Hamptons Holiday “Must Do” List 2014

Season’s Greetings! Need a little help getting into the Holiday swing? Here’s my Holiday “Must Do” List. I guarantee it will put you in the mood for magic and mistletoe.

I wish you a happy, healthy holiday and hope you will find time to savor the simplicity and beauty of the season.

TURKEY TIME

Montauk’s 38th Annual “Run for Fun” Turkey Day 3- and 6-Mile Run/Walk
Race Start: Montauk Circle, 10 a.m.
Registration: Montauk Chamber of Commerce, 742 Montauk Highway
Thursday, Nov. 27, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Fee: $10
(631) 283-4591
Depending on the amount you plan to consume for dinner, choose a three- or six-mile course for this race through beautiful Montauk.

Day After Thanksgiving Day Hike in Barcelona Neck (5 miles)
Meet at the intersection of Swamp Road and Edwards Hole Road
Friday, Nov. 28, 10 a.m.
www.ehtps.org, (631) 283-4591, [email protected] or [email protected]
This trail winds its way past a lowland pine, maple and tupelo swam, passes through an upland oak forest and skirts both tidal and freshwater wetlands, offering panoramic views of the Peconic Estuary from atop 80-foot high bluffs along the way. Stroll along a bay beach and a newly cut trail addition.

3rd Annual Thanksgiving Saturday Art Walk
Art Galleries Southampton to Montauk
Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 – 5 p.m.
www.artwalkhamptons.com, (917) 239-0493, [email protected]
Artists, curators and gallery owners throughout the Hamptons open their doors and invite you in.

East Hampton House & Garden Tour – Benefitting The East Hampton Historical Society
Clinton Academy, 151 Main Street, East Hampton
Saturday, Nov. 29, 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $65 in advance, $75 on tour day
www.easthamptonhistory.org, (631) 324-6850, [email protected]
The East Hampton Historical Society’s 2014 House & Garden Tour, “Up & Down the Village Lanes,” peeks inside some of East Hampton’s most iconic homes. This year’s tour celebrates designers, European gardens, mid-century accents and historical properties.

Parlor Jazz/Art of Song Concert
Bridgehampton Museum Archives Building, 2539-A Montauk Highway
Saturday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 for non-members, $15 for members
www.bridgehamptonhistoricalsociety.org, (631) 537-1088, [email protected]
The Bridgehampton Museum presents the electrifying Antoinette Montague with saxophonist Richie Scollo. Montague has performed Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Kitano Jazz, Harlem’s famous Lenox Lounge, Jazzmobile’s Summer Breeze Concert Series, the Blue Note, and the Jazz Standard.

To Kill a Mockingbird
Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor
Friday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov 29, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $25; Students FREE with a valid ID
www.baystreet.org, (631) 725-0818, [email protected]
Based on the Pulitzer Prize- winning, 1960 novel by Harper Lee, this classic comes to life on stage at the intimate Bay Street Theater.

Surfrider Foundation and lululemon athletica Beach Cleanup
Meet in the Montauk Light House Parking Lot
Saturday, Nov 29, 9 a.m., Rain Date Sunday, Nov. 30
http://easternli.surfrider.org/
The Surfrider Foundation & lululemon athletica East Hampton have joined forces in an effort to bring the community together to preserve and give thanks for our beaches. Equipment will be provided.

LIGHT THE NIGHT

Tree Lighting at Topping Rose House
One Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Friday, Dec. 5, 6 – 8 p.m.
www.toppingrosehouse.com, (631) 537-0870, [email protected]
Enjoy a merry evening of carols, holiday morsels, hot cocoa, hot toddies or vin chaud and celebrate the holiday season with the annual tree lighting.

Tree Lighting at Town Pond
c/o Maidstone and the Living Room Restaurant, 207 Main Street, East Hampton
Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 – 6 p.m.
www.themaidstone.com, (631) 324-5006), [email protected]
Savor a mug of glog, listen to carols, visit with Santa, decorate cookies and watch the tree lighting on the moonlit pond. Stay for special Swedish Holiday dinner for $42 per person.

