The North Fork isn’t a special place only in the midst of a balmy summer. The crisp autumn air and winter snow provide the perfect environment to connect with others and bask in holiday warmth and cheer. Christmas tree and menorah lightings, visits from Santa, holiday shopping, New Year’s Eve parties and even great community service opportunities offer resident and visiting North Forkers an array of holiday opportunities. With these events, you’re likely to shake off your humbug and find reason to toast the good life.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, Thursday, Nov. 28, in Mattituck. Everyone (but the turkey) is invited to take part in a 5K run/walk sponsored by the Mattituck-Cutchogue Teachers’ Association. This event begins at 9 a.m. at the junior/senior high school.
Kick off the Christmas season proper on Friday, Nov. 29, with a candlelight tour and tree lighting from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Southold Historical Society’s Main Road museum complex. Buildings will be decorated for the holiday and guests can enjoy farm and home craft demonstrations while refreshments are served. Santa will visit, too, as well as carolers from the Southold High School Chorus Ensemble.
A tree lighting will also be held Nov. 29 at Mitchell Park in Greenport, beginning at 6 p.m. Santa and his elves will join guests to listen to caroling and decorate the tree.
Can’t get enough of Santa? He’ll make a third appearance on Saturday, Nov. 30, when the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society holds its annual tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. All buildings will be open and decorated for the holidays.
Starting Nov. 29 from noon to 4 p.m., Miss Ella’s Holiday Shop at Hallockville Museum Farm offers another opportunity to find gifts for family and friends. Miss Ella’s carries a wide variety of unique gifts and collectibles for all ages, including handcrafted jewelry, vintage linens and handmade wooden toys for children. Turn up the Christmas cheer at your own home by picking up one-of-a kind holiday decorations, tree ornaments and more.
Also at Hallockville, The Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art Show on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 am. to 3 p.m. offers a great selection of gifts and home décor for the holidays. Enter for free and take a look at their selection of seasonal rugs, ornaments, quilts, wreaths, dolls and hand-woven scarves.
Starting in December you can take a break from the more hectic aspects of the holiday season by testing your skating skills at the Mitchell Park ice rink in Greenport. The rink is open throughout the season, weather permitting, and offers everything from free skates to sessions for adult and youth hockey players. Ice skating on an outdoor rink is a healthy activity that delivers naturally rosy cheeks, a fun form of exercise and an increased appreciation for the warmth of home after the skate is complete.
Of course, Christmas isn’t the only holiday in December. On Sunday, Dec. 1, Congregation Tifereth Israel invites everyone to witness the lighting of Greenport’s Hanukkah menorah at 5 p.m.
That same day, at 1 p.m., a fun and festive Christmas Parade dances through Riverhead. Children will be able to meet Santa at the parade’s end and tell him exactly what they want for Christmas.
If you can’t make it to see Santa on Dec. 1, you’ll have another chance to meet him on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Southold Town Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Boys and girls of all ages are encouraged to come visit Santa and even receive a special gift from him.
If seeing Santa isn’t your thing, you can spend Dec. 7 feeding your appetite instead at Greenport’s Shellabration. Savor tasty culinary creations from Greenport’s leading chefs and eateries. Sample oysters, clams and scallops, and pair that delicious local seafood with outstanding North Fork wines.
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit on Saturday, Dec. 14, with “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, by Joe Landry” at North Fork Community Theatre. Tickets are $15 ($10 for students). Free refreshments will be served while this holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.
The following day, Sunday, Dec. 15, give to those who need it most at the Cutchogue Fire Department’s Stuff the Sleigh 5K Race and Walk. Starting at 10 a.m. and ending at noon, runners are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys that can be donated to Community Action Southold Town. Those entering the Children’s Fun Run are asked to bring two nonperishable food items.
Also on Sunday, the 15th, Living Water Church Theatre in Riverhead will feature a cast of talented singers, actors and dancers performing traditional Christmas standards. The show begins at 3 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the less fortunate in our local communities.
If you’d prefer to sing along rather than merely watch and listen, be a guest at Winter Sings on Sunday, Dec. 15, held by the Oysterponds Historical Society. The singalong will be held at Poquatuck Hall in Orient at 2 p.m.
