Best Holiday Light Displays on the East End of Long Island

Break out the thermos, queue your favorite playlist, and get ready to glow—holiday lights season is here on the East End! The best part for Southampton locals? You don’t have to drive far to find serious sparkle. Within about 30 minutes of village center, you’ll find charming downtown trees, festive waterfront strolls, and even a drive-through light show synced to music. Whether you’re planning a weeknight wander with cocoa in hand or a full family outing with the grandparents, these nearby displays deliver big holiday vibes without a long haul.

Southampton Village Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting (Agawam Park)

Right in the heart of town, Southampton’s annual Parade of Lights is the quintessential kickoff to the season. Decorated vehicles from local fire and EMS departments roll through the village, leading to a crowd-pleasing tree lighting in Agawam Park capped by fireworks. Shops dress their windows for the season, so you can stroll Main Street and Jobs Lane before or after the ceremony for extra twinkle. It’s free, family-friendly, and the most convenient way to feel the holidays arrive the moment dusk falls. Keep an eye on the official event page for timing and any weather updates.

Sag Harbor “Light Up” & Village Waterfront Glow

A quick hop from Southampton, Sag Harbor’s waterfront takes on a storybook glow when the village “lights up” for the season. The windmill, Long Wharf, and surrounding blocks shimmer, creating an easy loop for window-shopping, photos, and warm drinks by the harbor. Many years include a festive tree lighting and live music, which makes the evening feel like a small-town movie set come to life. Stroll slowly—you’ll find plenty of angles where the reflections dance on the water and every doorway begs for a holiday snapshot. Check the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce (and their updates) for the year’s schedule and details.

Riverhead Holiday Light Show (Drive-Through at Splish Splash, Calverton)

If “cozy in the car with the heat on” is your family’s speed, point your sleigh west to the Riverhead Holiday Light Show. It’s a mile-plus drive-through packed with larger-than-life LED displays that sync to a dedicated radio station—kids love spotting favorites while the music plays. Pricing is by the carload, making it a great value for groups, and the flow is well organized so you can cruise at your own pace. From Southampton, it’s about a half-hour drive, making this an easy weeknight adventure. For current dates, tickets, and location details, check Holiday Light Show locations and the Town of Riverhead event listing. Pro tip: choose a weeknight or early-season slot for lighter traffic and extra magic.

Westhampton Beach Winter Fest & Village Lights

Westhampton Beach goes big on small-town charm, with Main Street turning into a festive promenade. Expect a community-minded celebration—think merchant events, performing arts tie-ins, and a tree and menorah lighting on the Village Green. The format makes it easy to park once, wander under the lights, and duck into shops for last-minute gifts or hot chocolate. It’s perfect for multi-generation outings and date nights alike, and it’s a straightforward 20–25 minute drive from Southampton. Watch the Westhampton Beach Chamber and WHBPAC event calendar for dates and special add-ons each season.

Quogue Village Green Tree & Menorah Lighting

Just west of Westhampton, Quogue’s Village Green hosts a charming, community-run tree and menorah lighting that feels warmly intimate. Choir performances, local organizations, and the picturesque setting make for a quick, heartfelt dose of holiday spirit. This is the kind of event where you’re likely to run into neighbors and old friends, which adds to the cozy feel. Arrive a bit early to find easy parking and snag a good vantage point near the Green. For the latest time and details, check the Quogue event page. It’s a peaceful, photogenic evening well within a short drive of Southampton.

Hampton Bays Main Street & Good Ground Park Lights

Hampton Bays layers on the cheer with decorated entrances to town, lit wreaths along Main Street, and glowing accents around Good Ground Park. The display turns ordinary errands into mini light tours—perfect if you want a low-key loop that still feels festive. Pair a swing through town with dinner or dessert nearby, then cap the night with a quick stroll under the pergola lights for photos. It’s an easy win on chilly nights when you want holiday sparkle without event-night crowds. For park info (and seasonal happenings when posted), start with the Good Ground Park page.

Tips for a Bright Night Out

• Time your visit. Dusk gives you that dramatic “blue hour” sky; later in the evening can mean fewer crowds.
• Layer up. Even short strolls feel better with warm gloves, hats, and a thermos of something toasty.
• Snap smart. Night mode on your phone plus a steady hand (or railing) equals postcard-worthy photos.
• Make it a loop. Combine two close stops—like Sag Harbor’s waterfront glow and a dessert run—or start in Hampton Bays and work your way back to the village.

Wrap-Up

From the hometown magic of Southampton’s Parade of Lights to Sag Harbor’s waterfront glow, Westhampton Beach’s festive strolls, Quogue’s community lighting, and the Riverhead drive-through spectacular, the East End shines bright—no long road trip required. Each spot offers its own kind of wonder, whether you prefer bundled-up walks, cozy car cruises, or a quick neighborhood loop that turns errands into memory-making. Before you head out, consider a seasonal check-in with Mercedes-Benz of Southampton—you can schedule service, browse service specials, or explore options from the Mercedes-Benz Tire Center so fresh wiper blades, confident tires, and warm cabin comforts make every twinkling mile even better. Here’s to cocoa in the cupholder, playlists on repeat, and holiday lights that glow right in our backyard.