PUT A WREATH ON IT

Marders Make Your Own Holiday Wreath
120 Snake Hollow Road, Bridgehampton
Dec. 7 and 14, 10 a.m.
www.marders.com, (631)537-3700, [email protected]
Registration Fee: $55 for adults, $45 for children
Any visit to Marder’s is a sensory adventure. Take in their holiday trimmings and decorate a wreath to take home while you’re at it.

LongHouse Reserve Holiday Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton
Registration Fee: $95
www.longhouse.org, (631) 329-3568, [email protected]
Using freshly cut LongHouse evergreens, foraged branches and seasonal embellishments, fashion fragrant, one-of-a-kind decorations for your home – from mantle pieces to tabletops and wreaths. Dress warmly!

Holiday Wreath Workshop at Bridge Gardens
36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 – 4 p.m.
Registration Fee: $30.
www.peconiclandtrust.org/bridge_gardens, (631) 283-3195, [email protected]
Select a simple evergreen wreath and Diana Conklin, of Everlastings by Diana, will provide additional locally-grown greens, dried flowers, seedpods and berries for you to make your masterpiece.

LOVE A SANTA PARADE

Ugly Holiday Sweater Run
lululemon athletica, 35 Main Street, East Hampton
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m.
(631) 324-4192, [email protected]
Join the team at lululemon athletica East Hampton for a causal run through East Hampton Village (at most 3 miles) in your Ugliest Holiday sweater on December 6th. There will be surprises and prizes for the ugliest/most creative sweater. Stay afterwards and enjoy the Hot Coco Bar and the annual Santa Parade. The run will also kick off the Dunk Your Kicks sneaker drive to benefit The Max Cure Foundation supporting pediatric cancer research. Bring your old or unwanted sneakers to be donated.

East Hampton Santa Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Grab a latte from the Golden Pear and watch Santa parade down Main Street and Newtown Lane.

HEAR AN ANGEL SING

Celebrate with Bach and Mendelssohn and the Hampton Choral Society
Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church, 2429 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton
Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 and 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $30, Youth (18 and under), Preferred Seating: $75
www.choralsocietyofthehamptons.org, (631) 204-9402
Mendelssohn’s Magnificat and Bach’s Magnificat together on the same program!

The Met: Live In HD – Wagner’s Die Meistersinger
Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton
Saturday, Dec. 20, 12 – 6 p.m.
Tickets: $22
www.GuildHall.org, (631) 324-0806, [email protected]
James Levine returns to one of his signature Wagner works conducting this epic comedy—back at the Met for the first time in eight years—about a group of Renaissance “master singers” whose song contest unites a city.

GOODIE GOODIE GUMDROPS

Citarella Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop
Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton
Saturday, Dec. 13, 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Registration Fee: $20/house.
www.guildhall.org, (631) 324-0806, [email protected]
Channel your inner architect and create your own gingerbread house with edible embellishments.

Seasonal Techniques Cooking Class at Topping Rose House
One Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m.
Tickets: $175/person
www.toppingrosehouse.com, (631) 537-0870, [email protected]
Guided by chef de cuisine Kyle Koenig and pastry chef Cassandra Shupp, explore seasonal cooking techniques in the Topping Rose kitchen. After learning how to prepare each dish in a three-course menu (and a classic Topping Rose House cocktail), sit down and enjoy your menu paired with wine.

Table Talk: How to Give a Great Toast
Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton
Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
www.guildhall.org, (631) 324-0806, [email protected]
Whether hosting a fete or attending an intimate family gathering, a toast is the perfect way to honor your guests. Carmen Adriana, founder of the local, public speaking club ToastHampton, invites you to raise a glass and learn tips and techniques on how to craft a great toast, from getting the room’s attention to taking the celebratory sip.

