The Top 10 Things to Do in Port Jefferson This Weekend
The holidays might be technically over, but Port Jefferson doesn’t really hibernate. If you’re looking to get out of the house this weekend (Friday, Jan 2 through Sunday, Jan 4), there is still plenty happening in the village.
Whether you want to squeeze in one last holiday activity or just enjoy the crisp winter air by the water, here is your weekend checklist.
1. Catch the Final Day of the Festival of Trees
When: Friday, January 2 (Last Day!) Where: Port Jefferson Village Center If you haven’t seen the trees yet, this is literally your last chance. The 2025 Festival of Trees officially wraps up on Friday. The second floor of the Village Center is filled with trees decorated by local businesses and families. It’s free to walk through, and the harbor views from the windows are an added bonus.
2. Ice Skating on the Harbor
When: All Weekend Where: The Rink at the Harbor (Village Center) The rink is fully open for the season. Skating right on the harbor is one of those things that makes Port Jeff unique in the winter. It’s great for tiring out the kids or a fun date night. Tip: It gets windy by the water, so bundle up more than you think you need to.
3. Hot Cocoa at Kilwins
When: All Weekend Where: Kilwins Port Jefferson on Main Street After skating (or just walking), grabbing a hot chocolate is mandatory. Kilwins is a local favorite for a reason—it’s rich, hot, and smells amazing the second you walk in the door.
4. Winter Walk at Harborfront Park
When: All Weekend Where: Harborfront Park The crowds die down in January, which makes it the perfect time for a peaceful walk along the pier. The winter light over the Long Island Sound is beautiful this time of year. Just bring a windbreaker.
5. Grab Tickets for “Brighton Beach Memoirs”
When: Box Office Hours Where: Theatre Three While the main stage is quiet this exact weekend as they prep for the next show, the box office is active. Theatre Three kicks off Brighton Beach Memoirs later this month (Jan 17). Use this weekend to grab good seats before the rush starts.
6. Visit the Port Jefferson Brewing Company
When: Check hours (Usually open weekends) Where: Port Jeff Brewing Company Tucked away near the water, the brewery is a great spot to sample local flights. They usually have a solid winter ale lineup this time of year. It’s a cozy, low-key spot to hang out with friends inside the tasting room.
7. Explore the Maritime Explorium
When: Saturday & Sunday (1 pm – 5 pm) Where: Long Island Explorium If you have kids and it’s too cold to play at Rocketship Park, head to the Explorium. It’s right in the Village Center (near the skating rink). They do great hands-on nautical science activities that actually keep kids entertained.
8. Post-Holiday Shopping on Main Street
When: All Weekend Where: Various Boutiques like The Amazing Olive Many of the local shops have quieter aisles now that the Christmas rush is done. It’s a good time to browse for olive oils, clothes, or antiques without being elbow-to-elbow with other shoppers.
9. Sunset Watching from the Pier
When: ~4:45 PM Where: The Marina The days are still short, which means you don’t have to stay up late to catch the sunset. Being on the pier as the sun goes down behind the ferry is one of the best views on the North Shore.
[IMAGE: A sunset photo taken from the Port Jefferson pier looking out at the water.]
10. Mark Your Calendar: The Mac & Cheese Crawl
When: Planning ahead Where: Village-wide While you are in town, look for the flyers for the upcoming Mac & Cheese Crawl (happening later in January). It’s one of the most popular food events of the winter. This weekend is the perfect time to rally your group text and decide who is going so you can buy tickets online early.