
The Annual Lighting of The Vines takes place each year at the beginning of December.
Live music, food, lots of wine, and beautiful holiday decor are the norm at this event.
During the event, Wölffer proudly lights the vineyard in golden, twinkling lights, but most important is the philanthropic impact of this event.
Wölffer picks a different local organization to support, donating all the proceeds from the event to their cause.
Winter Wonderland At The Wine Stand
Enjoy food, cider, and wine at Wölffer Estate’s Winter Wonderland At The Wine Stand.
The outdoor event features a beautiful holiday display, activities for the kids, live music, photos with Santa Claus, even a small holiday market.
This is sure to be a fun outing for the entire family.
Advance tickets are recommended.
The event runs on select Saturdays through the holiday season.
Visit A Farmstand
Farmstands are a beloved staple on the far east end of Long Island.
Of course, summer sees a wonderful variety of fresh, local produce and therefore is the best time to shop.
However, don’t rule out the winter season.
Hampton’s farmstands do a great job of offering local goods throughout the year.
Find baked goods, gourmet pre-made meals, and the perfect holiday decor for your home, like fresh wreaths and garland.
See A Show
There are a number of performing art centers around the Hamptons. Each with live performances in a variety of categories such as musicals, plays, comedy, and so on.
During the holidays they put on special performances.
You’re sure to find something you enjoy!
Check out the following performing art venues in the Hamptons:
- Guild Hall in East Hampton Village
- Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor
- Southampton Arts Center
- Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
LongHouse Illuminated
16 acres of gardens, ponds, and paths — intermingled with sculptures from contemporary artists such at Yoko Ono and Dale Chihuly — form LongHouse Reserve.
It’s a very beautiful spot to explore, though most do so during the warmer months.
However, for a special event in December, the garden hosts LongHouse Illuminated.
Garden paths are lined with lights and sculpture are aglow.
All while live music plays in the pavilion, where you can warm up with drinks and browse the holiday market.
The event is held for one night in late December, usually near Christmas Eve.
Join A Gingerbread House Challenge
There are a variety of gingerbread house competitions throughout the Hamptons during December.
Gather a group and try your hand at constructing the best graham cracker and icing house.
Enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas music, and a bit of friendly competition during the events.
Southampton’s Project MOST hosts an ever popular competition, as well as Sag Harbor’s John Jermain Memorial Library.
Go Out To Eat
The Hamptons have numerous local restaurants throughout the villages and hamlets.
Each offers its own variety of upscale and casual options with wide ranging cuisines.
It’s easy to find something everyone can enjoy.
Some restaurants close for the winter season. But quite a few remain open, offering a special seasonal menu for the holiday season.
Among the top restaurants for a nice Christmas meal are:
- Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton)
- The American Hotel (Sag Harbor)
- Almond (Bridgehampton)
- Canoe Place Inn (Hampton Bays)
- Gurney’s (Montauk)
- Calissa (Water Mill)
- Nick & Toni’s (East Hampton)
- The Chequit (Shelter Island)
Among others!
As you can see, there are so many wonderful things to do during the holidays and Christmas in the Hamptons.
Any questions or additional ideas? Leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Hamptons guides below.
More Information For Your Hamptons Vacation:
- Best Things To Do In The Hamptons In Winter
- Hamptons Travel Guide (everything you need to know!)
- Amagansett Guides
- East Hampton Guides
- Montauk Guides
- Sag Harbor Guides
- Southampton Guides
- All Hamptons Guides
More Information For Your Trip To New York:
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