Bring the holiday spirit out east this winter with these seven festive activities promising to make for a holly jolly Hamptons season.
120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton / 631.537.3700 / Website
Marders, the landscaping and nursery business nestled on 33 acres of sylvan splendor behind the Bridgehampton Commons on Snake Hollow Road, provides a variety of wholesome holiday fun to inspire creativity and levity and keep spirits bright. You can find holiday cheer simply by visiting the Garden Shop in a charming, rustic 19th-century barn to peruse the glittery, whimsical ornaments and admire the holiday decor. Marders also offers several holiday events, such as Holiday Wreath Workshops on Dec. 8 and 15, musical performances from the Steve Shaughnessey Trio on Dec. 1, and Santa Selfies with Birds of Prey on Dec. 14.
139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack / 631.537.5106 / Website
On a chilly evening, there is no better way to warm yourself (as a responsible adult) than with a wine flight and some savory charcuterie and cheese. The Tasting Room at Wölffer Estate offers just that. Sit on tufted leather couches beneath the rustic wood-beamed ceiling and enjoy a sprawling view of the vineyard as you try a glass of one of Wölffer ’s delectable offerings, like the Finca Wölffer Brau or the Perle chardonnay 2021. The tasting room is open daily, and there are plenty of fun events happening this winter.
95 Main St., East Hampton / 631.324.1220 / Website
Hosted annually by the Ladies Village Improvement Society of East Hampton (LVIS), the Holiday Open House held at the historic Gardiner Brown House is a perfect afternoon treat for families with children eager to tell their gift wishes to Santa’s ear. LVIS offers kids a golden opportunity with the grand lady who indeed calls the shots at the North Pole: Mrs. Claus. On Dec. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., young ones can come to share their Christmas list with Mrs. Claus and receive a special holiday treat.
165 Gerard Road, Yaphank / 631.924,5600 / Website
For the more outdoorsy individual—undeterred by nippy weather when it comes to enjoying fresh air and sport—consider visiting Suffolk County Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clays, just west of Manorville off the Long Island Expressway, for a rustic, scenic spot to spend an afternoon shooting. Visitors can rent a golf cart or stroll from stand to stand, tucked neatly in the trees along the path. The facility features 14 skeet fields, four trap fields and two sporting clay courses, offering something for the beginner to expert level shooter. Consider a pair of hardy boots for a damper winter’s day, as the course paths can get muddy.
51 Pond Lane, Southampton / 631.283.0402 / Website
Shake off your Thanksgiving food coma on Nov. 30 with a visit to the dazzling Parade of Lights and Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown Southampton’s Agawam Park. Held annually, the parade and tree lighting is the official kickoff to the holiday season and features caroling, ice carving, whimsical floats, decorated firetrucks, twinkle lights and infectious community cheer. It is a perfect bonding opportunity for families and friends and a great way to start anyone’s holidays off on the right Santa boot.
239 E. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays / 631.763.6300 / Website
What better way to evoke a dreamy holiday mood than with a Christmas Tree Lighting? Canoe Place Inn & Cottages in Hampton Bays invites families to come to enjoy a special visit from Santa, live holiday music and plenty of holiday cheer on Dec. 5.
541 E. Lake Drive, Montauk / 631.668.4272 / Website
On Dec. 14, Montauk's Inlet Seafood Restaurant will host the Holiday Boat Parade and Viewing Party, which will blend holiday cheer with a salty, nautical flavor. With live music, dancing and boats adorned with lights and holiday decorations, there is no better way to ring in the season than in classic Montauk style.
Photography by: PHOTO BY MIKE REGA/ISTOCK, PHOTO BY SUSAN WOOD/GETTY IMAGES
