Montauk Lighthouse Will Once Again Illuminate Night For Holidays

MONTAUK, NY — The beloved Montauk Lighthouse will once again light up the night for the holiday season this year.

According to the Lighthouse Committee of the Montauk Historical Society, "We will be having the lighting of the Lighthouse this year honoring Betsy White."

The ceremony will take place on Nov. 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; the rain date is November 26. Parking and admission to the Lighthouse grounds are free. The event includes holiday music and caroling. Santa makes an appearance. The lights are turned on by a special guest and will remain on every night until January 1, 2018.

On Nov. 26, Santa Clause will pay a visit to the Lighthouse from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lighthouse will be decorated for the holiday; hot cider and snacks will be served. The gift shop will be open for holiday shopping, pony rides will be available for young children, and children can be photographed with a jolly Santa.

Admission to the museum is free during the event. The tower climb is closed. The rain date is December 3.
White, according to the Montauk Lighthouse's website, died in 2016; she was a past president of the organization and a "matriarch of Montauk" who was also a devoted mother to her children Lee, Rick and Heather and the grandmother to six.

"Betsy was a force. Straightforward and intelligent, she was a person who didn't tiptoe through life. She was always willing to back up her belief with lots of hard work," a tribute on the side reads. "A strong lady with a very soft center and a heart of gold."

And that's not all that's happening in Montauk this holiday season: Thanksgiving weekend offers a host of fun events for all. On Nov. 23, the 41st Annual Run for Fun/Turkey Trot begins at 8 a.m.; those wishing to participate should how up at the Village Green between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to check-in for the 3 or 6 mile races around town. The race is sponsored by East Hampton Town's Department of Parks and Recreation. Pre-registration is not necessary. The advance discount entry cost is $10, ending Nov. 22 at noon, at the Montauk Playhouse. Day-of registration costs $15 at Montauk Chamber of Commerce from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. For information call 631-324-2417 or click here.

Also on Nov. 25, the Annual Family Holiday Fun Day sponsored by The Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Montauk Yacht Club from noon to to 2 p.m. The free event gives kids a chance to create holiday crafts and tree ornaments. Cider and cookies will be served.

In addition, on Nov. 25, the Montauk Community Church Christmas Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, featuring baked goods, new and used toys, handmade items and other gifts. Santa arrives at 11 a.m. Refreshments are sold.

Also on Nov. 25, the Montauk Library Holiday Book Sale takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring gift books, art books, cookbooks, children's books, decorations, jewelry and more.

Later, on Dec. 13, a "Starbrite" Storefront Lighting will be held, with judging for best holiday-decorated Montauk business. The event is sponsored by Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Prizes will be awarded for four "Best" business categories: Traditional, Whimsical, Display of Montauk and Brightest, at about 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For additional information on Chamber and Montauk events, click here.

The lighting ceremony will be especially joyful this year as crowds welcome back the tradition that symbolizes the holiday season for many — the Lighthouse remained dark in 2016, due to financial constraints.

Dick White, chair of the committee, said in a release in 2016 that when the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum Committee took over the Lighthouse in 1986, "We committed ourselves to the care and maintenance of the now 220 year old Long Island icon. We have significant ongoing and future costs ahead of us in repair and maintenance of not only the Lighthouse Tower and Museum, but the revetment holding up the bluff on which our beautiful beacon stands. The Montauk Lighthouse is a self-funding not for profit entity, relying solely on our wonderful patrons to support our site, tours and operations."

The annual cost to illuminate the Lighthouse for the holiday season is about $50,000, he said. "Our first responsibility is to the care and upkeep of 'The Light.'"

Photo by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.