Santa Claus Arrives by Helicopter at 11AM • December 5th, 2026
Countdown to Santa's Arrival
Check back here for our SantaFest Map & Guide.
Co-Managed By
A Big Thanks To Our Sponsors
Smokey Buns
East 27 Creative
Sams
EH Fire Department
EHV EMS
LTV Studios
About SantaFest
SantaFest was born from the vision of Mayor Jerry Larsen, who wanted to create more community events that bring East Hampton families together and ensure young boys and girls can grow up with the cherished, small-town magic many remember.
Our SantaFest Team plans this event year-round, and is organized and managed by the Village of East Hampton, and the East Hampton Village Foundation, whose Chairman & CEO Bradford Billet raises all of the funding needed to make SantaFest a reality. The SantaFest Co-Founders are: the incredible Mary Waserstein, Bradford Billet, and Village Administrator Marcos Baladron. The entire event is fueled by a passionate group of elves, including: Mayor Jerry Larsen and Lisa Larsen, Trustee Carrie Doyle, Trustee Sandra Melendez Esq., and Sarah Amaden.
Everyone involved is a dedicated volunteer, giving their time and effort to make SantaFest a memorable event for all—no one receives any compensation. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and create joyful memories together! We would also like to thank our sponsors for making this event happen.
HOLIDAY MARKET
VILLAGE HALL - 86 MAIN STREET
TIME: 10AM to 3PM
Get into the holiday spirit at the Holiday Market, where you’ll find a carefully curated selection of local vendors offering plenty of stocking stuffers and unique holiday gifts perfect for your family and friends. 🎄✨
From handcrafted items to seasonal favorites, there’s something for everyone! To make your holiday shopping even easier, the Ladies Village Improvement Society will provide a free gift-wrapping station.
Highlights of the Market:
🎁 Curated Local Vendors
🎁 Free Gift Wrapping by the Ladies Village Improvement Society
🏠 Gingerbread House Competition
☕ Hot Cider and Delicious Treats
🎅 Santa’s Grand Arrival and Parade
Join us from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on December 5th at Village Hall’s Front Yard and make your holiday shopping a breeze while enjoying festive fun for the whole family!
HOLIDAY MARKET VENDORS
If you'd like to be a vendor at our Holiday Market, we’re accepting applications! Download the Holiday Market Application PDF to get all the details and join the celebration.
SANTA ARRIVAL
HERRICK PARK - 67 NEWTOWN LANE
TIME: 11AM
Get ready for a magical holiday moment like no other! We've confirmed with the North Pole that Santa Claus is making his grand entrance at Herrick Park—by helicopter! 🎄✨
Join us on December 5th at 11:00 AM as Santa touches down in style to spread Christmas cheer. Bring your family and friends to watch this exciting arrival and kick off the holiday season with fun and festivities! This is a FREE event, and all are welcome!
🎁 Holiday Treats for Kids
🎶 Festive Music & Entertainment: East End Entertainment's Michael Variale will be DJ'ing and preparing the crowd of nearly 3,000 kids with holiday music, trivia, and more!
SANTA PARADE
MAIN STREET AND NEWTOWN LANE
TIME: NOON
Following his exciting arrival by helicopter, Santa will lead East Hampton’s biggest parade of the year! 🎄✨
Escorted by the East Hampton Village Police Department, Santa will ride to the back of the parade in grand style, kicking off the festivities at noon. Bring your family and friends to line the streets, enjoy the festive floats, and cheer on Santa as he spreads holiday joy throughout the village!
Event Details:
🚓 Santa’s Grand Entrance
🎉 Dozens of Creative Floats
🎶 Holiday Music and Entertainment
SANTA PARADE
If you'd like to enter a float in the Santa Parade, we’re accepting applications! Download the Float Application PDF to get all the details and join the celebration.
SANTA'S WORKSHOP
MILLSTONE PARK- 61 MAIN STREET
TIME: 1PM to 4PM
After the excitement of the Santa Parade, the fun continues! Bring your little ones to Millstone Park in the heart of downtown for a special chance to meet Santa Claus from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 🎄✨
Santa can’t wait to hear what’s on everyone’s wish list! Families can also capture the magic with professional photos with Santa for FREE!
