Winter in the Hamptons: The Best Things to Do This December
December in the Hamptons brings a different kind of beauty. The villages sparkle with lights, local shops feel warm and personal, and the quiet beaches take on that soft winter glow. Even in the off-season, there’s so much happening across the East End — from festive markets and tree lightings to charity events, Santa photos, and local traditions that make the Hamptons feel like home.
Here is your curated December 2025 Guide, updated with real events, dates, and details you can save and share.
🎥 Hamptons Doc Fest: December 4–11, 2025
A December staple, Hamptons Doc Fest returns with a full week of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and community gatherings.
Opening Night
📍 Bay Street Theater, One Long Wharf, Sag Harbor
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025
⏰ 7:30 PM
Screenings continue at Sag Harbor Cinema throughout the week.
More info: hamptonsdocfest.com
🎄 Big Duck Lighting — December 3 at 7 PM
An iconic East End holiday moment!
This beloved annual lighting turns the historic Big Duck in Flanders into a glowing holiday centerpiece.
📍 1012 NY-24, Flanders, NY
📅 December 3, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM
Perfect for families, photos, and that nostalgic small-town holiday feeling.
🐾 Photos With Santa — December 6 & 7, 2025
A sweet holiday fundraiser for Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Long Island — and it’s pet-friendly!
📆 Saturday & Sunday, December 6–7
⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Pet Supplies Plus, 1960 Jericho Turnpike, Elwood Plaza, East Northport, NY
💵 $28 donation
Take photos with or without Santa in front of a NEW holiday backdrop.
Includes a magnetic frame + free gifts for pets & kids.
Photos emailed within days.
🎅 East Quogue Holiday on Main — December 6, 2025
One of the most festive community events of the season.
📍 East Quogue Main Street
📅 Saturday, December 6
⏰ 1 PM – 5 PM
(Raindate December 7)
Expect:
✨ Artisan vendors
✨ Food + beverages
✨ Live DJ
✨ Photos with Santa
✨ Christmas tree sales
✨ Pet costume contest
✨ Holiday character meet & greets
✨ Letters to Santa
✨ Fundraisers for local groups
At 5 PM, the EQ Elementary Chorus will lead caroling through town.
At 5:30 PM, the annual East Quogue Christmas Tree Lighting begins.
More info: @EQHolidayOnMain on Instagram.
🎁 Good Ground Holiday Gift Fair — December 7, 2025
A charming indoor holiday fair filled with baked goods, crafts, handmade gifts, and Santa appearances.
📅 December 7
⏰ 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Hampton Bays Fire Department, Station 1
106 Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays
Hosted by Ecological Culture Initiative & Hampton Bays Fire Department.
Proceeds benefit the Good Ground Heritage Garden.
Vendor info: rachel.stephens@eciny.org
🏃♂️ Every Day’s a Beach Day 5K — December 13, 2025
A fun, high-energy December tradition hosted by Westhampton Beach Brewing Co.
📅 December 13
⏰ 11 AM Start — Rain or Shine
📍 Westhampton Beach Brewing Co., 220 Rogers Way, Unit 1, Westhampton Beach
🎉 After Party:
⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Includes open bar + food
🎶 Live music by Church Lane Rockers until 2:30 PM
Tickets: Elitefeats.com
🛍️ 2nd Annual Holiday Pop-Up Market — Dec 13 & 14, 2025
A curated holiday shopping experience hosted by Hamptons Hour x The Ketch.
📅 December 13 & 14
⏰ 12 PM – 5 PM
📍 The Ketch, Westhampton Beach
Perfect for gifting local, finding handmade pieces, and soaking up cozy holiday vibes.
(Vendor list announced closer to date.)
🎨 “Homefront to Battlefront” Exhibit Reception — December 5, 2025
A community event honoring Southampton’s WWII history.
📅 December 5
⏰ 4:30–6:15 PM
📍 Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane
A meaningful and educational way to spend a winter afternoon.
And of course… the simple winter joys
Not every moment needs a ticket or schedule. December in the Hamptons shines on its own:
✨ Quiet winter beach walks
✨ Sunsets over empty dunes
✨ Warm drinks in local cafés
✨ Village strolls with twinkling lights
✨ Relaxed dining without the summer rush
✨ Winter wine tastings at Duck Walk, Wölffer, Channing Daughters
The East End is peaceful, grounding, and full of small moments worth savoring.
More holiday events pop up every week, from pop-up concerts to mini markets and last-minute Santa appearances.
Follow @hamptonsvacationinn for weekly December event guides, local tips, and 2026 updates.