From the new Target at Bridgehampton Commons to cozy dinners, local wine tastings, and festive holiday happenings, there's plenty to love about the Hamptons after summer.
There's something special about Bridgehampton when the summer crowds disappear. The pace slows, familiar faces return to favorite tables, and the little things—an unhurried morning coffee, a spontaneous dinner out, an afternoon exploring local shops—become some of the best parts of life here.
And this winter, there's something new in the mix.
After two years of sitting empty, the former Kmart at Bridgehampton Commons has officially become Target, bringing a whole new level of convenience to the South Fork. No more driving to Riverhead for everyday essentials, last-minute holiday shopping, or that one thing you forgot to pick up.
But while Target may be the newest addition to Montauk Highway, it's the combination of familiar local favorites, independent businesses, and a surprisingly full winter calendar that makes Bridgehampton in November and December so appealing.
Here's what's new, what's open, and what's worth putting on your calendar this season.
A New Chapter for Bridgehampton Commons
For two winters, the former Kmart building sat empty at the center of Bridgehampton Commons. When Kmart closed in October 2024, it left a noticeable gap in one of the South Fork's busiest shopping destinations.
Now, that 90,000-square-foot space has a completely new identity.
Target Bridgehampton, located at 2102 Montauk Highway, officially celebrated its grand opening on October 11, 2026, following a VIP ribbon-cutting on October 6 and an opening to shoppers ahead of the celebration.
And judging by the first week, Bridgehampton was more than ready.
Dan's Papers described a packed parking lot and a line at the in-store Starbucks stretching toward the back of the store. LTV's opening-weekend coverage captured an equally enthusiastic response, with shoppers praising the new space for its convenience and modern design.
According to 27east, the store also brought approximately 140 jobs to the area.
For year-round residents, second homeowners, and anyone spending more time in the Hamptons outside of summer, the appeal is easy to understand. Everyday shopping just got considerably easier.
One Stop, A Lot Less Driving
Anyone who has spent a winter in the Hamptons knows that a simple errand can sometimes turn into a much longer outing than expected. The closest Target was previously in Riverhead, making the new Bridgehampton location a welcome addition.
The store offers a food-forward shopping experience, with groceries, household essentials, clothing, home goods, seasonal merchandise, and adult beverages all under one roof.
There's also a Starbucks inside, making it easy to grab a coffee while tackling the holiday shopping list.
A CVS pharmacy was scheduled to open inside the store in November, and the official Target Bridgehampton store page now lists pharmacy hours. The pharmacy's published direct phone number is 631-296-5006.
And for the days when you'd rather not browse the aisles? Target offers Drive Up, in-store order pickup, and same-day delivery through Target 360.
Target Bridgehampton hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Those extended evening hours are especially convenient during the winter months, when many local restaurants and shops close much earlier.
Of course, convenience is only part of the story. Some of the best reasons to spend winter in Bridgehampton have been here all along.
The Places That Make Bridgehampton Feel Like Bridgehampton
A new Target might simplify the errands, but it's the independent restaurants, shops, and wineries that give Bridgehampton its personality.
And when the crowds thin out, there's more time to appreciate them.
Dinner Is Still an Occasion
Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House
A beautifully prepared dinner, a glass of wine, and nowhere else you need to be. At Topping Rose House, winter dining feels like an occasion in itself. The restaurant remains a favorite for everything from an intimate dinner to a leisurely weekend brunch.
Winter hours: Dinner daily, 5:30–9 p.m.; weekend brunch, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; weekend hot breakfast, 8–10:30 a.m. Lunch is closed for the season.
1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike
Elaia Estiatorio
For evenings that call for something lively, Elaia brings the warmth of Greek hospitality to School Street. Think delicious Mediterranean food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of dinner that makes an ordinary Thursday feel a little more interesting.
And with happy hour running all evening on Thursdays, there's another reason to make plans.
Winter hours: Sunday–Thursday, 5–9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 9:30 p.m. Happy hour daily until 6:30 p.m. and all night Thursday.
95 School Street
Slow Mornings & Small-Town Favorites
Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen
Some places simply wouldn't be Bridgehampton without them.
The Candy Kitchen is one of those places. A classic local fixture, it's just as appealing on a chilly November morning as it is in the middle of August. Settle into a booth, order breakfast, and enjoy a little old-fashioned Hamptons charm.
Posted hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
2391 Montauk Highway
The Candy Kitchen has traditionally taken a short break of approximately two weeks during some winters, so it's worth checking before planning a January visit.
Loaves & Fishes Lifestyle
A little browsing is always a good idea, especially when holiday hosting and gifting season arrives.
The former Loaves & Fishes Cookshop closed in March, with the space reopening in spring as Loaves & Fishes Lifestyle. Today, the year-round storefront offers beautiful home and lifestyle finds, making it an ideal stop for something thoughtful, useful, or simply lovely.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
2266 Montauk Highway
A Little Wine Country, Without the Summer Crowds
One of the best things about the South Fork in the off-season? The vineyards are every bit as inviting.
