Steal My North Fork Itinerary for December
December brings a whole lot of excitement from the winter solstice, to the holidays, to school break, and New Year’s Eve. To say that our social calendar is booked solid is an understatement. But instead of feeling bogged down by it, we’re genuinely so pumped to do ALL of the things and take advantage of the plentiful happenings across the North Fork. Read on to learn about 10 of our December plans on the North Fork that we’re looking forward to most.
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Singing holiday tunes with North Fork Community Theatre
Each year, our family looks forward to Christmas caroling on Love Lane with members of North Fork Community Theatre (NFCT) and our local community. This year, NFCT is doing things a bit differently, with two chances to attend a free holiday concert and open house where attendees will sing, dance, and enjoy scene work by community members of all ages. This free event will be hosted at the North Fork Community Theatre on Saturday, December 13, at 5 p.m. and on Sunday, December 14, at 1 p.m. No tickets or RSVP required.
Scavenger hunting with Group for the East End
This four-season family isn’t strangers to bundling up and spending time outdoors even as the temps drop. On Sunday, December 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., we’ll be joining Group for the East End at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue for a family-friendly scavenger hunt where we’ll explore the trails in search of natural treasures. (Rain date: December 20) Register here to join this free event.
Decorating gingerbread with Gingerbread University
The holiday season isn’t complete unless our fam decorates gingerbread with Gingerbread University. This year, the decorating sessions are being held in the recently renovated Naugles Barn at Hallockville Museum Farm, every Friday through Sunday in December, beginning on December 5, with dates through December 28. During your 75-minute gingerbread decorating session, you’ll have the choice of what you’d like to decorate, from gingerbread people to elaborate gingerbread houses and more. Prices vary. Register here.
Digging into our creative side at Art Lab in the Cottage
Art Lab on the Lawn is now in the Cottage at Hotel Moraine for the cooler months. December’s open art lab session will take place during the winter break on Sunday, December 28, with two sessions, one from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and a second from noon to 1 p.m. Each session, led by Nicole Roccaro of Artfully Long Island, will feature three art stations, with the opportunity for artists of every age to design and create one-of-a-kind art using recycled and upcycled materials. Sign up to join us here.
Painting ceramics at the new Long Island Crafty One
On a day when there’s bad weather (JK, our family knows there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes), we’ll head a touch west to the new Long Island Crafty One located in The Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River for a day of crafting and ceramics painting. We can’t wait to check out this new spot and see all they have to offer.
Going on a lantern walk on the shortest day of the year
While this is not a set North Fork event, it has become an annual tradition for our family and friends. On the winter solstice (Sunday, December 21), we’ll make homemade lanterns, then head out just before dusk for a family-friendly hike to celebrate the start of winter. We like to do this hike at Downs Farm Preserve as the trail is not lengthy and familiar to our family, even with waning light. Feel free to join us there!
Designing a wreath at Jamesport Farm Brewery
We have a whole lot of love for Jamesport Farm Brewery, and there’s good reason for it. The once no-kids-allowed brewery, turned super family-friendly under new ownership, is now hosting family-friendly workshops throughout the holiday season. We’ll be there this season with our petite crew to design a wreath at one of their wreath decorating workshops, which are scheduled for the following Saturdays: Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, and 20. Drop in between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to get in on the festive action. The cost is $40/wreath and includes one adult beverage.
Partying with Santa at Veterans Beach
On December 13 at noon, you’ll find our crew at Veterans Beach in Mattituck for Mattituck Park District’s annual party with Santa. There, we’ll enjoy crafts, games, snacks, and a visit with the big guy. Santa is scheduled to arrive by fire engine at 1 p.m. This sweet event is free and open to all.
Counting backyard birds for the Christmas Bird Count
The 126th (WOW!) Audubon Christmas Bird Count is just about here, and we have our binoculars ready! From December 14 through January 5, we’ll have our eyes set on our backyard bird feeders as we join this annual citizen science event hosted by the National Audubon Society. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the North Fork Circle covering the backyard bird count of the North Fork region. Learn more about and join this community science effort here, and be on the lookout for local events by the North Fork Audubon Society and Turtleback Environmental Education Center to support this annual count.
Ringing in the New Year with bowling and a ball drop
Our very favorite way to ring in the new year is at The All Star Bowling Alley in Riverhead. This family-friendly bowling party is perfectly timed for a New Year’s Eve celebration from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event includes unlimited bowling and shoe rentals, food and soft drinks, a face painter and balloon artist, sparkling cider or champagne mock “midnight” toast, and ball drop. For more info, and to purchase your tickets, visit theallstar.com/nye-party.