Once the Christmas season has ended, 2014 takes over on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with New Year’s Eve Under the Stars at 8 p.m. at the Custer Institute in Southold. There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than to party under the night sky at a Long Island observatory.
The biggest party on New Year’s Eve just may be Hotel Indigo East End’s Champagne and Chandeliers New Year’s Eve Bash. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., guests will dine and dance in the ballroom, enjoy a premium open bar and more. General admission cost is $150 per person (VIP upgrades available) and there are is also a hotel package for those who want to stay the night starting at $495 per couple.
Whether you are decorating a Christmas tree, lighting a menorah or toasting with Champagne under the stars, the North Fork offers a wide variety of special holiday events. Everyone is invited to buy or craft unique holiday gifts, help others in the community, sing with Santa and delight in the fresh food, welcoming wine and great company that make up life on the North Fork.
NOVEMBER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Harvest Gospel Series // 8 p.m. Mattituck Presbyterian Church 12605 Main Road, Mattituck
Presented by East End Arts, eastendarts.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Holiday Bazaar // 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Riverhead United Methodist Church
204 East Main St., Riverhead
Baked goods, jewelry, crafts, white elephant table, soup
and sandwich.
CAST Holiday Happening
Craft Fair // 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Southold Town Recreation
Center, Peconic Lane, Peconic
Craft room, marketplace, train display, raffle, bake sale and café. Have your picture taken with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. castsoutholdtown.org
Harvest Gospel Series // 8 p.m.
Presented by East End Arts
Friendship Baptist Church
59 Anchor St., Flanders
eastendarts.org
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Pre-Thanksgiving Missionary Program // 7:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Cutchogue
21405 Rt. 48, Cutchogue.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Lighting of the Menorah
// 4:30 p.m.
North Fork Reform Synagogue and Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council
Village Green, Main Road, Cutchogue
Following the lighting, cross the street to the synagogue, where they will light the first candle, sing songs and tell the Chanukah
story. Doughnuts, the fried food used to commemorate the miracle of oil that lasted eight nights, will be served with cider. northforkreformsynagogue.org
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot // 9 a.m.
Main Road, Mattituck
5K run/walk sponsored by Mattituck-Cutchogue Teachers’ Association. Begins at the junior/senior high school. mufsd.com
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Southold Historical Society
54325 Main Road, Southold
Candlelight Tour // 3-6 p.m.
Tree lighting // 5 p.m.
All buildings will be decorated for the holiday season and open to the public. Farm and home craft demonstrations will take place in the various buildings, strolling musicians will be on the grounds, Santa will be visiting and refreshments will be served. southoldhistoricalsociety.org
Christmas Tree Lighting // 6 p.m.
Mitchell Park, Greenport
Tree lighting and decorating with Santa, elves and caroling.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Small Business Saturday
A day dedicated to supporting small businesses with holiday shopping throughout the North Fork and Shelter Island. smallbusinesssaturday.com
Shelter Island Turkey Plunge
// 10:30 a.m.
Crescent Beach, Shelter Island
Victorian Christmas & Annual Tree Lighting
Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society, 18200 Main Road, Mattituck
Santa visits, tours of the Tuthill Museum // 1-4 p.m.
Tree lighting, music and refreshments in the New Egypt Schoolhouse // 5 p.m. mlhistoricalsociety.org
Hot Peas ‘n Butter // 4 p.m.
Greenport High School Auditorium Main Road, Greenport
Hot Peas ‘n Butter is a unique children’s musical group that incorporates elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, jazz, folk and rock. Sponsored by a Friend of the Floyd Memorial Library and the local libraries.
DECEMBER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Riverhead Christmas Parade // 1 p.m.
Begins at Osborn Avenue and West Main Street and ends in town parking lot on Peconic River. Children may visit with Santa at parade’s end. Sponsored by Riverhead Lions Club.
riverheadlions.com
Lighting of the Menorah // 5 p.m.
