Bookmark this page! It’s our specially curated compendium of the most festive holiday happenings from now ’til New Year’s Eve.
Saturday, December 3
EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE SANTA PARADE: Viewing in the business district, with kickoff at 11 a.m. If the weather is looking uncongenial, a rain-date — or snow-date — decision will be announced by 8 a.m. on the Village's website, easthamptonvillage.org.
TREE-LIGHTING AT HOOK MILL: Sponsored by Prada, at the junction of North Main and Pantigo Road in East Hampton Village, 4:30 p.m.
TWELFTH ANNUAL FRIENDS BAZAAR: Art and fine crafts for sale. Original, handmade items of quality, with the makers present. Ceramics, photography, paintings, prints, wood-ware, jewelry, small sculpture, home décor, wearable art, scarves, knits, essential oils, soaps and skin products, leather goods, and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ashawagh Hall, Springs.
CUTCHOGUE HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR: Access to three festively decorated beds and breakfast, two wineries, and one brewery on the North Fork to benefit the New Suffolk Historical Society. Drinks or appetizers at each stop. 11 a.m. (with last entry at 3:30 p.m.). Tickets on eventbrite.com. Optional: Bring an unwrapped toy for a local charity.
PARTY WITH MRS. CLAUS: Santa’s wife will be visiting from 2 to 4 p.m. Children are invited to share their wish list with her and special treats will be given to all. Ladies Village Improvement Society, East Hampton.
TREATS BY THE FIRE: The inn known as the Baker House 1650, at 181 Main Street in East Hampton, will have fireplaces blazing for an open house, with cookies, warm cider, and hot cocoa from 1 to 4 p.m.
COZY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Cookies and hot chocolate, plus readings of cozy winter tales while friends and neighbors wait for the Lions Club to escort Santa in from the North Pole. Lighting of the holiday tree follows, with caroling and music by the Bridgehampton School Band. 2 to 4 p.m., Hampton Library, Brigehampton.
GENESIS GOSPEL CHOIR: Divine music from the choir based at High Point University in North Carolina (plus holiday shopping). 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Marders, Bridgehampton.
LIGHT UP THE HARBOR: Music at the Long Wharf windmill from 5 p.m. Sag Harbor Historical Society’s candlelight walk kicks off at the same time, leaving from the Annie Cooper Boyd House at 174 Main Street and leading carolers to the wharf for the lighting of tree and windmill at 5:30. Those interested in joining the carolers should bring their own battery-powered candle to 174 Main Street.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP: Decorating with candy, for kids, families, couples. $75 per house. Complimentary hot cocoa, cider, and coffee. Also Dec. 10 and 17. Reservations on gurneysresorts.com. Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa.
BARON'S COVE TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION: The Sag Harbor inn welcomes the public for live music, eggnog, frozen hot chocolate, warm gingerbread cookies, plus candy cane martinis for the adults, 6:30 to 9 p.m. St. Nicholas is expected to pop in at 6:30, and the switch will be flipped on indoor and outdoor tannenbaums at 7:30.
WHALING MUSEUM FETE: A favorite Sag Harbor holiday party returns, with fun, food, live music, carollers, and drinks. $40 in advance at event.gives/holiday2022, or $50 at the door.
ANTHONY NUNZIATA HOLIDAY SHOW: Classic jazz and pop standards with seasonal spice at the Clubhouse on Daniel's Hole Road, Wainscott. Doors open at 7 p.m., with an open bar, passed canapés, a "holiday feast," and desserts after the show. A portion of proceeds will help fund a Christmas Eve dinner in conjunction with Hamptons Community Outreach. $150 for bar seats, $300 per couple at a table. Tickets at clubhousehamptons.com.
Sunday, December 4
WREATH WORKSHOP: $125 for adults, $85 for children 10 to 12 (none younger, as sharp tools are involved). Fee includes all materials except clippers; bring your own. Prepayment required. Attendance for each session capped at 12. Sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Also Sunday, Dec. 11. Marders, Bridgehampton.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA: Served family-style in the Sea Star Ballroom. Seatings at 10 a.m., noon., and 2 p.m. Tickets: Children, $34.95 (members, $31.45); adults: $64.95 (members, $58.45). Toddlers 2 and under, $10. Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead.
