Picture this–our lovable, seaside Montauk actually turns into an incredible, scenic “Hallmark-like” holiday town each December! From our Main Street being lined with lit holiday trees, to our local businesses, Lighthouse, and locals alike sharing their enthusiasm for the holidays by decorating every year! The Visit Montauk and Montauk Chamber of Commerce team takes great pride in the return of this new annual tradition and is excited to celebrate our 3rd Annual Magic of Montauk with you this year on December 14th & 15th! Be sure to join us from 2-7pm both Saturday, December 14th and Sunday, December 15th on Town Green. Live music from 3-6pm both days.
Adding to Montauk’s holiday time charm, is a stunning holiday light path across Town Green featuring beautiful holiday decorations, lights, unique gift vendors, a hot cocoa contest, live music, the big guy in red, and a meet-and-greet with his friends–live reindeer!
We asked a few key individuals involved in the Magic of Montauk event planning process to take an inside look at what makes this event truly magical for the Montauk community.
Q. What inspired the idea of the Magic of Montauk event?
A. The inspiration for the Magic of Montauk stemmed off of my combined love for Montauk in the off-season as well as the holiday season. We really wanted to create an event that both drew business out to Montauk to our local businesses that are open, while offering our local community a new, fun tradition to look forward to for hopefully many years to come.
– Leo Daunt, President, Board of Directors (Daunt’s Albatross & The Bird)
Q. Why do you think sharing Montauk’s magic in the off-season is so important?
A. The Magic of Montauk is essential because it attracts many tourists to town. The majority of Montauk’s year-round community replies on tourism to survive. Plus, it’s fun to share what we all know: Montauk is magical at all times of the year.
– Amanda Jones, Board Member (Inlet Seafood Dock & Restaurant)
Q. What is it like planning an event of this nature?
A. Amazingly rewarding! There are a lot of moving pieces and things to consider with an event of this scale. Seeing the joy on people’s faces as you walk through the event, seeing that every element of the event you put time, energy, and thought into affecting someone in a special way, is the most amazing feeling. I feel honored to be a part of designing an event that brings both our local community and visitors so much happiness, and the opportunity to create special family moments during the holidays!
– Mariah Miltier, Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce & Visit Montauk
Q. Being a key part of this event, what do you think is the most important element of bringing magic to Montauk?
A. I believe the most important elements are bringing everyone together, giving back, seeing the smiles on the kids’ and adults’ faces as they walk around and experience the event. I think the Magic of Montauk is like a deep breath for everyone, meaning they forget the stress and just enjoy each other and the holiday season!
– Joy Keyser (Lighting the Christmas Joy)
Q. What about this event was special for you both as a local and as a vendor?
A. The Magic of Montauk is one of the best events of the year. As a resident of over 47 years, it was wonderful to see the whole hamlet come to life in the spirit of the holidays. Families from near and far came to celebrate, and the Montauk Chamber provided a delicious hot cocoa contest, music, beautiful holiday decor, and a diverse collection of vendors offering holiday goodies for shoppers of all tastes and preferences! My daughter and I participated as vendors, taking time together beforehand to collect and create holiday decorations for sale. The event was very well organized, with ample space for all vendors. For my daughter and I, the event provided a wonderful bonding experience that we will never forget. For locals and visitors who are looking for a beautiful atmosphere to celebrate the holidays and get some shopping done, you don’t want to miss it!
– Amy Duryea-Kelly (Holiday Gift Vendor)
Don’t miss out on this year’s Magic of Montauk event–perfect for the whole family! Join us from 2-7pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th.