The 1770 House Holiday Wine & Cheese Class
The 1770 House, 143 Main Street, East Hampton
Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 – 6 p.m. Reservations: $40
www.1770house.com, (631) 324-1770
Sidle up to the fire and discover the perfect pairing downstairs in the Tavern. Sommeliers Society of America Certified Wine Director Michael Cohen will share his knowledge with selections from The 1770 House menus of domestic artisinal cheese and award-winning wine.

PLUNGE INTO THE NEW YEAR

East Hampton Polar Plunge
Main Beach, East Hampton
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015
There’s no better way to say “out with the old, in with the new” than to plunge into icy waters on New Year’s Day.

RECEIVE NATURES GIFTS

Owls by the Light of the Full Moon: Adults
South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, Bridgehampton
377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike; Call for meeting place
Saturday, Dec. 6, 
7 p.m.
Tickets: Free for SoFo members; non-members $7/adult, $5/child
www.sofo.org, (631) 537-9735
Track the Eastern Screech Owl and the Great Horned Owl with Joe Giunta, birding instructor for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and trip leader for New York City Audubon. This nighttime owl prowl marks the beginning of our owls’ courtship season. Bring binoculars and a flashlight.

Holiday Open House
Mashomack Preserve, 79 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 – 5 p.m.
(631) 749-1001, [email protected]
Mulled cider, eggnog and the good cheer of the season are the perfect complement to the Manor House’s festive decorations. Tour Mashomack’s 19th century Victorian mansion, decked out in her holiday greens. Nature craft activities available for kids. No reservations required.

SoFo-Decorate a Holiday Tree for the Birds
South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, Bridgehampton
377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike; Call for meeting place
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.
Tickets: Free for SoFo members; non-members $7/adult, $5/child
www.sofo.org, (631) 537-9735
Feeding wild birds in winter is especially important in our area, where development has removed natural winter food resources. Join the SoFo staff to make bird-friendly decorations for a holiday tree, using seeds, suet and dried fruits. Make treats to take home and use as decorations on your own “holiday tree” for the birds.

PAY IT FORWARD

The Retreat’s Adopt-A-Family Program provides holiday presents or gift cards for a family in need. To learn more about how you can become involved in brightening the holiday season for survivors of domestic violence call or email Christiana: (631) 329-4398, [email protected], 13 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton.

The Bridgehampton Community Food Pantry serves the Bridgehampton and Sagaponack area. The Pantry is open Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations can be sent to: 2463 Main Street, PO Box 961, Bridgehampton, NY 11932, (631) 537-1527.

The Sag Harbor Community Food Pantry helps feed approximately 250 people per week. Donations accepted include fresh, perishable or canned items, which can be left at The Old Whalers Church (44 Union Street, Sag Harbor). The Pantry is open 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Donations can be sent to: 44 Union Street, PO Box 1241, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, www.sagharborfoodpantry.com, (631) 725-2880.

The East Hampton Food Pantry serves 350 families weekly. They are open Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. at the East Hampton location and 4 to 6 p.m. at their Amagansett Satellite location (St. Michael’s Housing, Community Building, 488 Montauk Highway, Amagansett). Donations can be sent to: 19-50 Accabonac Road, PO Box 505, East Hampton, NY 11937, www.easthamptonfoodpantry.org, (631) 324-2300.

Meals On Wheels prepares and delivers meals to individuals who are homebound. Donations can be sent to: Meals On Wheels, 33 Newtown Lane, Suite 205, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 329-1669.

The Farm to Food Pantry works with East End Food Pantries to help provide low-income families’ access to locally grown produce. They provide over 300 families with a weekly inventory of much needed fresh produce. Farms participating in the farmer-food pantry partnership include Amber Waves Farm, Balsam Farms, Quail Hill Farm and Sunset Beach Farm. Donations can be sent to: Farm to Food Pantry, PO Box 2623, Amagansett, NY 11930, www.amberwavesfarm.com.