As the holidays approach, the North Fork offers no shortage of events to get into the festive spirit.
Here are 27 holiday happenings — from Santa arriving by helicopter in Cutchogue to a shellfish celebration in Greenport to a Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot — to keep you busy through December.
Events are still being planned, so if you know of any great ones that we missed, tell us in the comment section below.
The Polar Express Trolley Ride
Departing from The All Star, 96 Main Road, Riverhead. Begins Friday, Nov. 24, and runs select dates through Saturday, Dec. 23.
Tickets for the 2017 “Polar Express Trolley Ride” cost $53 each and can be purchased here. Most performances take place between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. and participants must be age 2 and above. Pajamas are encouraged. For more information, call North Fork Trolley at (631) 369-3031.
East End Arts Holiday Boutique
The seasonal boutique, which opens Nov. 11, includes hundreds of beautifully handcrafted, locally made items, including ornaments, jewelry, knits, crafts, books and toys. All three of the galleries are filled from top to bottom with artistic and exclusive items.
The boutique runs Wednesday through Sunday through Dec. 24.
Visit EastEndArts.org for more info. East End Arts, 133 E. Main Street, Riverhead.
Let’s Turkey Trot
The 12th annual Mattituck-Cutchogue Teachers Association Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot kicks off at 9 a.m. Nov. 23 at Mattituck High School. Proceeds will benefit Helping Hands 4 Morgan, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the MCTA Senior Scholarship Award (to be awarded June 2018.)
The fee to sign up the day of the race is $30 or $20 for students. Mattituck High School, 15125 Main Road, Mattituck. Thursday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m.
Southold Historical Society Candlelight Tour
All buildings on the grounds of the Southold Historical Society Campus 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.
Visit the new pop-up Christmas boutique. The tour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and the tree lighting will be held at 5 p.m. For more information, visit Southoldhistoricalsociety.org. Southold Historical Society, 55200 Main Road, Southold. Friday, Nov. 24, 3 to 6 p.m.
NEW THIS YEAR. The Southold Historical will host a designer show house curated by Lori Guyer of the White Flower Farmhouse. The Home for the Holidays Show House is open for viewing on Sunday, Nov. 26 and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets ($10 for adults, children free) are available at the door or at the Southold Historical Society Office.
Take the Plunge
Get ready to shiver on Nov. 25, with a frigid dip in the waters off Shelter Island. It’s all for a good cause, of course.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Shelter Island Public Library, the annual Shelter Island Turkey Plunge benefits the library. Participants can either register online or at the library (37 N. Ferry Road). Organizers ask that you raise a minimum of $25 for a plunge.
Arrive at Crescent Beach (Sunset Beach parking lot) after 10 a.m. to check in. Crescent Beach parking lot. Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.
Hallockville Country Parlor Holiday Folk Art & Gift Show
The Country Parlor sells handmade gifts, holiday décor and treasures for everyone on your list. Come see the historic Naugles Barn at Hallockville be transformed into a winter wonderland filled to the brim with holiday delights. Free admission to the gift show, plus holiday shopping specials at Miss Ella’s Gift Shop in the Hudson House. hallockville.com. Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Avenue, Riverhead
Saturday, Nov 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26 9 a.m.
The Beach Plum Shop
Visit the Beach Plum Shop in Orient for unique gifts, North Fork art, traditional crafts, ornaments and more. The store will be open at the Old Point Schoolhouse. For more information call (631) 323-2480 or click here. 1555 Village Lane, Orient. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 noon to 4 p.m.
Christmas in Mattituck
Holiday open house, tree lighting and caroling. Free refreshments; contact Dr. Edward Marlatt, (646) 248-0640. Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society grounds, Main Road and Cardinal Drive, Mattituck. Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting at Orient Beach State Park
Santa will light the tree for the 2017 holiday season. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Non-perishable food will be collected for needy families. Admission is free. For more information call (631) 323-2440 or visit nysparks.com. 40000, Route 25, Orient. Friday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.
