Celebrate the Holidays on the North Fork

Your guide to enjoying the season without the rush

The North Fork does something special in December. The pace slows down, the crowds thin out, and suddenly the stretch from Riverhead to Orient feels like someone dimmed the lights and

played a softer soundtrack. It’s still festive, just more in the spirit of twinkling windows, warm

mugs, and local traditions that feel personal. If you’re tired of the busy holiday rush in the city,

let this be the year you trade it for something more human.

What makes it even more convenient is staying at The Shoals. The location places you right in

the middle of the North Fork, with every vineyard, boutique, workshop, and holiday event just a

short drive away. You can head east or west without overthinking, which is pretty much the

perfect way to spend December.

Start with the season’s most-loved community events

The North Fork’s holiday schedule fills up fast, but not in a hectic way. These events focus on

local charm rather than showiness. Northforker Magazine’s holiday listings always highlight a

few that attract people year after year.

Greenport’s Christmas tree lighting usually kicks off the season in Mitchell Park, attracting

families, neighbors, and anyone looking for that classic small-town holiday experience. You can

enjoy the glow of the tree, singing carols, hot drinks, and the waterfront shining back at you.

Another favorite is the East End Arts Holiday Market in Riverhead. It’s filled with local artists

and makers selling pottery, ornaments, jewelry, handcrafted candles, and paintings. It’s not the

kind of market where you wander aimlessly for an hour and leave with a scentless candle you

don’t really like. Instead, you find items truly worth gifting.

Cutchogue and Southold also host their own gatherings. Their tree lighting ceremonies and

community holiday fairs feel warm and genuine, the kind of events where you enjoy a mug of

cider while chatting with people who truly want to be there. If your holiday idea favors cozy over

busy, these towns will match your style perfectly.

And the best part: all of this is easy from The Shoals. Each event is a quick, scenic ride away.

Enjoy the light displays without the chaos If you’ve ever sat in traffic trying to get into a massive, overproduced holiday light show, the North Fork might feel like a breath of cold, fresh air.

The Riverhead Holiday Light Show at Splish Splash is a drive-through favorite, especially for families who want something classic and cheerful without lines that test your patience.

Greenport’s waterfront shines beautifully every year as well. There’s something about seeing

decorated boats at the marina that makes the season feel both festive and incredibly peaceful.

Back at The Shoals, a walk down to the private marina at dusk delivers its own magic. The

reflections on the water, the hush in the air, the lights twinkling around the slips—it's low-key,

but in the best way.

Sip the season at local vineyards and breweries Winter on the North Fork means quieter tasting rooms, softer lighting, and wines that taste even better when the air outside has a bite to it. Vineyards like Bedell Cellars, Macari, and Sparkling Pointe sometimes offer special holiday tasting flights or weekend events that feel curated rather than crowded.

Greenport Harbor Brewing is another go-to during the season. Their Peconic location features a

giant tree, and the taproom fills with the scent of pine and roasted malt. They’re always releasing

a stout or porter perfect for cold nights.

Staying at The Shoals makes this entire circuit extremely easy. You can go out for a tasting,

unwind by the fire pits, and return to your suite before the cold settles in.

Holiday shopping that doesn’t drain your soul

There’s a moment every December when holiday shopping feels like a chore. On the North Fork,

it somehow remains enjoyable. Maybe it’s the slower pace, maybe it’s the shops themselves, or

perhaps it’s the fact that you’re not circling a mall parking lot looking for a spot that doesn’t require a ten-minute walk.

Greenport, Southold, and Mattituck boast boutiques filled with locally made goods, coastal

décor, handmade jewelry, gourmet treats, and gifts full of personality. You can check off half

your list just by strolling down a village main street.

And if you're looking for an efficient, straightforward shopping stop, Tanger Outlets in Riverhead

is the place to go. Knock out the brand-name gifts, then treat yourself to something optional just because you're being productive. You’re only minutes from The Shoals, so with

bags in hand, you can head back and regroup without losing momentum.

Make something festive at a wreath or centerpiece workshop

One of the underrated joys of a North Fork holiday season is the abundance of DIY workshops.

Farms, greenhouses, and local floral studios offer wreath-making and centerpiece classes that are much more fun than they sound. You clip fresh evergreens, wire them by hand, sip warm drinks, and inevitably walk out smelling like a forest.

It’s hands-on, it’s relaxing, and it kicks your holiday spirit into gear faster than you’d think.

Spend a weekend hopping through holiday markets

Pop-up markets line the North Fork throughout December, each with its own unique charm.

You’ll discover small-batch chocolates, knitted goods, woodwork, paintings, artisanal foods, and

ornaments that you won’t find at big-box stores.

Greenport’s indoor holiday markets are particularly lively, and Southold frequently hosts crafty,

local events where everything appears thoughtfully made. These markets turn gift shopping into

a treasure hunt rather than a chore.

Staying at The Shoals lets you explore multiple markets in one weekend without feeling rushed.

Shop in the morning, unwind with a water view in the afternoon, then head out for dinner

somewhere warm and glowing.

Warm up in North Fork restaurants with seasonal menus

December menus embrace comfort in all the best ways. You’ll find roasted squash soups, slow-

cooked meats, holiday cocktails, and winter desserts that justify every bite. The atmosphere also

changes—restaurants glow from within, the lighting becomes softer, and tables stay occupied

longer.

Greenport tends to skew lively. Southold and Mattituck feel intimate. Either way, the drive is

short enough that you can choose your mood on the fly.

Take a winter walk to reset your holiday mindset

Walks feel different this time of year. The beaches are peaceful, the farm fields show off their shapes and textures, and the villages have a softer appearance under holiday lights. If you enjoy

your holidays with some reflection, the North Fork in winter offers that space.

Greenport’s ice rink at Mitchell Park is a fun mid-walk detour. You can skate under the lights or just enjoy a warm drink and watch others figure out how to skate again.

And at The Shoals, simply strolling along the marina boardwalk at sunset becomes its own small

ritual. The sky turns pastel, the water stills, and it’s one of those moments when you realize

you’re truly relaxing.

Explore the cultural side of the season

The Suffolk County Historical Society in Riverhead often dresses its exhibits in Victorian

holiday charm. Local galleries in Greenport and Southold showcase winter-themed shows.

Museums tend to be quieter this time of year, making it easier to wander slowly and really take

things in.

It’s a solid way to spend a crisp December afternoon before dinner.

Plan a holiday dinner you don’t have to cook

Many North Fork restaurants offer special menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New

Year's. Some serve multi-course dinners, while others keep things simple and cozy. Either way,

there’s a sense of freedom in celebrating without stressing over oven timing or cleanup.

Ring in the New Year with a North Fork twist

Instead of crowds and barricades, you enjoy waterfront dinners, sparkling wine, live music, and

celebrations that feel festive without being overwhelming. Some vineyards host New Year’s

tastings. Greenport often has late-night events near the harbor. And if you prefer a quiet night,

watching the last sunset of the year hit the marina from The Shoals offers its own kind of magic.

Create your own North Fork holiday tradition

That’s the real charm of celebrating the holidays here. You’re not sticking to a strict schedule.

You’re wandering from shops to vineyards, to seaside strolls, to handcrafted markets. You

choose your own pace, and each town along the way offers something that fits.

Ready to make this holiday season the one you actually enjoy?

If December has felt too crowded, rushed, or noisy, the North Fork is the reset you didn’t know

you needed. The lights, tastings, markets, and waterfront glow—all create holiday spirit without

the stress.

And The Shoals sits right in the center of it all, giving you the perfect home base to celebrate

however you want. Book your stay and make this holiday season feel like yours again.