MERRY MADOO HOLIDAY MARKET: Annual sale at the garden, featuring potted paperwhites, pomanders, select artisan vendors, and holiday music. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Madoo Conservancy, Sagaponack.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Tenth annual fund-raiser for East End charities run by the Sag Harbor Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Holiday shopping with 30 vendors, 2 to 5 p.m. at the firehouse on Brick Kiln Road.
WINTER FANTASIA CHORAL CONCERT: The annual Choral Society of the Hamptons holiday event, at 3 and again at 5:30 p.m. Walter Klauss conducting, with the South Fork Chamber Orchestra. Featuring works by J.S. Bach, Dieterich Buxtehude, Gerald Finzi, and Vaughan Williams. Tickets, 631-204-9402. Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church.
Tuesday, December 6
SHELTER ISLAND TREE-LIGHTING: A free community event, with the lights and caroling at the Town of Shelter Island Police headquarters on North Ferry Road at 4 p.m., then a short stroll to the American Legion for hot cocoa and homemade cookies.
Thursday, December 8
THE MAKING OF MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: Jo Ann Tufo, a historian, explores the backstory and stars of the iconic film classic in a Zoom lecture. Visit the library’s website for registration. 6 p.m., Amagansett Free Library.
Friday, December 9
SARAH CONWAY & THE PLAYFUL SOULS CHRISTMAS SHOW: Rocking out at the Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, 8 p.m.
POP-UP CHIC BOUTIQUE: Vintage and designer wares from eight vendors at the Wainscott Chapel. Clothing, handbags, jewelry. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday.
Saturday, December 10
POLAR BEAR PLUNGE: Participants take a dip in the ocean to benefit Heart of the Hamptons food pantry and assistance programs. Team and individual registration before 9:30 a.m. or in advance at heartofthehamptons.org. Plunge happens at 10 a.m. sharp, Cooper’s Beach, Southampton Village.
SANTA FLY-IN: The Big Man is expected to arrive by helicopter at Herrick Park in East Hampton Village at noon. Dreesen's Famous Donuts and hot chocolate will be given out near the landing spot from 11 a.m.
"THE POLAR EXPRESS" SCREENING: Free to the public, following Santa's arrival in East Hampton, at the Regal Cinema on Main Street, 1 p.m.
SANTA VISIT: St. Nick changes vehicles, arriving via fire truck at the Long Wharf, where he will greet youngsters and pose for photographs from 2 to 4 p.m. Sag Harbor.
HOMEGROWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Annual artisan vendor craft fair returns, with ceramics, woollens, food, soaps, and all manner of gifts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance $5, Hayground School, Bridgehampton.
FAIR-TRADE CHRISTMAS SALE: Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Southampton. In the school building next to the Hill Street rectory. Goods produced around the world with fair compensation for the makers, to help lift farmers and artisans out of poverty. Jewelry, toys, accessories, home goods. 5:45 to 6:45, and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BY HAND ARTISAN'S HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Unique creations by local makers at Ashawagh Hall on Springs-Fireplace Road in Springs. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Sunday.
HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET: At the arts space the Church, high-end handmade goods from artists and artisans, with food available from the Mattitaco Food Truck, the Cookery, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, and Kidd Squid Brewers. Entrance $5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also Sunday.
WÖLFFER WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE: Pop-up ice rink, pop-ins by St. Nick, holiday displays, music, shopping, hot chocolate and cider, and mulled wine and festive cocktails for the grown-ups. Tickets must be reserved in advance at wolffer.com; $30 per person, including skate rentals, Sat Saturdays and Sundays through New Year's weekend. Wölffer Estate Vineyard's wine stand on the highway in Sagaponack.
BAROQUE HOLIDAY CONCERT; Bridgehampton Chamber Music, with Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, selections from Bach Cantatas, and more. 5 p.m., Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church.
UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY: Featuring Hello Brooklyn band, 10 p.m. Prize for ugliest sweater. $10, available online. Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett.
HOLIDAY PARTY AND BOAT PARADE: Benefit for the Montauk Food Pantry. Raffles, drinks, food, music, Santa visit, and prizes for best-decorated boat. Ticket on eventbrite.com; $100 adults, $50 children. Inlet Seafood Restaurant, Montauk.
