Santa Claus will make his rounds around the South Fork this weekend, bringing holiday cheer to kids and adults alike.
His first stop is Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, which is holding its Deck the Farm event on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. It is free to attend, with a $10 suggested donation.
Next up is Noyac's M.J. Dowling's Steakhouse on Saturday at 11 a.m. Parents have been asked to sneak in a wrapped gift with their child's name on it to be given to an "elf" at the door. Santa will then surprise each child with the gifts during the party.
Deterred by last Saturday's bad weather, the big guy also has plans to head to East Hampton Village this Saturday, when he is set to arrive at Herrick Park by helicopter at noon. Dreesen's will serve up free hot chocolate and doughnuts from 11 a.m. to noon in the park, and afterward the East Hampton Cinema will host a free screening of the animated holiday favorite "The Polar Express" at noon.
After that, Santa will head to Sag Harbor, where he'll visit in a fire truck between 3 and 5 p.m. and welcome visitors and photos at the Long Wharf windmill.
On Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., the Amagansett Village Improvement Society will host a community holiday gathering at the Amagansett Firehouse. Santa will arrive in a fire truck with Mrs. Claus, and with 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.
Looking ahead, the East Hampton Historical Farm Museum will ring in the holidays with a good old-fashioned Bonac Christmas celebration next Thursday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Santa will arrive by fire truck, and there will be caroling, hot dogs and hot chocolate, and activities for kids. It is free to attend, but donations will help support future events at the museum.