519 Fourth St., Greenport
Congregation Tifereth Israel invites Jews and non-Jews to Mitchell Park for the lighting of Greenport’s Hanukkah menorah.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
East End Arts’ Music Masters Fellowship String Ensemble
Final Concert
Suffolk County Community College
Eastern Campus, Shinnecock Building, 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road, Riverhead
Led by professional cellist and conductor Nico Olarte-Hayes, this concert includes an ensemble of talented string students who studied under the conductor’s baton. eastendarts.org
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Tree Lighting and Singing with Santa // 6 p.m.
Police Headquarters, 44 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Starts with caroling on the steps of the police department followed by cookies and hot cocoa with Santa at the Youth Center/Legion Hall. Sponsored by the
S.I. Chamber of Commerce.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
North Fork Chorale // 8 p.m.
Southold Presbyterian Church
53100 Main Road, Southold
Tickets $10. thewolfsonium.org
Snow Ball for Eastern Long Island Hospital // 7 p.m.
Kontokosta Winery, Greenport
Sponsored by TWIGS, Eastern Long Island Hospital Auxiliary. Tickets $150. For reservations call 298-5398. elih.org
Chinese Auction
Peconic Bay Medical Center
1300 Roanoke Ave., Riverhead
Sponsored by PBMC for families in need. pbmchealth.org
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Carvers Winter Sale Suffolk County Historical Society
// 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
300 West Main St., Riverhead
Carver’s holiday show and sale featuring handmade carvings by Long Island craftsmen. Free admission. suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org
Christmas Bazaar and Luncheon // 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Old Steeple Church 656 Main Road, Aquebogue
Boxed homemade cookies, handmade crafts and decorations, kitchen knife selection, food table and a “second time around” table of slightly used items.
oldsteeplechurch.com
Christmas Greens Sale
// 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Baiting Hollow Congregational Church
2416 Sound Ave., Calverton
Wreaths, small sprays, large assortment of table decorations and a white elephant table.
Visit Santa Claus // 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road, Southold
Boys and girls of all ages are welcome to come and meet Santa Claus at Town Hall. Each child will receive a special gift from Santa. Registration is not required. southoldtown.northfork.net
Holiday Open House
// 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Railroad Museum of Long Island
440 4th Street (at the tracks), Greenport
Santa arrives at noon with gifts and goodies. Refreshments, gift shop open. Raffle for a Lionel Polar Express or O-Gauge toy train set. rmli.us
Santa visits Mattituck via
Fire Truck // 12 p.m.
Mattituck Shopping Plaza,
Main Road, Mattituck
The Mattituck-Cutchogue School chorus will sing Christmas carols. Free hot chocolate. Children
can have their photo taken
with Santa.
Greenport Shellabration
Greenport Restaurant Walk
// Noon-5 p.m.
Sample and savor the best culinary offerings from Greenport’s leading chefs. Oysters, clams and scallops from Peconic Bay paired with North Fork wines. Tapas-sized portions of shellfish dishes for $5. Local wineries will offer $3 wine pairings. Sponsored by SPAT and the Greenport Rotary. greenportvillage.com,
shellabration.li
Christmas in Cutchogue House Tour
// 12:30 p.m. on the Cutchogue Village Green. Visit three bed and breakfasts —Andrew’s Legacy, Sannino Bella Vita and The Farmhouse at Shinn Estate Vineyards — and the home of designer Connie Cross. Each stop offers wine tasting and appetizers from a number of local restaurants. Tree lighting, carols and Santa // 4:30, Village Green Portion of proceeds benefits the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Society. Toys for Tots donation drop off at The Farmhouse. Tickets $50.
To reserve call 734-8539.
Holiday Bonfire // 4 p.m.
Peconic Riverfront, Riverhead
An old-fashioned bonfire, hot cocoa, caroling and tree lighting. Santa will arrive by boat at
5 p.m. Raindate December 8.
riverheadbid.com
Cutchogue Tree Lighting // 4:30 p.m.
Carols with Carol, Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council
Village Green, Main Road, Cutchogue
Santa will arrive in a vintage truck, caroling and refreshments. cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org
Webb House Winter Benefit
// 5-8 p.m.
Oysterponds Historical Society Village Lane, Orient
oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org
Holiday Program // 6-8 p.m.
