25 family-friendly holiday happenings on the North Fork
December is here, and the 2025 holiday season is officially upon us. From Santa visits to decorating sweets to Menorah and Christmas tree lightings aplenty, here are 25 family-friendly holiday happenings on the North Fork.
Decorate gingerbread and more with these local businesses, locations across the North Fork
Whether you’re looking to decorate gingerbread cookies and chocolate or hoping to assemble and design a whole gingerbread house, these North Fork businesses have you covered. Gingerbread University at Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead, Gingy’s Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop at A Pinch of Sprinkles Bake Shoppe in Wading River, Build Your Own Gingerbread House Experience at RGNY in Riverhead, and The Gingerbread Workshop by The Treatery and Disset Chocolate at Breeze Hill Farm in Peconic.
Enjoy holiday spirit with Greenport’s Parade of Lights, Tree Lighting, and more, Greenport
A parade, holiday-themed activities, tree lighting, and more, the Greenport Village Tree Lighting will include fun for all. Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. But it doesn’t stop there; Greenport Village has plenty of events and activities scheduled for the month. Learn more here.
Party with Santa at Veterans Beach, Mattituck
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at noon, join the Mattituck Park District for an afternoon of caroling, hot chocolate, Santa photos, games, and fun for all. Santa will arrive at 1 p.m. by fire engine. This event is free and open to all. Located at Veterans Beach in Mattituck.
Sing and dance at the North Fork Community Theatre’s Home For The Holidays Holiday Concert and Open House, Mattituck
These free concerts of festive fun will feature Christmas caroling, a live performance of a classic holiday story, dance routines, an ugly sweater contest, and more. Seating will be first-come, first-served. Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m.
Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead
Celebrate the season at Long Island Aquarium’s annual Santa Brunch. Dine on family-style brunch in the waterfront Sea Star Ballroom, take photos with Santa, and make a special holiday keepsake. Visit the aquarium before or after Santa Brunch. This event is planned for Sunday, Dec. 7, with seatings at 12 and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $78/adult, $42/child 3-12, and $10.35/child 2 and under. Member discounts are available. Purchase tickets here.
Watch Elf at The Suffolk, Riverhead
Elf will be playing on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. at The Suffolk in Riverhead. The evening will feature a kid-friendly food and drink menu (hello, hot chocolate!) available for purchase. Get your tickets here. $20/person.
Celebrate Christmas at the Riverhead Holiday Extravaganza, Riverhead
On Sat., Dec. 6, from 3 to 8 p.m., Downtown Riverhead will be celebrating the season with a parade at 4:30 p.m., musical performances, crafts, photos with Santa, free hot chocolate, games, a community bonfire, and a tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. This event is free and open to all. The event will take place at the Riverhead Town Hall Campus.
Tour historic houses decorated for Christmas at Hallockville Museum Farm, Riverhead
Bring the kids to do something a bit different this holiday season and experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions during Holidays at Hallockville on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event is free and open to all. More info here.
Ornament decorating with VEME Studios, Greenport
Let your kiddo tap into their creative side with a morning of ornament making and decorating on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. $50/artist. Drop-off workshop for ages 5 to 10. Book here.
Welcome Santa as he arrives by train at the Railroad Museums of Long Island, Riverhead and Greenport
Choo Choo, Santa Claus is coming to town! On Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, Santa will arrive at the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Riverhead at noon for the Holiday Open House. (Full event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) This free event includes refreshments, gifts, and more. More info here, plus Holiday Open House for the Railroad Museum of Long Island in Greenport on Dec. 13 and 14, with Santa arriving by LIRR each day at 10:38 a.m.
Run through a tree farm for a good cause at the Jingle Bell Jog 5K and Rudolph’s Fun Run, Calverton
On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m., head to Lewin’s Christmas Tree Farm in Calverton for a run like no other! This one features bells to attach to your shoes as you jog through the Christmas tree farm, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. Register here.
