Fighting off strangers in the pursuit of purchasing a discounted flat-screen TV is overrated. This Black Friday, head to the Southold Historical Society’s annual Candlelight Tour and Tree Lighting for a festive afternoon the entire family can enjoy.
On Friday, Nov. 28, from 3 to 6 p.m., the historical society’s Maple Lane Museum Complex on Main Road in Southold will transform into a winter wonderland, with meticulously decorated buildings, Christmas tree-decorating and appearances by Santa Claus and his elves.
“This is one of the most fun and entertaining events of the year,” said historical society director Geoffrey Fleming. “It gives the historical society a chance to show off the great ingenuity and decorating expertise of its volunteers.”
Each building in the complex will be decorated differently, with candles and lanterns lighting the way for guests to make their way through the tour. At the Thomas Moore House, “early Christmas traditions and period music dominate the cozy interior,” according to a press release.
At the Ann Currie-Bell House, there will be demonstrations of traditional craft-making, like embroidery, rug hooking and knitting. At the Bay View Schoolhouse, adults can warm themselves by a cast iron stove as children create custom ornaments to decorate the school’s Christmas tree.
In addition, musicians dressed in period garb will stroll the grounds of the complex and refreshments will be available in the Pine Neck Barn Annex. The event’s main attraction, the lighting of the hamlet Christmas tree, will take place at 5 p.m. in front of the Ann Currie-Bell House. Call 765-5500 or go to southoldhistoricalsociety.org for more details.
Make a day of it by stopping for lunch or dinner at Caci North Fork, also on Main Road in Southold. On Black Friday, the newly opened authentic Italian restaurant will offer a special $15 kids menu. Choices include an appetizer of penne pasta with tomato sauce or butter to start, a grilled or fried chicken cutlet with steamed broccoli entrée, and vanilla or chocolate gelato for dessert. A drink is included and a portion of your bill will be donated to the Southold Historical Society, co-owner Daniele Cacioppo said.
