Each Thanksgiving weekend, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce lights Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned in 1796 and the oldest in New York State, with holiday lights visible far out to sea. The 2026 lighting is on Saturday, November 28.
Quick Facts
| Date | Saturday, November 28, 2026 (late afternoon; the lights came on around 5:15 p.m. in recent years) |
|---|---|
| Where | Montauk Point Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk |
| Includes | Live holiday music and hot chocolate |
| From NYC | About 3 hours by car; LIRR Montauk Branch to Montauk plus a taxi |
Dress for strong ocean wind. Stay the weekend and see Sag Harbor’s Light Up the Harbor and other East End traditions.
About Montauk Point Lighthouse
Montauk Point Lighthouse was authorized by Congress under President George Washington and completed in 1796, making it the oldest lighthouse in New York State. It stands at the easternmost tip of Long Island, overlooking the Atlantic, and today it’s a museum operated by the Montauk Historical Society.
What to Expect
- Holiday music as the sun sets.
- The lighthouse outlined in holiday lights at the countdown.
- Hot chocolate and a community celebration.
Tips
- It’s very windy at the point; bring warm layers, hats and gloves.
- Arrive early for parking at Montauk Point State Park.
- The lights stay up through the season, so you can return later in December.
Plan an East End Holiday Weekend
- Stay in Sag Harbor, Greenport or Montauk; many inns offer lower winter rates.
- Pair village lightings with North Fork winery tastings and holiday shopping on Main Streets.
- Allow 2.5–3 hours from Manhattan by car, more on Friday afternoons.
- The LIRR and Hampton Jitney also serve the East End.
More on Long Island
See our Christmas on Long Island guide and Long Island tree lightings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Montauk Lighthouse lighting 2026?
Saturday, November 28, 2026.
