Shellabrate in Greenport
The 13th annual Greenport Shellabration will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, throughout the village. During this winter tradition, shellfish aficionados (and the shellfish-curious!) will get to try a multitude of small bites created using local oysters from participating nearby restaurants, including straight-up raw-bar oysters, drink tastings and discounted bites. Shellabration benefits Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s Back to the Bays Initiative and SPAT Program. Wristbands cost $35 for the full weekend (noon–4 p.m. both days) or $25 for Sunday only. Visit shellabrationcce.org for more information.
Celebrate the season with soul
The East Coast Inspirational Singers, filled with talented performers from on and off-Broadway, sing gospel, R&B, jazz, Top 40 and more at CAST(53930 Main Road, Southold) on Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Free, register here.
Witness a lighting by the sea
Orient Beach State Park’s (40000 Main Road, Orient) annual tree lighting will be held on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Oysterponds School kids will sing holiday carols, and Santa will arrive around 5 p.m.
Find artisan gifts in a historic setting
Hallockville Museum Farm’s (6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead) Country Parlor returns for six days this year: Nov. 29–Dec. 1 and Dec. 6–8. Find beautiful folk art and gifts in the Hudson-Sydlowski House on the homestead, as Naugles Barn undergoes renovations. Head to Hallockville on Dec. 6 from 3–8 p.m. for a special, atmospheric candlelit evening of shopping. Admission is free; visit hallockville.org for more information.
Light up the Riverhead sky
This annual drive-through light show transforms Splish Splash (Splish Splash Drive, Calverton) throughout the month. The Riverhead Holiday Light Show is Suffolk County’s largest light show and syncs with a special radio station to offer a multimedia experience. Select dates also offer photo ops with the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Ticket prices vary, with multi-passes available for those who want to witness the spectacle more than once. Visit holidaylightshow.com/riverhead for more information.
Stroll through the Fork
On Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., explore the region during the North Fork Holiday Stroll. This self-guided tour takes visitors to B&Bs, restaurants, boutiques, historical houses and wineries. $100, find more information here.
Take a hike
Join Group for the East End for a lovely winter wood ornament at Downs Farm Preserve (23800 Main Road, Cutchogue) followed by a walk on the trails led by artist and educator Tony Valderrama. The workshop will take place outdoor. $12, registration required here.
Meet the producer of “Elf”
On Dec. 30 at 7 p.m., see a special screening of “Elf” at North Fork Arts Center (211 Front St., Greenport) followed by a talkback with producer Todd Kormarnicki. $15, buy tickets here.
Ring in the new year, Studio 54-style
On Dec. 31, dance the night away to That 70s Band at The Suffolk (118 E. Main St., Riverhead). The dance floor will be open as the band jams away to hits from the likes of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Commodores, Donna Summer, KC and The Sunshine Band, Chic, and the Bee Gees. The theater will also stream the Times Square ball drop, with a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. $125; buy tickets at thesuffolk.org.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve under the sea
Long Island Aquarium (431 E. Main St., Riverhead) hosts Fishes & Wishes on Dec. 31 from 6:30–11 p.m. This family-friendly event includes a cocktail hour, DJ, dinner buffet, meet-and-greet with the animals, crafts for the kiddos and a mock “midnight” toast. $155 per adult/$94 kids 3–12/$10.35 kids 2 and under. Visit longislandaquarium.com for more information and to buy tickets.