LONGHOUSE ILLUMINATED: The gardens are open late, with sparkling sculptures and pathways dotted with luminaria. Two timed entries, at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through December 17. From $20 for members to $35, nonmembers; kids under 12 free. Holiday treats from South Fork Bakery. Tickets at longhouse.org.
Sunday, December 11
ORNAMENT-MAKING: A family crafternoon, using objects from Sag Harbor's woods and beaches. John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Details at johnjermain.org.
AMAGANSETT HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: The Amagansett Village Improvement Society will host Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will present stockings filled with goodies for the first 140 children. The Ukeladies will play their ukuleles and the Amagansett School chorus will sing. Hot cider, juice, and cookies will be served. At 5:15, the tree at the flagpole will be lighted. Amagansett Firehouse, 4 to 6 p.m.
ROCKAPELLA CHRISTMAS: Hear the acclaimed harmonizing vocal group sing upbeat acapella — from classics like Deck the Halls to seasonal pop hits and novelties like You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Tickets, $35 to $59. Suffolk Theater, Riverhead.
PORTRAITS, HOSTED BY G.E. SMITH: Intimate guitar concert, conversation, and collaboration with Jorma Kaukonen, 7 p.m. Tickets from $80. The art space the Church, Sag Harbor.
[Also, see above for day two of the craft fairs at Ashawagh Hall in Springs and the Church in Sag Harbor and the fair-trade market at Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts in Southampton.]
Thursday, December 15
BONAC CHRISTMAS: The East Hampton Historical Farm Museum, at the corner of Cedar Street and North Main, hosts Santa — arriving by fire truck — and a bevy of carollers, kids' activities, hot cocoa, hot dogs, and festive light displays. Free, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 16
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: 6 p.m., caroling with the Dickens Carolers; 7 p.m., Holiday Handbell Concert with First Presbyterian and Harbor Bells choirs. Bring nonperishable food donations for the East Hampton Food Pantry or an adult-size hoodie for donation to Maureen’s Haven. First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton.
"MIXED NUTS" HOLIDAY SHOW: A "Nutcracker" with a twist from the students of Studio 3 dance school, incorporating themes from the classic movie "Home Alone," with hip hop, lyrical, tap, and ballet elements. 7 p.m. at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. Also Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. $25 in advance at dancestudio3.com or $30 at the dopr.
Saturday, December 17
ARTISTS AND ARTISANS MARKET: Ashawagh Hall in Spring offers its annual market from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with fine art, photographs, glasswork, local honey, dog treats, kids' stuff, knits, kitchen gifts, and so on. Santa is expected on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., coinciding with a "prosecco shopping spree." Non-perishable foods and winter coats will be collected for those in need.
SOLSTICE CELEBRATION: LongHouse’s daylong event will feature a Turtle Island puppet show by Megan Chaskey, illuminating the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) story of the origins of the Earth. Details at longhouse.org. LongHouse Reserve, East Hampton.
COOKIE DECORATION: Gingerbread will be provided. One cookie per family.Five families per half-hour slot between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with registration over the phone or in person beginning Dec. 1. Hampton Library, Bridgehampton.
LET’S SWING!: Classics from the American songbook with Judy Carmichael, the acclaimed jazz vocalist, at the piano.Tickets from $39.99, Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor.
Sunday, December 18
HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING: At Hook Mill, East Hampton Village, 3:30 p.m.. Also Monday at 5 p.m.
LONG WHARF MENORAH LIGHTING: Temple Adas Israel lights up the night on Long Wharf at 6 p.m., with jelly doughnuts and hot chocolate to boot, sponsored once again by the Egosi family of Sag Harbor.
Friday, December 23
LITTLE WOMEN SCREENING: The March family’s Christmas celebration is a sentimental highlight of the 2019 film adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic. 1 p.m., Amagansett Free Library.
Saturday, December 31
GURNEY'S NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY: The Montauk resort and spa hosts a seaside bash for those 21 and up, with the band Reign, passed canapés, an open bar, and midnight toast. $150 for resort guests, $195 for non-guests. Tickets at gurneysresorts.com.