‘Tis the season to embrace the spirit of the holidays — and what better way to usher in the myriad festivities than a full immersion in the numerous happenings across the North Fork? As we usher in December and prepare to bid farewell to the year, a medley of merriment arrives this weekend. The calendar is filled with a multitude of markets, dinners that promise culinary fireworks and many experiences waiting to be unwrapped. Here are a few events we look forward to checking out this weekend.
EAT
Winemaker Dinner | Southold Social, 56125 Main Road, Southold
Chef Francois Payard is collaborating with Bedell Cellars to present a Winemaker Dinner at Southold Social on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each incarnation of the four-course menu is expertly paired with wines selected by Bedell Cellar’s winemaker, Rich Olsen-Harbich. Tickets are $110 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Secure your seat by visiting their website.
Farmer’s Kitchen Holiday Market | The Barn, 506 Church Lane, Jamesport
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 2. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This one-day-only event promises an array of locally grown and crafted products, from an award-winning Bloody Mary mix to hand-poured soy wax candles. It’s a veritable one-stop-shop for holiday gift-giving (for your loved ones, or… you!). Find more information here.
Shellabration | Greenport Village
Shellabration is back in Greenport for the 12th time this Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3. from noon to 4 p.m. This annual culinary fête — which benefits Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program’s Suffolk Project in Aquaculture Training Program and Back to the Bays Initiative — invites attendees to eat and drink their way through downtown Greenport dining on local shellfish creatively composed by the town’s bevy of toque talent (pro tip: we have it on good authority that Claudio’s Tavern & Grill is featuring their perfect-chilly-weather lobster pot pie — get it!). Wrist bands, which are $35 for both days and $25 for Sunday, get you access to all the fun throughout the weekend. Get your tickets here.
DRINK
Tree decorating party | Corey Creek Tap Room, 45470 Main Road, Southold
On Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 4 p.m. join in the festive fun and decorate the Corey Creek Christmas tree. Get creative and craft your own oyster shell decoration while indulging in a taste of the latest vintage of Coquillage — a chardonnay fermented with local seashells. Enjoy live music by Robin James and the savory taste of local oysters from Harvest Moon Shellfish Co. RSVP here.
Social Sips Sunday | Lenz Winery, 38355 Rte. 25, Peconic
Join Adriana Loftus and Jeffrey Bailey as they take you through the tasting journey of Lenz’s past vintages. This hands-on experience will showcase the nuances of each vintage and paired with dialed-in lite bites. This Sunday-funday runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 and is $75 per ticket — wine club members get a 20% discount — and can be purchased here.
Trivia Night | Green Hill Kitchen & Que, 48 Front St., Greenport
Join Green Hill Kitchen and Think Inc. Trivia for a night of intellect and entertainment. This is the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge and, hey, get competitive in the company of friends, family and maybe even that know-it-all co-worker. Plenty of BBQ and drinks will be on hand to fuel your pursuit of the brain-bending questions. Exciting prizes await the winning team. Entry is free to attend on Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. See the Green Hill Kitchen drink and food menu here.
LIVE
Cutchogue Holiday House Tour | 27320 Route 25, Cutchouge
This beloved one-day holiday celebration returns to Cutchouge on Saturday, Dec. 2. from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Support Cutchogue and North Fork businesses during the off-season as you explore six festively decorated stops on the tour, including two charming inns—Sannino Vineyard B&B and Blue Iris B&B. Each stop will treat you to special delights like local wine, cookies, hot cider, cheese and bites from nearby restaurants, with additional stops at Sannino Vineyard Tasting House, Alex Ferrone Art Gallery, Borghese Vineyard and The French Picnic. The day concludes with a tour of the Cutchogue New Suffolk Historical Council’s Old House and the Annual Tree Lighting at 4 p.m., where you can donate unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased here. (Bonus: Ticket holders are eligible for a Taste of Venice’s special $45 three-course dinner offering that evening, too!)
Holiday Market | VEME Studios, 214 Front St., Greenport
Explore the collection of hand-crafted art and goodies at VEME Studios’ first-ever holiday market. The Greenport art studio will be packed to the brim with pieces created by their favorite local artisans making ceramics, jewelry, baked goods and much more. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, and is completely free to check out. Find more information about VEME’s art bar and classes here.
Trunk Show | North Fork Fiber Arts, 195 Love Lane, Mattituck
Find gifts galore at the Trunk Show at North Fork Fiber Arts. Treat yourself to some crochet and knitting items and check out handcrafted and intricately detailed heirloom pieces made by Jo Wadler of JW Jewelry Studios. Head to the fiber arts store on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this completely free event. Get updates here.
BREATHE
Herbal Tonic with Sweet Woodland Farm | 139 Main Road, East End Market
Embark on a journey of herbal alchemy during this Fire Cider Workshop, led by Sweet Woodland Farm. In this hands-on experience, you’ll learn the art of crafting an immune-boosting tonic using locally grown herbs and spices, ensuring you have the knowledge to stay healthy through the winter months. Delve into the traditions of herbal wisdom, learn tips from a skilled medicinal herb farmer and leave with your own jar of Fire Cider. This event is on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is $40 per person. Get more information about this event and East End Food here.
2023 East End Merry Market | East End Arts, 141 E Main St., Riverhead
Enjoy the holiday happenings in Downtown Riverhead this Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In collaboration with East End Arts, this fun-filled event will feature over 25 local vendors, a holiday parade and bonfire and an open art gallery. Plus you’ll be in the right place, right time for the lighting of the Christmas tree in Riverhead Town Square starting at 5:30 p.m. This event is free to all. Find more information here.