Shelter Island Historical Society, South Ferry Road, Shelter Island
shelterislandhistory.org
North Fork Chorale // 8 p.m.
Mattituck Presbyterian Church
12605 Main Road, Mattituck
Tickets $10. thewolfsonium.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Holiday Open House
// 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Railroad Museum of Long Island
440 4th Street (at the tracks), Greenport
Santa arrives at noon with gifts and goodies. Refreshments, gift shop open. Raffle for a Lionel Polar Express or O-Gauge toy train set. rmli.us
Christmas at Hallockville
Hallockville Museum Farm
// Noon-3:30 p.m.
6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead
Featuring guided tours of decorated historic homes, antique toys, musicians, carriage rides, children’s activities and Santa Claus. Admission fees include all activities and traditional seasonal treats. Adults: $8; children ages 6-12: $4; age 5 and under: free. Two adults with two children: $18. Tickets available at hallockville.com and at the door.
Greenport Shellabration
Greenport Restaurant Walk
// Noon-5 p.m.
(See Saturday listing for details)
Old Fashioned Christmas Shop // 1-4 p.m.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk
Historical Council Village Green, Main Road, Cutchogue
Gifts, toys, jams, chocolate and cracked pots. cutchoguenewsuffolkhistory.org
Greenport Christmas Parade
// 1 p.m.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Greenport for the annual holiday parade. Begins at Greenport High School, marches up Front Street, turns onto Main Street and ends at the firehouse. Festivities galore. Raindate, December 16.
Holiday Open House // 1-4 p.m.
Shelter Island Historical Society, 16 South Ferry Road,
Shelter Island
Santa, cookies and holiday
decorations make for a festive day. shelterislandhistory.org
North Fork Chorale // 3 p.m.
Orient Congregational Church
23045 Main Road, Orient
Tickets $10. thewolfsonium.org
North Fork Audubon Society Holiday Party // 4 p.m.
Founder’s Landing
Terry Lane at Hobart Road, Southold
Dinner, entertainment, silent auction. Tickets, $35. For details, [email protected]
or call 477-6456.
“The Nutcracker” // 4 p.m.
Eglevsky Ballet Benefit
Performance
Peconic Landing Community Center, 1600 Brecknock Road, Greenport
Tickets: $40. More than 30 students ranging in age from 6-21 will present a live adaptation. Benefits Eastern Long Island Hospital. To reserve seating, peconiclanding.ticketleap.com
or call 477-BLUE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
The Wonder of Christmas // 7:30 p.m.
Presented by The White Christmas Production Company
Living Water Church Theater
24 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead
A cast of singers, actors and dancers performs traditional Christmas standards. Tickets, $24 adults; $19 seniors (55 and over) and children under 17, $19. All tickets at door: $27. A portion of the proceeds benefits those less fortunate within local communities. To order advance tickets: 722-4969, ext. 204. lwfgc.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
Auxiliary Sale Dream Designs
// 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Eastern Long Island Hospital Conference Room
201 Manor Pl., Greenport
Fun fashion, accessories.
Shop for the holidays. elih.org
10th Annual Toys for Tots
Open Mic // 7-11 p.m.
Vail-Leavitt Music Hall
18 Peconic Ave., Riverhead
Presented by Jessie Haynes and Friends. Bring an unwrapped new toy for a girl or a boy. All ages welcome. Advance open mic sign-up required at [email protected]. vailleavitt.org
The Harbor Bells // 7:30 p.m.
Peconic Landing Community Center
1600 Brecknock Road, Greenport
Traditional holiday favorites performed by a 12 piece bell choir. Free. To reserve seating, peconiclanding.ticketleap.com or call 477-blue.
The Wonder of Christmas // 7:30 p.m.
Presented by The White
Christmas Production Company
Living Water Church Theater
24 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead
(See Thursday, Dec. 12 listing
for details)
Concerts for Christmas // 8 p.m.
Presented by Peconic Bay Masterworks Choir and Orchestra
Mattituck Presbyterian Church
12605 Main Road, Mattituck
Choir of 30 voices and orchestra. Includes music and carols of Christmas including renowned harpist Ruth E. Bennett. Tickets, $15. For tickets call 477-0309 or [email protected]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Christmas in Cutchogue // 9:30 a.m.
