How to Spend Thanksgiving in The Hamptons, New York

This blog post is all about how to spend Thanksgiving in the Hamptons.

Last weekend was the biggest holiday in the American calendar.

Not something that we celebrate back in Ireland or the UK, but they definitely take Thanksgiving very seriously here.

Since a lot of the interns get a few days off around the holiday, we thought we would take advantage of the free days and take a trip somewhere outside the city.

We had looked at heading upstate but for a group of 17 people, there weren’t many places to accommodate us or that looked very appealing.

So we took a chance and looked at the Hamptons on AirBnB and found a lot of houses for reduced prices since it wasn’t the season for the Hamptons and all of the houses that we found were stunning.

So that’s how we ended up spending Thanksgiving in the Hamptons.

RELATED Thanksgiving in the Hamptons blog posts to read:

Watch my YouTube video re-visiting Sag Harbor a few years later here.

This blog post is all about spending Thanksgiving in the Hamptons.

Table of Contents

Why We Chose Sag Harbor

The small town we stayed in was called Sag Harbor.

Not the prettiest of names, but it was a quaint little town and our house was right by the beach.

It was way too cold for sunbathing but we did manage a walk along the water on Saturday morning.

It felt very rustic Americana when we were driving through the town on our way towards our house.

Wooden houses, large white houses and huge lawns and small independent stores lined the main road. We pulled into the road our house was on and passed two deer, so wholesome!

We hired a car and somehow fitted eight people, luggage and groceries in the wagon.

The drive took just under three hours, but there is also the option of getting the Hampton Jitney – a bus from the city to the Hamptons (if you watch Gossip Girl then you’ll know) – or the train to Southampton which is very close by.

RELATED Thanksgiving in the Hamptons blog post to read: A 9-Day East Coast of America Road Trip: Travel Route

Things to Do in Sag Harbor

This I had to Google for a little help since we didn’t actually do much while we were there other than eat lots of food, drink a lot and spend a lot of time in the house.

It was such a nice change to get away from the city for a few days, breathe in some fresh air and not have to dodge tourists everywhere.

We did visit the little town which was full of independent stores, bookstores, some coffee shops and cafés.

There were a few seasonal stores that sold beach and summer items that were shut since it was fall season.

But if you ever happen to randomly find yourself in Sag Harbor at any point in your life, here are the top three things to do:

Like I said, there’s not much to do other than visit the beach, ogle at some celebrity mansions (there are a lot) and try to spot celebrities.

Three of the group bumped into Hugh Jackman in Starbucks!

I think I’ll leave the Hamptons until 4th of July comes around. But by then the rent of the houses are ten times the amount they are during Thanksgiving in the Hamptons.

I’ll definitely be back in the Hamptons at some point. If not next year then in thirty years when I buy my summer mansion by the sea.

Where to Eat for Thanksgiving in the Hamptons

Since there was 17 of us, we all chipped in and cooked a huge meal at our rented house by the beach.

I’m not sure too many restaurants in the Hamptons would love a large group of non-American 22 years olds taking over their restaurant for their first Thanksgiving.

However, if you’re going to be spending Thanksgiving in the Hamptons and don’t want to cook, these are the top places I’d recommend for Thanksgiving dinner:

1. Baron’s Cove

This waterfront restaurant offers a festive setting right by the marina and consistently serves a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu (turkey with traditional trimmings + vegetarian options) during the holiday.

Tables fill quickly for Thanksgiving in the Hamptons. It’s wise to reserve weeks in advance and confirm the exact menu and time slot.

2. Lulu Kitchen & Bar

A refined yet relaxed atmosphere with a dedicated turkey menu for Thanksgiving Day in the Hamptons (typically between noon and 8 p.m.). It combines Hamptons charm with holiday dining comfort.

Because many locals and visitors turn here each year, booking early (and specifying you want the Thanksgiving menu) helps secure your spot.

3. Page

Known for seasonal holiday dishes, Page includes Thanksgiving-specific dishes and welcomes guests on the holiday. It’s a reliable option in the heart of Sag Harbor.

Request a holiday seating online or via phone as soon as the restaurant announces its menu. Spots tend to go quickly.

4. The American Hotel

A historic inn-style venue with festive decorations and a warm ambiance. It regularly appears in Thanksgiving in the Hamptons dining guides and offers a memorable holiday experience.

Holiday dinners here often run on a prix fixe format and can include multiple seatings. So reserve early, and check if there’s an advance payment requirement.

5. The Bell & Anchor

A short drive from the village centre, The Bell & Anchor serves elevated seafood and American style dishes and is known to host special Thanksgiving menus.

Expect cozy harbor views and a warm, relaxed ambiance that’s ideal for families.

They typically offer limited seatings for the holiday, so call early to secure your spot.

Thanksgiving in the Hamptons is a popular time for both locals and visitors (like us). Many restaurants roll out special holiday menus, limited seatings, and set prix fixe options.

Booking early ensures you won’t miss out, and you’ll often receive the menu ahead of time, so you can plan any dietary requirements and confirm timings.

How to Spend Thanksgiving in The Hamptons

Spending Thanksgiving in the Hamptons was honestly one of the most memorable holidays I’ve ever had.

With 17 of us making the trip from New York City, renting a big, cozy house felt like the perfect way to celebrate. Complete with homemade feasts, board games by the fire, and long walks along the beach.

What made it so special was the slower pace.

After the buzz of the city, Sag Harbor’s quiet charm and coastal beauty offered exactly what we needed. Time to unwind, connect, and enjoy the simple things that make Thanksgiving so meaningful.

Between exploring Sag Harbor’s boutiques, drinking too much coffee, and watching the sun set over the harbor, it truly felt like a storybook escape.

If you’re considering a Thanksgiving in the Hamptons, I can’t recommend it enough.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your own small circle, it’s the perfect blend of cozy, coastal, and festive, everything the holiday should be.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about spending Thanksgiving in the Hamptons.

Why We Chose Sag Harbor

Things to Do in Sag Harbor