Santa is taking time out of his busy toy-making schedule to make a few visits to the North Fork before the big day. Get your wish list ready and head out to these locations to meet St. Nick.
Cutchogue Fire Department
260 New Suffolk Rd, Cutchogue
(631) 734-6907
Santa is ditching the sleigh in favor of a helicopter to arrive at the North Fork Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas in Cutchogue event on Saturday, Dec. 14. The festivities inclue a magic show and small gifts for the kids. The highlight of course will be when Santa drops in via helicopter to visit the boys and girls. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Cutchogue Fire Department. For more information contact the North Fork Chamber of Commerce at 631-765-3161.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in Greenport for the annual holiday parade on Sunday Dec. 8. The route start at Greenport High School at 3 p.m., marches up Front Street and turns on to Main Street before ending at the Third Street firehouse. Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.
Experience the traditions of a Victorian Christmas in the Hallock Homestead and Polish Christmas in the Cichanowicz Farmhouse complete with the sights, sounds and aromas of the holidays. The day includes children’s activities, woodworking demonstrations, an antique toy exhibit, traditional holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, plus fresh-baked mince tarts, babka, cider and hot chocolate. The day would not be complete without a special visitor from the North Pole arriving at 2:30pm. Christmas at Hallockville is Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $8 adults, or $6 museum members. The price is $4 children ages 6 to 12. A group deal is available for $18 for 2 adults and 2 children. Kids under age 5 are free.
Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center
431 East Main Street, Riverhead
(631) 208-9200 ext. 426
Celebrate the season at Long Island Aquarium’s annual Breakfast with Santa. The traditional holiday event boasts a delicious buffet breakfast in the waterfront Sea Star Ballroom. And, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture a family photo with Santa. The event features the aquarium’s memorable along with an educational talk. Seating times are at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the aquarium. Reservations are required. The price is $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors 62 and up, or $29.95 for members. The price is $39.95 for adults, or $34.95 for members. Children ages 2 and under are free. You can make you time with Santa extra special by booking the Santa Sleepover package at the Hyatt Place waterfront for an additional $139. The price includes an overnight stay, complimentary breakfast and milk and cookies. Reservations are required for both the breakfast and the sleepover package.
Mattituck Christmas Celebration
Santa is coming to Mattituck Shopping Center on Saturday, Dec. 7. The guest of honor will arrive at 3 p.m. on a Mattituck Department Fire Truck and visit the children at Rite Aid Pharmacy were photos will be taken. At 4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will head over to CVS where they will light the community Christmas tree. Cookies and hot coco will be served during the tree lighting. The event is free and opened to the public.
Railroad Museum of Long Island
The Railroad Muesum is hosting two annual holiday open house weekends this month. The first is Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum’s location at 440 4th Street in Greenport. The second is Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Restoration and Visitor’s Center located at 416 Griffin Avenue in Riverhead. Santa arrives from the North Police at 12 p.m. each day. Refreshments will be served and a Lionnel Polar Express Toy Train set will be raffled. For the train lover on your list the gift shops will be open for holiday shopping. Admission is free.
Riverhead Town’s Holiday Bon Fire
Peconic Riverfront, East Main St., Riverhead
Warm yourself up during this chilly holiday season with Riverhead’s 14th annual holiday bonfire. Just in time for Christmas, the bonfire will take place on Saturday Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Peconic Riverfront. Guests will enjoy the warmth of the 30-foot long blazing fire while enjoying hot cocoa and the sounds of caroling filling the air. Santa Claus will arrive by sea on a holiday-decorated boat and guests and their families will have the chance to take pictures with Santa in the new Gingerbread House. Last year more than 500 people came down to enjoy this special event sponsored by the Town of Riverhead and the Riverhead BID. Reservations are not required and the rain date is Sunday, December 15.
Southold Union Free School District Elementary School
Southold PTA is hosting its annual Santa Breakfast to benefit the Junior Class on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The spread includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, potatoes, bagels and beverages. There will also be a bake sale and holiday auction along with pictures with Santa, crafts for the children and a holiday music sing-along. Admission is $7 per person or $25 for a family of four ($6 for each additional person over four).
Boys and girls of all ages are welcome to come and meet Santa at Town Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each child will receive a special gift from St. Nick. The event is free and registration is not required.