Although there’s undeniable holiday hubbub all across the East End, South Fork businesses and organizations continue to offer activities that are both intellectual and recreational for residents and visitors to enjoy.
For this particular weekend, art remains a strong theme throughout the Hamptons, as galleries host opening receptions and viewings containing works from local artists. Paralleling that, there’s an insightful discussion between two professional female photographers scheduled at The Church in Sag Harbor and a seashell painting workshop in Southampton. Celebrate the traditions of the Shinnecock Indian Nation with a musical performance and dance at Southampton Cultural Center or check out a screening of an independent film exploring the challenges within family dynamics at LTV Stuidos in Wainscott. Just in time for the holidays, right?
Don’t forget, there’s plenty of holiday markets and fairs happening this weekend throughout the East End. This is a great opportunity to procure some handmade, unique pieces while simultaneously supporting a local craftsperson and/or artist.
Finally, Hanukkah, aka the festival of lights, begins today. Click here to check out where to celebrate across the South Fork as well as deets on where to get your latkes, jelly donuts, braised briskets and more for your Hanukkah table spread. Afterall, if there’s any universal way to spread good cheer, it’s probably through good food.
See a screening at LTV
LTV Studios in Wainscott hosts the East End premiere of Merry Good Enough, an independent film about sibling relationships and family dynamics, directed Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy, this Sunday, December 10. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the film will be introduced by the filmmakers and will conclude with a post-show Q&A from the audience. Tickets are $15 per person for general admission. Grab three of your best buds and get VIP access (which includes one drink ticket and café table seating) for $120 ($30 per person). Purchase yours by texting LTVMERRY to 41444 or click here.
Celebrate Shinnecock tradition, see a musical memoir at SCC
Gather for a performance of traditional dance and music from Shinnecock Indian Nation tribe members at the Southampton Cultural Center tomorrow night at 6 p.m.. In celebration of the value of performing arts and preserving traditions, there’ll be opening remarks by Reverend Mike Smith. All are welcome and there’s no charge to attend. On Sunday, December 10, Adelaide Mestre’s musical memoir Top Drawer is performed, accompanied by pianist Doug Oberhamer. Starts at 4 p.m. and tickets are $40 each.
Catch dinner and a show with the help of SAC
The BIG Christmas Show, a new holiday play with music, starts at Southampton Arts Center tomorrow at 7 p.m. with additional performances slated for Saturday, December 9, at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m.. Celebrating the holidays and radio variety shows, the musical radio play will also include takes on several well-known Christmas tales while embracing heartfelt harmony all in a 1950’s setting. Before or after Sunday’s performance, playgoers can enjoy discounted meals at Plaza Café, Fellingham’s or Southampton Publick House. Proof of ticket purchase is required and reservations must be made at the restaurant of choice. Admission to the play is $20, $15 for members. Save your spot here.
Hear classics with Judy Carmichael at Bay Street
Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater presents Grammy Award nominee Judy Carmichael and her trio for some swing music from the ‘30s and ‘40s this Saturday, December 9, at 8 p.m.. The sultry songstress/pianist and Sag Harbor resident will be bringing her humor and high-energy interpretations of fan favorites from the Great American Songbook while spreading some holiday cheer. Tickets start at $39.99 and are available here or by calling the box office at 631-725-9500.
Take the plunge at Cooper’s Beach
Help fight hunger throughout the South Fork community by participating in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Cooper’s Beach in Southampton this Saturday morning. Set for 10 a.m., the plunge is now in its 20th year and is hosted by Heart of the Hamptons. Located on Hill Street, proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization’s year-round food pantry and assistance programs that curently serve nearly 2,500 families throughout Southampton Town. For more information and to register, click here.
Attend a holiday open house on Shelter Island
Mashomack Manor House on Shelter Island will hold a holiday open house this Saturday, December 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.. Get in the festive spirit with some mulled cider, eggnog and plenty of good cheer all against the festive backdrop of the Manor House. There’ll also be sweet and savory refreshments and a holiday nature craft, or two. To RSVP call 631-749-1001 ext. 2 or email [email protected].
Talk photography with two pros at The Church
Interested in photography, filmmaking and storytelling? Join in for a discussion between photographers Susan Meiselas and Lindsay Morris at The Church in Sag Harbor this Saturday, December 9, at 6 p.m.. The discussion between the two is expected to offer insight on how to document human stories, recounting their respective experiences from their work on East End, in New York, and all over the world. A Q&A will follow. Tickets are $20 per person, $10 for members.
Paint seashells at Ma’s House
All are welcome to a shell painting workshop at Ma’s House & BIOPIC Art Studio in Southampton tomorrow night beginning at 6 p.m.. Led by Shinnecock artist Denise Silva-Dennis, the two-hour workshop is free and open to public. Seats are limited, so RSVP is required. Do it here.
In Montauk, view work from local artists
Montauk’s The Lucore Art opening reception for “Holiday Show Bonanza” opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. this Saturday, December 9. Featuring 100 East End artists on display throughout this month The Lucore Art is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday.
Have some off-season fun at The Green Room
This winter The Green Room inside the Sag Harbor Cinema will host some pretty cool events practically to keep South Forkers entertained. Tonight, there’ll be magic at 6 p.m. followed by live music at 8 p.m.. On Sundays, test your pipes with karaoke at 7 p.m.. Be sure to check ‘em out during the week, too, as there’s game night on Monday, an open mic on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and half price bottles of wine on Wednesday.
Get into the holiday spirit in Sag Harbor
Tomorrow night, all members of the community are welcome to gather on the front lawn of the Old Whalers’ Church on Union Street in Sag Harbor for their annual tree lighting. Dubbed “Carols, Cookies and Cocoa,” the lighting will feature carol singer, cookie sharing, and — you guess it— hot cocoa to warm your tummy and your heart. Festivities start tomorrow, December 8, at 5 p.m..
Earn some community service hours in Amagansett
Calling all high schoolers! The Amagansett Library hosts a teen community service program from noon to 2 p.m. this Saturday, December 9. Participating teens in grades 9 through 12 will help assemble gift bags with books, toys and games supplied by the library’s community toy drive. The bags will be donated to Hamptons Community Outreach, which will then distribute them to local kids in need. This a great opportunity for high schoolers to earn those pesky community service hours mandatory for graduation. Plus, local children will get a little Christmas boost. Talk about a win-win!
