With Kids: Petite’s top 20 picks for family-friendly holiday happenings on the North Fork
Pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie at the Candlelight Tour and Tree Lighting in Southold.
We blinked and it’s here — the 2024 holiday season is officially upon us. From decorating sweets to Christmas tree lightings aplenty, this is how we’re celebrating a month full of cheer with the whole family.
We’re taking in the creative designs of Christmas trees at the 5th Annual Festival of Trees
Tour Treiber Farms’ barn as you view the dazzling, decorated trees and wreaths. Vote on your favorite and bid for a chance at making it yours! The Cookie Cottage will be selling refreshments and the Merry Marketplace will be selling holiday gifts. This annual event and fundraiser benefits CAST. More info here.
We’re decorating gingerbread at Gingerbread University
From Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 29, decorate homemade gingerbread at Gingerbread University in Riverhead. Choose from a large selection of gingerbread cookies and houses. Dates, times, and prices vary. More info here.
We’re running through a tree farm for a good cause with the Jingle Bell Jog 5K and Rudolph’s Fun Run
On Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., head to Lewin Tree Farm in Calverton for a run like no other! This one, complete with bells to attach to your shoes as you jog through the Christmas tree farm, hot chocolate, and photos with Santa. Register here.
We’re meeting equine reindeer at Spirit’s Promise
Tour Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation as it decks the stalls for the holidays! There, you’ll meet equine reindeer and other farm animals then head into the barn for storytime with Mrs. Claus. Available Sundays Dec. 8, 15, and 22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $30/person and can be purchased here. (Free for children under 2)
We’re welcoming Santa as he arrives by train to the Railroad Museum of Long Island
Choo Choo, Santa Claus is coming to town! On Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 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 Greenport on Dec. 14 and 15.
We’re visiting Santa in an old schoolhouse
On Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1 to 6:30 p.m., the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society welcomes you to their Christmas Open House. There, you can tour the museum (from 1 to 4 p.m.), enjoy Christmas music, and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus from 2 to 4 p.m. The lighting of the Christmas tree and caroling at dusk will be followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts a the New Egypt School House. This event is free and open to all.
We’re decorating ornaments with VEME Studios
Let your kiddo tap into their creative side with an afternoon of ornament decorating on Sunday, Dec. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. This event is free, open to all, and does not require registration. More info here.
We’re spending hours of fun at Fink’s Country Farm
From a tree lighting (Sat. Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.) to Christmas lights to barnyard fun, Fink’s Country Farm in Wading River is bringing the holiday fun this season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting weekends from Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. More info here.
We’re touring historic houses decorated for Christmas at Hallockville Museum Farm
Bring the kids to do something a bit different this holiday season and experience old-fashioned North Fork holiday traditions during the Historic Holidays at Hallockville on Sunday, December 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to all. More info here.
We’re surprising our kids with a yard decked in cheer
North Fork Cheer is spilling holiday joy across North Fork yards this season! Sign up to surprise your kids with holiday magic. $38/household. Sign up here. All proceeds benefit the competition teams at North Fork Cheer. Baiting Hollow-Laurel, Dec. 14, Mattituck-Orient Dec. 15.
We’re celebrating Christmas in Riverhead with a tree lighting and more
On Sat., Dec. 7, beginning at 1 p.m., Downtown Riverhead is celebrating the season with a parade, Santa’s arrival by boat at 2:30 p.m., musical performances, crafts, games, a bonfire, and a tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. This event is free and open to all.
We’re having brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium
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. 8 with seatings at 10 a.m. 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.
We’re watching The Polar Express at The Suffolk
All aboard The Polar Express on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. at The Suffolk in Riverhead. The evening will feature a kid-friendly food and drink menu available for purchase. Get your tickets here.
We’re catching a tree lighting at The Shoppes at East Wind
Shop small then catch the 8th Annual Tree Lighting with Santa at the Shoppes at East Wind on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
We’re having a holiday party with Santa at Veterans Beach in Mattituck
On Saturday, Dec. 7 from noon to 4 p.m., join the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce along with the Mattituck Park District for an afternoon of caroling, hot chocolate, Santa photos, games, and fun for all. This event is free and open to all. Located at Veterans Beach in Mattituck.
We’re hanging out at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm
Ice skating, bouncy castles, Santa visits, and more, Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm is the place to be this holiday season. Santa makes his debut on a fire truck on Friday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm’s Instagram for the complete schedule of events, details, and more.
We’re enjoying holiday spirit in Greenport with a tree lighting, parade, and more
A parade, holiday-themed activities, tree lighting, and more, Greenport Village Tree Lighting will include fun for all. Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. But, it doesn’t stop there, Greenport Village has plenty of events and activities scheduled for the month of December. Learn more here.
We’re taking a drive through the Riverhead Holiday Light Show
Hop in the car and head to Calverton for the Riverhead Holiday Light Show! This mile-long display of lights set to music is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Complete schedule, pricing, and tickets here.
We’re welcoming the season with a Candlelight Tour and Tree Lighting in Southold
This cozy community event makes you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Tour historic buildings, visit with Santa, play games, and stay for the tree lighting. Friday, Nov. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Maple Lane Complex in Southold. Free, all are welcome.
We’re making holiday cards for local community members with the Southold Mothers’ Club
This feel-good event hosted by the Southold Mothers’ Club is a great way to get your kids (ages 2 to teen) to think of others this holiday season. On Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Southold Free Library, kids can create heartfelt cards for the senior residents at Peconic Landing. This event is free with RSVP. Learn more here.
We’re decorating cookies, having breakfast at the North Pole, and more at The Riverhead Brew House
The Riverhead Brew House has a lineup of holiday-themed events you won’t want to miss! We have our eyes on the cookie decorating workshop on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. where attendees will learn how to decorate sugar cookies like a pro, the cost is $30/person. We also can’t miss the breakfast at the North Pole on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a brunch buffet, games, and photos with Santa, The Grinch, and The Gingerbread Man. Cost is $60/adult, $40/child. Call 631-212-1265 to make your event reservations before they sell out. And view The Riverhead Brew House’s complete holiday event lineup on Instagram.