Catch the Cutchogue Village Green Christmas tree and Menorah lighting, and caroling, Cutchogue
On Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 3:30 p.m., the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council and Museums will host its annual Victorian Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling event, this year with a Victorian-Dickens theme. Enjoy carolers in costume, treats, a visit from Santa, Old House tours, and more. The North Fork Reform Synagogue will also be lighting the Menorah. This event is free to attend and open to all.
Take a drive through the Riverhead Holiday Light Show, Calverton
Hop in the car and head to Calverton for the Riverhead Holiday Light Show running through Dec. 31! This mile-long display of lights set to music is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Complete schedule, pricing, and tickets here.
Hang with friends (and Santa!) at the Santa Bazaar Nite on Love Lane, Mattituck
Think First Fridays but with Santa! On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m., the Mattituck Chamber invites you to see Santa arrive by firetruck at the Mattituck train station at 5 p.m. for visits and photos with the community. The free event will also feature vendors, food, drinks, shopping, and North Fork Community Theatre carolers.
Read a story and snack with Santa, Southold
This annual event, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Southold Post 803 at the Southold American Legion, and scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., is the perfect after-school activity. Children ages 8 and younger will enjoy storytime with Santa, crafts, and snacks. This event is free and open to all.
Attend a Holiday Tree Lighting at Orient Beach State Park, Orient
This annual event will take place on Friday, Dec. 5, with festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Music, snacks, hot cocoa, and crafts will be available for free. Santa will light the tree at 5 p.m. In the spirit of giving, coats and canned food will be collected for local families in need.
Watch a one-man performance of A Christmas Carol at the North Fork Arts Center, Greenport
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., head to the North Fork Arts Center for a one-man performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets here.
Mitchell Park Menorah Lighting, Greenport
On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 5 p.m., gather for a Menorah lighting in Mitchell Park, then attendees can enjoy refreshments and latkes at Congregation Tifereth Israel, located at 519 Fourth Street. This event is free and open to all.
Meet Santa at Bella Anima Parties, Wading River
Bella Anima Parties is offering two magical, family-friendly experiences to spend time with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13. Families can opt for the full experience beginning at 11:15 a.m., which includes a bagel breakfast, craft, and writing letters to Santa before his and Mrs. Claus’ arrival at 1 p.m., or opt only for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, storytime, and a craft. Complete details and pricing here.
Drop the kids off to nosh on cookies and hang with Santa, Peconic
Spend two hours getting holiday shopping done around town while your children (ages 5 to 12) enjoy an evening of cookies, crafts, a visit from Santa, and a holiday movie. This event, which is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Southold Town Rec Center on Peconic Lane, is free, but registration is required.
Holiday hang-out and crafting — a drop-off program by Riverhead Parks and Rec., Jamesport
Riverhead Parks and Recreation is offering a three-hour holiday hang and crafting event for children ages 5 to 10 on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the George Young Community Center. $25/person. Register by calling 631-727-3200 x737. Attendees will make holiday crafts, play games, decorate cookies, and more.
Have brunch with Santa at Mugs on Main, Riverhead
On Sunday, Dec. 14, enjoy a breakfast buffet while you visit with Santa, then read a story, and receive a personalized goodie bag. Multiple seatings available. More info and booking here.
Attend a cookie decorating party at Southold General, Southold
Head to Southold General on December 13 from noon to 3 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a Holiday Cookie Decorating Party, which includes a box of freshly baked holiday-shaped sugar cookies and hot chocolate. Santa will be visiting during the first session, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the second. $25/box email rob@southoldgeneral.com to reserve.
Peconic Riverhead Park Menorah Lighting, Riverhead
On Sunday, Dec. 14, Temple Israel of Riverhead will be hosting a community menorah lighting at 5 p.m. at the Peconic Riverhead park. All are invited to participate. For more information, visit templeisraelriverhead.org.
Visit with Santa and decorate a gingerbread house at Hotel Moraine, Greenport
On Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to Hotel Moraine to visit with Santa, take photos, and enjoy treats. This event is free and open to all. No RSVP required. Then, on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of gingerbread house decorating. $35/child. RSVP at 631-477-1776.