6th Annual Wooden Wonderland: Carvers’ Holiday Show & Sale
Dozens of vendors, handmade carvings, artisan-crafted holiday gifts and unique wooden items expertly made by Long Island craftspeople, plus live woodcarving and woodworking demonstrations. See historic galleries come to life in a display of holiday arts and crafts, ornaments, home décor, rustic Santas and gnomes, woodcarvings and assorted gifts. Free admission; suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org. Suffolk County Historical Society, 300 West Main Street, Riverhead. Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cutchogue Holiday House Tour
Tour features five stops. Four festive bed and breakfasts’ and a Christmas tree farm will be decked out in holiday cheer and decorations, along with tastings from local vineyards and tantalizing tidbits from noted chefs. Local artists and merchants will also be featured at each stop with holiday gifts for sale. In addition, “Toys for Tots” donations will be collected at select stops for North Fork families in need. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local charities. Visit cutchogueholidayhousetour.com to purchase tickets ($75). Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Greenport Shellabration
Enjoy shellfish from Peconic Bay paired with North Fork wines. Tapas-sized portions of shellfish dishes for $5 at participating restaurants. Local wineries will offer $3 pairings. Profits from wristband sales benefit Southold Project in Aquaculture Training and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Marine Program. shellabration.li. Greenport Village. Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, Noon to 4 p.m.
15. Riverhead Parade and Bonfire
Parade sponsored by the Riverhead Lions Club in downtown Riverhead. Immediately followed by a bonfire, sponsored by the Riverhead Improvement District Management Association on the Peconic Riverfront. Visit riverheadbid.com for details. Main Street, Riverhead, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
Greenport Holiday Parade
Greenport Fire Department presents its annual holiday parade along Main Street and Front Street. Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m.
Sylvester Manor Tree Lighting
Annual Holiday Tea & Tree. This event is invitation only. To receive an invitation, please become a member or make a donation by December 1. Find more Tea & Tree details here. Sylvester Manor, 80 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 1 to 3 p.m., Dec. 10.
Harbor Bells: English Bell Choir And A Holiday Celebration
Traditional holiday favorites performed live by a unique musical group. The event is free, but reservations are required.RSVP to peconiclanding.ticketleap.com. Peconic Landing Community Center, 1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport. Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.
AND
Visit with Santa and listen to a special reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” then enjoy hot apple cider, holiday caroling and crafts. Pajamas welcome. The event is free, but reservations are required. RSVP to peconiclanding.ticketleap.com. Friday, Dec. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Brecknock Hall, 1500 Brecknock Road, Greenport
Christmas in Cutchogue
Magic show at Cutchogue firehouse, followed by Santa’s arrival by helicopter. Visit and take photos with Santa at Cutchogue New Suffolk Library; children will receive small gifts. Sponsored by North Fork Chamber of Commerce, northforkchamber.org. Cutchogue Fire Department Headquarters, 260 New Suffolk Rd., Cutchogue. Saturday, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m.
Orient Holiday House Tour
Features old and new homes in Orient and East Marion dressed in their seasonal finery. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call (631) 323.2480 or visit oysterpondshistoricalsociety.org for more details. Saturday, Dec. 9, noon to 4 p.m
3rd Annual Tree Lighting at The Chequit
The Chequit hosts its third annual tree lighting. Visit thechequit.com. Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 to 6 p.m. The Chequit, 23 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island
Santa Brunch at the Aquarium
Enjoy traditional brunch fare. Price includes aquarium admission. Adults: $49.95; kids: $24.95. Reserve by calling (631) 208-9200, ext. 426, or visit longislandaquarium.com. Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead. Sunday, Dec. 10, Multiple seatings.
Menorah Lighting
Congregation Tifereth Israel invites Jews and non-Jews to Mitchell Park to witness the lighting of Greenport’s Hanukkah menorah. Traditional foods associated with Hanukkah will be served. For more information about the menorah lighting in Mitchell Park, call the synagogue at (631) 477-0232. Sunday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. Mitchell Park, Greenport.
Fishes & Wishes New Year’s Eve
Ring in 2017 with your family. Includes buffet dinner, DJ and dancing, cash bar and aquarium admission. Mock midnight toast at 10:30 p.m. Children 2 to 12 are $60 and adults $99; find out more by calling (631) 208-9200, ext. 426, or visit longislandaquarium.com. Long Island Aquarium, 431 East Main Street, Riverhead. Sunday, Dec. 31, 6:30 to 11 p.m.
New Year’s Operetta
The Parisian Life by Jacques Offenbach, followed by a dinner of authentic French cuisine. Staged by the Long Island Opera Company and the Southold Opera. Ticket price TBD. southoldopera.org/events or email [email protected]. Southold Opera House, 53930 Main Rd., Southold. Sunday, Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m.