The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year Kicks Off With Santa Visits, Parade Of Lights And Tree Lightings

If you’re ready to start “rockin’ around the Christmas Tree,” mark your calendars because holiday merriments are here.

Once again, Southampton Country Holiday will present its annual “It’s a Wonderful Village,” which debuts over Thanksgiving weekend. On Saturday, November 26th, take a scenic trip through Southampton Village via Horse and Buggy Rides. You can hitch a ride from Southampton Arts Center (25 Jobs Lane) from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Then, at 4:30 p.m., the Village will illuminate as embellished Fire Trucks from across the East End cruise through during the Parade of Lights. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Agawam Park, with caroling by VOSH and MOSH will follow at 5 p.m. Following the lighting, Southampton Cultural Center (25 Pond Lane) will host a Holiday Reception with an appearance from Saint Nick. Festivities on Saturday, December 3rd will include a holiday stroll featuring carolers, music, hot chocolate, cookies and more at the Southampton Chamber of Commerce (76 Main Street). Horse and Buggy Rides will depart from the Chamber from 1 to 4 p.m. and Santa will hear holiday wish lists from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, December 10th, celebrations will feature more Horse and Buggy Rides from Southampton Arts Center from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and another Santy visit – this time at the Rogers Memorial Library (91 Coopers Farm Road) from 2 to 4 p.m. Finally, “It’s a Wonderful Village” wraps up on Saturday, December 17th, with Horse and Buggy Rides from Southampton Arts Center from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.southamptonchamber.com.

Unfortunately, due to lack of funding the annual lighting of the Montauk Lighthouse has been canceled. But, don’t worry because Santa is still making a visit to The End. On Sunday, November 27th, stop by the Lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to meet Father Christmas, enjoy pony rides, refreshments, caroling and other festivities. Additional seasonal celebrations will include the Montauk Community Church Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 26th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taking place at Montauk Community Church (850 Montauk Highway, Montauk), attendees can stock up on handmade items, Christmas decorations, new and used toys, handmade rugs, other gifts and baked goods. Montauk Library (871 Montauk Highway, Montauk) is hosting its Holiday Book Sale on Saturday, November 26th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.montaukchamber.com.

The holiday season Lighting of the Big Duck (Route 24, Flanders, www.facebook.com) will take place on Wednesday, November 30th at 7 p.m. Note: The Lighting has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 1st due to rain.

Baron’s Cove (31 West Water Street, Sag Harbor, www.baronscove.com) is hosting a Holiday Party – Tree Lighting and Ugly Holiday Sweater Happy Hour – on Friday, December 2nd from 4 to 10 p.m. The tree lighting will take place on the Baron’s Cove lawn at 7:15 p.m. and include a holiday performance by the Pierson High Carolers of Sag Harbor’s Pierson High School, directed by Suzanne Nicoletti. Those who come donning their best ugly holiday sweater will have a chance to win door prizes, and since it’s the season of giving, attendees are asked to come with a donation of a warm hat, gloves, scarves or socks for Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach Program.

The Annual Tree Lightning at c/o The Maidstone. (Courtesy Photo)

East Hampton Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Holiday Parade will take place on Saturday, December 3rd. The parade will step off on Main Street in front of the Huntting Inn at 10 a.m. Once again, this year’s festivities will include floats, bands, antique cars, local fire departments and the march’s honorees – Santa and Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. Once the merry march is over, Santa will greet fans by the fireplace at Rowdy Hall (10 Main Street, East Hampton). Attendees can snap a shot with St. Nick for a $2 donation that will support local food pantries. Guests can also spread some holiday cheer by creating a holiday card for a veteran at the Walter Reed Hospital that will be personally delivered by a representative from Wounded Warrior.

The Hampton Library’s (2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton, 631-537-0015, www.hamptonlibrary.org) 23rd Annual Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 3rd from 3 to 5 p.m. Stop by for cookies and cider and to watch as The Lions Club escorts Santa from the North Pole to the East End. After you capture the moment, Amy and Josh will spread holiday cheer with cozy stories. And once the Bridgehampton School Band has sung its last carol, it will finally be time for the Library to light its holiday tree.

Sag Harbor (sagharborchamber.com) will welcome Santa via the Sag Harbor Fire Department’s Fire Truck on Saturday, December 3rd at 3 p.m. He and Mrs. Claus will delight little ones by handing out candy canes at the Windmill as local school groups, including Our Sons and Daughter’s PreSchool and the Girl Scouts, serenade the crowd. At 5 p.m., the Lighting of the giant Christmas Tree at the foot of Long Wharf will take place.

The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce (www.westhamptonchamber.com) is presenting its Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting at the Village Green on Saturday, December 3rd at 6 p.m. The joyful affair will feature beloved holiday classics performed by local youth and a visit from Father Christmas.

Ashawagh Hall (780 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, 631-267-6554, ashawagh-hall.org) will present the 25th annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 4th at 5 p.m. The benefit for the Springs Improvement Society Scholarship Fund will include a sing-along to seasonal music, hot chocolate, cider and delicious holiday cookies.

The Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce (www.hamptonbayschamber.com) will host their annual Holiday Tree Lighting & visit with Santa on Sunday, December 4th at 5 p.m. at the Village Green, where you can warm up with hot cocoa and cookies and meet the man of the month.

The Annual Tree Lightning at c/o The Maidstone (207 Main Street, easthamptonchamber.com) will take place on Sunday, December 4th. From 4 to 6 p.m., share your holiday secrets with Santa Claus, listen to a live performance from the East Hampton High School choir, nosh on complimentary Christmas cookies, traditional saffron buns and sip on hot apple cider.