The time of year to eat, drink, and be merry is here, and on the North Fork, we’re pretty good at that. From wreath workshops to wine dinners we have you covered with 10 things you won’t want to miss this December.
DECORATE A WREATH
If you missed out on snagging a ticket to Peconic Land Trust’s wreath decorating workshop that originally in appeared in our Things To Do roundup you’re in luck because there we have three more opportunities for you to decorate a wreath on the North Fork. NOFO Flower Company’s Alyssa Reed is leading a holiday wreath-making workshop on Friday, December 2 from 6 – 8 p.m. at In The Attic Too. Wine will be provided courtesy of Basso. Tickets cost $95 per person and can be purchased here. Corey Creek is also hosting a wreath workshop on Friday, December 2 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Tap Room. The workshop, led by Hometown Flower Co., will include seasonal materials such as fresh and dried locally-grown flowers and greens as well as holiday ornaments and ribbons. Your $100 ticket includes the workshop as well as a glass of wine and cheese by Lombardi’s Love Lane Market. There are two sessions available for this next one on Thursday, December 8 at 5 or 7 p.m. held at First & South Bar & Restaurant. This guided workshop by True Elizabeth Designs includes all the tools and materials you’ll need to create a fresh winter wreath as well as a cocktail, beer, or wine. Tickets cost $85 and can be purchased here.
SHELLABRATE
Greenport’s Shellabration is back for its 11th year. During this annual culinary celebration — which benefits Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training Program and Back to the Bays Initiative — attendees can eat and drink their way through downtown Greenport dining on local shellfish dishes. The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, from noon to 8 p.m. Wristbands, which can be purchased here, cost $35 for the weekend and $25 for Sunday only.
TOUR HOLIDAY HOUSES
During this annual event, select North Fork inns, homes, breweries, and wineries open their doors so tour participants can take in their festive decor and holiday spirit. This year’s tour, which will take place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will include six locations. At each stop, participants will enjoy local sips and bites. Tickets cost $114.70 per person and tickets can be purchased here. Follow @cutchogueholidayhousetour on Instagram for more info.
RUN (OR WALK) A 5K DRESSED IN YOUR HOLIDAY SWAG
On Sunday, December 4 at 9 a.m. toss on your holiday socks, Santa hats, and ugly Christmas sweaters and meet Stroller Strong Mamas at Wildwood State Park for a 5K walk/run. In lieu of a registration fee, participants are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. There will be a dedicated cheering section for kids with jingle bells at the mile marker and finish line. Register here.
SHOP A HOLIDAY POP UP
This year, Farmers Kitchen and Jamesport Candle are coming together to bring you a one-day shopping event: Christmas in the Barn. On Thursday, December 1 from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. in the barn at 506 Church Lane in Jamesport you’ll have the opportunity to shop local items such as cocktail mixers, preserves, and dressings from Farmers Kitchen and candle gift sets from Jamesport Candle.
INDULGE IN A WINE DINNER (OR TWO)
Wine dinners are always in season in our book but something about a cozy wine dinner around the winter season makes it even better. On Saturday, December 10 from 6 – 9 p.m., Noah’s is hosting a wine dinner. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal paired with special curated award-winning wines by McCall Wine. Enjoy dishes such as miso-glazed skate with miso butter broth and local baby bok choy paired with Reserve Chardonnay as well as four other courses. Tickets are $134.77 per person and can be purchased here. Another wine dinner that we have our eye on has a fun theme. This dinner, hosted at The Dimon Estate on Friday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m., will feature wine pairings by Lenz Winery. The four-course meal will consist of carefully curated dishes inspired by Gatsby. Dressing in theme is encouraged. Tickets are $134.77 per person and can be purchased here.
EXPERIENCE HISTORIC CHRISTMAS AT HALLOCKVILLE
Have you ever found yourself dreaming of what Christmas was like many years ago? Hallockville Museum Farm can show you. On Sunday, December 4 from noon – 3:30 p.m., visitors can experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions with holiday displays in the three historic residences on the 28-acre preserved farm. will be decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Visitors may tour the residence while enjoying the aromas of holiday treats being baked in an antique wood stove as they learn how Christmas came to the North Fork primarily as a secular celebration. This is a free event as a holiday gift to the local community by Hallockville Museum Farm.
LEARN HOW TO BLEND WINE
A VIP wine blending experience at Sannino Vineyard is one you won’t soon forget. The session, which is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes a full tour of the vineyard, wine production facilities, and barrel cellar, followed by a red wine blending session where guests get to play winemaker for the day, crafting their own bottle of wine. Wine tastings and a light lunch are also included. Tickets cost $175 per person. For tickets, visit sannnovineyard.com.
GO BIRDING ON A NATURE WALK
Join Group for the East End on Friday, December 16 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Downs Farm Preserve where you’ll enjoy a guided nature walk to learn bird identification basics. This family-friendly event is for ages 12 and up. Registration is required and space is limited.
LEARN ABOUT BUBBLY
Get into the celebratory spirit with this great workshop. Sediment & Sentiment will be hosting a workshop at the Chronicle Wines tasting room in Peconic where participants will explore sparkling wines from around the globe. There will be three wine tastings including As If “Gratitude” Pet-Nat a Chronicle Wines brand. The tasting will conclude with an additional glass of “Gratitude.” The workshop is scheduled for Friday, December 2 from 6 – 8 p.m. and tickets costs $45 per person. ***NOTE: This event has been rescheduled to Friday, January 20.