Magic show at the Cutchogue Firehouse followed by Santa
arriving by helicopter. Santa then proceeds to the Cutchogue New Suffolk Library for pictures
with the children who will receive small gifts. Sponsored by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce.
Holiday Open House
// 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Railroad Museum of Long Island 416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead
Santa arrives at noon with gifts and goodies. Refreshments, gift shop open. Raffle for a Lionel Polar Express or O-Gauge toy trainset. rmli.us
Holiday House Tour // 1-4 p.m.
Oysterponds Historical Society Village Lane, Orient
Features old and new homes in Orient and East Marion dressed in their seasonal finery. Cookies, mulled cider and the Oysterponds School PTA holiday auction will enliven Poquatuck Hall. $20 in
advance, $25 at the door.
For tickets call 323-2480.
oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org.
Tea and Tree Holiday Open House
// 2-4 p.m.
Sylvester Manor
80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Enjoy live music, cookies, finger sandwiches and merry making along with traditional yet eclectic tea service in the historic rooms of the Manor House.
sylvestermanor.org.
Holiday Open House // 2-5 p.m.
Mashomack Preserve
Rt. 114, Shelter Island
Mulled cider, eggnog, sing favorite winter songs and carols and tour Mashomack’s 19th century Victorian mansion, decked out in her holiday greens. Nature craft activities available for kids. nature.org.
The Wonder of Christmas // 7:30 p.m.
Presented by The White
Christmas Production Company. Living Water Church Theater
24 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead
(See Thursday, Dec. 12 listing
for details)
Concerts for Christmas // 8 p.m.
Presented by Peconic Bay
Masterworks Choir and Orchestra
Mattituck Presbyterian Church
12605 Main Road, Mattituck
Choir of 30 voices and orchestra. Includes music and carols of Christmas including renowned harpist Ruth E. Bennett. Tickets: $15. For tickets call 477-0309 or [email protected]
“It’s a Wonderful Life” // 8 p.m.
North Fork Community Theatre, 12700 Old Sound Ave., Mattituck
“A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry. Free refreshments. Tickets $15 and $10 for students.
Call 298-NFCT or nfct.com
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stuff the Sleigh 5K Race and Walk // 10 a.m.-noon
Cutchogue Fire Department New Suffolk Road, Cutchogue
Runners are requested to bring a new unwrapped toy that will be donated to CAST. Entrants to the children’s fun run are requested to bring two non-perishable food items. Proceeds from this event will go to the Cutchogue Fire Department Scholarship Fund, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the American Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. cutchoguefiredept.org
Holiday Open House
// 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Railroad Museum of Long Island 416 Griffing Ave., Riverhead
(See Saturday, Dec. 14 listing for details.)
Winter Sings
Poquatuck Hall, Village Lane, Orient
Join the fun in singing seasonal favorites. Sponsored by the Oysterponds Historical Society and Orient Community Activities. oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org
It’s a Wonderful Life // 2:30 p.m.
North Fork Community Theatre, 12700 Old Sound Ave., Mattituck
“A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry. Free refreshments. Tickets,
$15 and $10 for students.
Call 298-NFCT or nfct.com
The Wonder of Christmas
// 3:00 p.m.
Presented by The White Christmas Production Company Living Water Church Theater
24 Shade Tree Lane, Riverhead
(See Thursday, Dec. 12 listing
for details)
Christmas Program 3 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Cutchogue
21405 Rt. 48, Cutchogue
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
Holiday Open House // 5:00 p.m.
Brecknock Hall, Peconic Landing, 1600 Brecknock Road, Greenport
Cookies with Santa, harp music and holiday carols by students from Greenport High School. Free of charge. No reservations necessary.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Year’s Eve Under the Stars
The Custer Institute
Main Bayview Road, Southold // 8 p.m.
custerobservatory.org
To reserve, 765-2626 or
[email protected],
[email protected]
Watch Night Service // 10 p.m.
First Baptist Church of Cutchogue
21405 Rt. 48, Cutchogue
For details call 298-4826.