Event Details:
🎅 Santa Meet & Greet
📸 Family Photos with Santa – FREE
⏰ Lines Begin Forming at Noon at Millstone Park
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity for holiday memories with Santa Claus himself! Come early, enjoy the parade, and get in line for a magical afternoon in downtown East Hampton Village.
COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOS
Scan the QR code below or click the button to view and register to view your professional photos with Santa!
CANDYLAND!
SAM'S RESTAURANT - 36 NEWTOWN LANE
TIME: 1PM to 4PM
Calling all good boys and girls! Join us at CANDYLAND! at Sam's Restaurant, where children are invited unleash their creativity and indulge in a sugary adventure from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 🎄
It's a fun and festive afternoon filled with creativity and sweet treats! This is a FREE event, and all are welcome!
Event Highlights:
🎅 Festive Fun for Kids and Families
MEET MRS. CLAUS
LVIS - 95 MAIN STREET
TIME: 1PM to 4PM
Join us on December 5th for a magical holiday event at the Ladies Village Improvement Society! Kids are invited to meet Mrs. Claus herself, share their Christmas wishes, and even receive a special treat straight from the North Pole.
It’s a perfect holiday adventure for the family – mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this festive fun! This is a
FREE
event, and all are welcome! 🎅🦌
FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE
MIDDLE SCHOOL - 76 NEWTOWN LANE
TIME: 2PM
🎄✨Celebrate the season with a special free movie screening of the animated holiday classic, Elf! Bring your family and friends to enjoy this heartwarming movie that captures the true spirit of the holidays. There will be one showing at the East Hampton Middle School Auditorium, 76 Newtown Lane.
Tickets are free on a first come, first served basis and can be picked at the box office in front of the East Hampton Middle School.
🍿 Popcorn for everyone! 🍿
Don’t miss out on this festive, family-friendly event! Cozy up with some popcorn and enjoy Elf as it lights up the big screen in the East Hampton Middle School's Auditorium.
DECK THE WINDOWS
Holiday Window Decorating Contest
ALL MAIN STREET, NEWTOWN LANE & PARK PLACE SHOPS ARE WELCOME!
Nov. 27th (Black Friday) Thru Dec. 5th
Get ready to stroll through a winter wonderland! The Holiday Window Decorating Contest is back, and this year it's bigger and better. Watch as local businesses on Main Street, Newtown Lane, and Park Place transform their storefronts into magical holiday displays that will light up the village with festive cheer!
Judging will be done by all seven members of the Design Review Board and begins on Black Friday (November 29th) and runs through December 5th, when Mayor Jerry Larsen and a Special Guest will announce the winners at the Holiday Tree Lighting at 5pm in Herrick Park.
Members of the public can vote for their favorite decoration by scanning the QR code on the front door of their favorite shop. All the winners will be revealed at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5pm.
Bundle up and walk through the village to see these stunning displays, and cheer on your favorite local businesses as they compete for the top spot! The winners will be revealed in a special ceremony on December 5th.
DECK THE WINDOWS
Interested Decorating Your Storefront Windows this Holiday Season?
All local businesses on Main Street, Newtown Lane, and Park Place are included automatically in the Deck The Windows contest.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
HERRICK PARK - 67 NEWTOWN LANE
Join us for the grand finale of a magical day in East Hampton—
The Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! 🎅✨
On December 5th, Mayor Jerry Larsen will be joined by a Special Guest to light up the village’s spectacular 40-foot Holiday Tree, located on Newtown Lane across from the Middle School.
This beloved tradition will fill Herrick Park with holiday cheer as we celebrate the season with festive carolers and a heartfelt thank you to the many helpers and elves who made the day possible.
Tree Lighting Highlights:
🎄 The Lighting of the 40-foot Holiday Tree
🏆 Announcement of the Holiday Window Decorating Contest Winners
🎅 Meet the Mayor and Special Guests
Bring your family and friends to experience the season's magic at this unforgettable event, and let’s light up East Hampton together!
🎅 A MAGICAL DAY IN EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE 🎅
VOLUNTEER AT SANTAFEST
If you're interested in volunteering at the 2024 SantaFest, please enter your details below and we will reach out with more information.
Thank you!
