Light Up the East End! Menorahcade, Montauk Lighthouse and More Holiday Events

Menorahs, Christmas trees, the Montauk Lighthouse—you name it, they’ll light it up! Yes, the season of lights has arrived on the East End, and today just may be the most illuminated day of them all. Whether you’re in Hampton Bays or Southampton Village, East Hampton or The End, here’s a lineup of events sure to brighten the beginning of your holiday season.

Annual Lighting of the Montauk Lighthouse (4:30 p.m., Montauk Lighthouse) Thousands of lights will shine when the switch is flicked at The End, where they will grace New York’s oldest lighthouse every night until New Year’s Day. This holiday celebration will include caroling and a visit from Santa. Parking and admission to the lighthouse grounds are free for the event. A rain date for the lighting is scheduled for December 7.

Annual Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa (4:30 p.m., Hampton Bays Firehouse, 69 W Montauk Hwy) Tree lighting across from the Firehouse on Montauk Hwy, followed by a visit with Santa in the firehouse. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies and gifts for the children—and every Child receives a photo with Santa. Sponsored by Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce & The Hampton Bays Fire District.

Parade of Lights & Christmas Tree Lighting (4:45 p.m., Agawam Park, Southampton) The annual celebration kicks off as a long line of decorated fire trucks begins at Windmill Lane and drives around the village to Agawam Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting. A holiday party with Santa follows at the Southampton Cultural Center, where light refreshments are served.

Hanukkah—Community Menorah Lighting (6:30 p.m., Ammermann Riverfront Park, behind the shops in downtown Riverhead) Temple Israel of Riverhead invites you to join them at the Community Menorah Lighting at Ammerman Riverfront Park, behind the shops in downtown Riverhead, complete with blessings, songs and treats.

Menorahcade (6 p.m., parade starts at Chabad Lubavitch of the Hamptons, 13 Woods Lane East Hampton; menorah lighting in Herrick Park) East Hampton will be filled with bright festive cheer at the village’s third annual public menorah lighting. A parade of cars topped with giant menorahs will drive from Chabad Lubavitch of the Hamptonsto the menorah lighting in Herrick Park—a celebration of lights, liberty and latkes!

Southampton Chanukah Celebration (6:30 p.m. Southampton Hospital Parrish Hall behind Southampton Hospital, corner of Herrick road & Lewis St.) Live music, amazing bubble show, hot latke bar, delicious donuts, chocolate Chanukah gelt, Chanukah sand art, face painting and more fun.

And for some indoor illumination…

Candlelight Tour of Rogers Mansion (4–6 p.m., Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton. Tours begin at 4 p.m. in the Museum Shop.) The historic Rogers Mansion looks its best during the holiday season, with holiday decorations throughout the 1843 mansion’s period rooms lit by candles. You also won’t want to miss the new “A 1910 Christmas in Southampton” exhibit from the museum’s collection of dolls, toys, games and dollhouses. Grandparents, mom, dad and the kids are all welcome. Cookies and cider will be served after the tour.