Channing Daughters Winery
Just off Scuttlehole Road, Channing Daughters offers a wonderful excuse to slow down and discover something new. Spend an afternoon sampling distinctive local wines, learning about the vineyard's approach to winemaking, or picking up a bottle for your next dinner party.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; tasting flights served until 5 p.m.
1927 Scuttlehole Road
Wölffer Estate
A few miles away in Sagaponack, Wölffer Estate remains a favorite year-round. The tasting room offers an inviting setting for an afternoon with friends, while the nearby Wine Stand is another easy stop for local favorites.
Wölffer Estate Tasting Room: Monday–Thursday, noon–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack
Wölffer Estate Wine Stand: Daily, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack
These winter schedules were compiled by Lord's Lane as of October 31, based on published winter hours and confirmed seasonal programming. Hours can change as the season progresses, so always check directly before heading out.
And one more seasonal note: Nourish by The Roundtree, at 203 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, is closed for the winter and plans to reopen in May.
Your November & December Calendar Is Looking Pretty Good
If you think the Hamptons close up after Labor Day, Bridgehampton has a few things to say about that.
From art and music to holiday markets and festive workshops, the next several weeks offer plenty of reasons to get out, explore, and reconnect with the community.
Here are a few dates worth saving.
November 13 | An Evening for the Arts
The Bridgehampton Museum hosts The Gathering: Grants for Artists with Patty Eljaiek of the Huntington Arts Council. A wonderful opportunity for local artists and creatives to connect and learn about available grant opportunities.
5–6 p.m. at the Nathaniel Rogers House, 2539 Montauk Highway.
November 14 | Art, Stories & Birds of Prey
The Bridgehampton Museum opens East End Veterans Voices, presented with USA Warrior Stories, from 5–7 p.m. at the Nathaniel Rogers House.
Earlier that day, Marders hosts its popular Birds of Prey event, adding a little outdoor adventure to the weekend.
November 15 | An Afternoon of Music
Bridgehampton Chamber Music has a fall concert on the calendar, bringing another opportunity to experience live music close to home. Additional season details are expected from the organizer.
November 18 | A Good Book & a Little Mystery
The Hampton Library hosts Bottle of Red and a Character's Dead, a mystery book club with a title that's reason enough to be curious.
November 22 | Get Into the Holiday Spirit
Marders hosts a Holiday Wreath Workshop, the perfect excuse to get creative and bring a little seasonal greenery home.
November 27 | A Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition
The Bridgehampton Museum's Gourmet Market returns to the Tractor Barn from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Held the day after Thanksgiving, it's an especially fun outing when family and friends are visiting for the holiday weekend. Pick up something delicious, browse local offerings, and enjoy a little community spirit along Montauk Highway.
Explore the Gourmet Market details.
December 12 | Santa With a Twist
Forget the ordinary holiday photo. Marders is hosting Santa Selfies with Birds of Prey, bringing a decidedly different kind of festive fun to Bridgehampton.
December 13 | More Music for the Season
Bridgehampton Chamber Music returns for its second scheduled fall concert.
December 19 | A Musical Start to the Holidays
The Consonance Music Ensemble performs at Marders, offering a lovely way to spend a December Saturday as the holidays approach.
Find additional information on the Marders events calendar and the Bridgehampton Chamber Music website.
Big-Store Convenience, Small-Town Character
Naturally, a new national retailer brings some questions about what it means for the smaller businesses that have long been part of the community.
In LTV's opening-weekend report, nearby business owners acknowledged concerns about the potential short-term impact. But they also pointed to something a big-box store can't easily replicate: personal service, local relationships, and the distinctive experience of shopping small.
And that's really what makes this new chapter interesting.
It's not about replacing the places that make Bridgehampton special. It's about adding another layer of convenience to an already wonderful place to live.
You can pick up groceries and holiday essentials at Target, enjoy lunch or dinner at a favorite local restaurant, browse beautiful home goods at Loaves & Fishes Lifestyle, and spend the afternoon tasting wines made right here on the East End.
There's room for both the new and the familiar.
The Best of Bridgehampton Isn't Just for Summer
Summer may be what first brings people to the Hamptons, but winter is often what makes them fall in love with staying.
There's something wonderful about having more time, less traffic, and a community that feels a little closer. Restaurants become familiar gathering places. Local events give you something to look forward to. And the simplest routines—picking up dinner, shopping for the holidays, meeting friends for a glass of wine—feel easy and enjoyable.
With the opening of Target at Bridgehampton Commons, year-round life in Bridgehampton has gained another practical perk. But the real appeal of living here through November, December, and well beyond remains the same: an exceptional quality of life in a place that has so much more to offer than a summer season.
Because the Hamptons aren't just somewhere to spend July. They're somewhere to enjoy every month of the year.
Thinking about making Bridgehampton part of your year-round lifestyle?
Whether you're searching for a weekend home or a place to enjoy all four seasons, Mala Sander+Team can help you discover what makes life in the Hamptons so special.
Let's Connect.