The Hamptons is a favorite getaway spot for urbanites of New York, and it’s a mere 90 minutes by car. Here, you can spend time just relaxing, breathing in the fresh, salty air of the ocean and exploring all this little corner of paradise has to offer. The Hamptons are small towns on Long Island—namely Southampton, Westhampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Water Mill, Montauk, North Fork and Bridgehampton.

Many elite travelers make the Hamptons their go-to getaway during the summer. Still, there is much to say about visiting the Hamptons in the fall, and it is the picture-perfect destination for celebrating Thanksgiving. These seaside communities quiet down during this time of year, and hitting the beach on a lovely fall day is a joy. The near-empty coastlines are ideal for serene, contemplative walks with loved ones.

If you have been thinking about spending your Thanksgiving hiatus in the Hamptons, here are some things you and your family can do during a brisk fall day:

See the Lighting of the Iconic Montauk Lighthouse

Thanksgiving is November 24 this year, but Christmas and Hanukkah are just a little behind. It’s also the time of year for the famous Montauk Lighthouse's annual lighting ceremony for holiday decorations. Locally known as “The Light,” this national treasure was commissioned by Congress when George Washington was president and completed in 1796. This year, the lighting ceremony will occur on November 30 at sunset.

WINE AND MUSIC AT WÖLFFER ESTATE

Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack hosts candlelight Fridays from October through December. From 5-8 p.m., you can enjoy live music in the estate’s tasting room with a glass or bottle of wine, cheese, and charcuterie. It’s a delightful way to spend an early Friday night. You can also visit the vineyard during the day with your family since many activities exist.

Villa Swan Nest  

Villa Swans Nest is a charming south-of-the-highway cottage on an acre of stunning oceanfront property in Bridgehampton. Embraced by marram grass, this romantic and secluded retreat offers the quintessential Hamptons maritime setting. The home features elegant interiors with a perpetually summery ambiance, blending seaswept romanticism with contemporary sophistication. Oversized windows provide delightful pastoral west-facing panoramas, while the minimalist design retains cozy cottage charm. Accommodating up to seven guests across four pristine bedrooms, the estate showcases understated luxury with refined craftsmanship. Outdoors, enjoy spectacular sunsets over Mecox Bay, an expansive deck, and a private dock with a boat for nautical adventures.

PICK A PUMPKIN

Head over to Hank’s Pumpkintown to pick a pumpkin out of the field, get lost in the corn maze, or pick your apples. This place is so popular it has been known to clog traffic on Montauk Highway. Children will love the wagon, tractor, train rides, giant slides, gem mining and playgrounds. Grab some fresh apple cider and cider donuts, which are beyond delicious. They’re cooked right in front of you and served warm. Hank’s is located at 240 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.

GO FOR A HIKE

If you have the family pooch with you, all of you can set off to Shadmoor State Park for a short 1.2-mile hike. You’ll pass by a river and World War II bunkers. There are also elevated platforms for birdwatching and enjoying the breathtaking shoreline views. Snap some beautiful photos because this place is for making priceless memories. To get there, take Route 27 to South Emery Street in Montauk and continue to Surfside Avenue. The park is at 900 Montauk Highway.

Villa Darla

Villa Darla is the ideal place for all ocean lovers to stay. This residence is a pinnacle of contemporary luxury living in the Hamptons, offering unparalleled serenity over an acre of oceanfront terrain. Its striking modern architecture has made it an icon of Bridgehampton's seaside communities, yet it remains conveniently close to fine dining and high-end retail. Inside, the airy interiors blend chic refinement with nautical charm, featuring radiant white walls and boundless ocean vistas. Eight hotel-style bedrooms can accommodate up to 16 guests. There is private elevator access, wine storage, and a pool table, making it possible to enjoy this luxury residence fully. Outside, expansive lawns and majestic deck spaces offer opportunities for lavish rooftop entertaining, complemented by heated waters in the pool and breathtaking sunset vistas over the Atlantic. Villa Darla truly is an exemplary Bridgehampton vacation rental. Its unmatched luxury and coastal charm captivate all who visit.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

There are many choices if you are thinking about shopping for Christmas while on your Thanksgiving stay in the Hamptons. When you’re looking for high fashion from designers like Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, John Varvatos and others—head to East Hampton. Southampton also offers several boutiques that carry items from Michael Kors, Akris, Intermix and Christian Louboutin. In Westhampton, you can find several small, independent fashion boutiques, art galleries, gourmet gift shops and book shops. Here are some other places you might want to visit:

• Nellie’s of Amagansett, 230 Main Street, Amagansett
• il Buco Vita Shop, 225 Main Street, Amagansett
• Loaves and Fishes Cookshop, 2266 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton
• Torch’d Shoppe by Isaac Boots, 352 Montauk Highway, Wainscott
• Hampton Motorsports/Vespa Southampton, 938 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
• Little Q Quogue Shop, 114 Jessup Avenue, Quogue
• Fandango, 46 A Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays

WHERE TO ENJOY A DELICIOUS THANKSGIVING DINNER

There are some lovely places offering luxe Thanksgiving dining on November 24. Here are a few choices:

THE 1770 HOUSE

Get your seats at The 1770 House for a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a gorgeous old inn. You will be dining on a four-course meal prepared by Chef Rozzi, which includes various choices like a first course of seared Hudson Valley foie gras with cider-braised lentils, apple compote, candied pecans and apple caramel. A second course is butternut squash bisque with country ham, mulled spices and granola. For your main dish, you can choose from traditional organic Amish turkey with sage gravy, sausage stuffing with golden raisins, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes, green beans and garlic Yukon gold mash. You can also opt for sea scallops, braised lamb shank, or roasted striploin. There are four choices for dessert: pumpkin crème brulee with mincemeat and maple cookies, sticky date cake with toffee sauce, and salted caramel gelato.

143 Main Street E., East Hampton.

GURNEY’S MONTAUK RESORT & SEAWATER SPA

Gurney’s Montauk will host a delectable Thanksgiving buffet at Scarpetta Beach and Tillie’s, which will be served on November 24. Menu highlights include venison meatballs with a sage, cherry, and vermouth glaze; a crab bisque with fresh Maryland crab and brandy cream; and a traditional roast turkey brined in maple syrup, rosemary, and black pepper with a classic gravy and cranberry apple sauce.

290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk.

THE RESTAURANT AT BARON’S COVE

This popular dining venue offers a special Thanksgiving menu for those visiting and residing in the Hamptons. Visit the cozy waterfront restaurant for a festive farm-to-table whole turkey Thanksgiving, which includes a farm-fresh turkey and sides and a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie. For those interested in a three-course option, there is also a pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner menu featuring traditional favorites, including butternut squash soup with brioche crouton and butternut squash oil; turkey dinner with cranberry sauce, potato puree, haricot vert, and gravy; stuffed Delicata squash with dijon vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts, and pepper jam; and seasonal sides such as turkey stuffing; braised mustard greens; potato puree, and more.

31 W Water Street, Sag Harbor.

The Hamptons is a magical place to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. In the peace of these beautiful, small villages, you and your family can give thanks for all your blessings and enjoy each other’s company. Let us help you make new memories by planning your unique Hamptons Thanksgiving getaway. 

Please contact an LVH client relations professional who will begin building one of the best Thanksgiving getaways you have ever had. You will have the finest luxury accommodations, complete services and support, and a tailor-made itinerary packed with experiences that will leave you and yours with memories that will last a lifetime.