It’s official — the holiday season is finally upon us. Nothing sparks that holiday feeling more than a tree lighting or parade. Here are some upcoming tree lighting and other seasonal events across the North Fork to get your fill of holiday cheer — all for free.
Southold Historical Museum’s Annual Candlelight Tour and Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Maple Lane Complex, 55200 Main Road, Southold
The Southold Historical Museum’s Annual Candlelight Tour returns. Spend a magical afternoon viewing plenty of holiday decorations, touring historic buildings, playing games, visiting with Santa himself, watching the lighting of the tree, listening to live music, and much more. The beloved community event is free, however donations are accepted. Find more information here.
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Raymond F. Nine Park
Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m., 9870 Main Road, Mattituck
The Christmas tree in front of CVS in Mattituck will be lit for all to enjoy. Santa and Mrs. Claus are expecting to make a visit and soak in the season with caroling, cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas donkeys, and more. More details to come here.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Orient Beach State Park
Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m., 40000 Main Road, Orient
Celebrate the season as you watch Santa light up the Holiday Tree at Orient Beach State Park (lighting is promptly at 5 p.m., so be sure to show up early if you want that ooo-ahh feeling). Indulge in delicious hot chocolate and cookies, and get a picture with the big man in red yourself. In the spirit of the season, the Park will be collecting winter coats and non-perishable food items to donate to families in need. Find details here.
The 7th Annual Tree Lighting at the Shoppes at East Wind
Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 to 8 p.m. (rain date: Dec. 3), 5768 NY-25A, Wading River
The annual holiday tree lighting returns to the Shoppes for the seventh year. Stop by to put a letter in Santa’s mailbox, enjoy live DJ entertainment with LI Sound Entertainment and dance number by All-Star Dance Academy, Ride Rudolph on the Carousel, and much more holiday fun.
Plus, get some of your holiday shopping done. Santa will arrive on a Wading River Fire Department Fire Truck at 6 p.m. to light the tree. Don’t forget to bring a new unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and the US Marines. Learn more about this event here.
Lenz Barrel Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 to 6 p.m., Lenz Winery, 38355 NY-25, Peconic
Head to the Courtyard at Lenz Winery for the annual lighting of the grand barrel tree, Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle and toast to the holiday season as you witness lights brighten up several wine barrels stacked in the shape of a Christmas tree. Find more information here.
Greenport Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. (rain date: Dec. 3), Greenport Village, Corner of Main and Center St.
See wow around every corner at the Village of Greenport’s annual Parade of Lights and tree lighting. The parade will kick off at 5 p.m. from the corner of Main and Center Streets and will continue through the village to Mitchell Park where the Christmas tree will be lit for the season. The event will conclude at 7 p.m. Find more information here.
Riverhead Tree Lighting
Saturday, Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m., Riverhead Town Square, 200 Howell Ave., Riverhead
Downtown Riverhead will host its second-holiday tree lighting ceremony. To kick off the event, Goat on a Boat Puppet Show will be performing at 3:30 p.m. Then, listen to live musical performances which will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Hot cider will be provided courtesy of Riverhead Ciderhouse as well as candy canes and other giveaways will happen throughout the afternoon. FInd more information here.
