Winter nights are made for fun and Long Island is lined with plenty of it in 2026 — think social sports leagues, creativity-sparking craft classes, and smart, spirited outings at breweries, wineries and lounges.

"It’s nice to simply get out of the house, but there’s more to it than that," says Amanda Spillane, co-owner of activities and event space Workshop in Wantagh. "It’s also to just make connections with other people that like the same things you do."

If you're a grown-up looking to be a kid again, sports leagues on Long Island offer friendly competition while staying active.

"Volleyball, cornhole, bowling and dodgeball become very popular for us in the winter," says Sal Farruggia, owner of LI-Kick, a company that hosts a variety of coed sports leagues for adults. "Those are our biggest weekly leagues."

Those looking for games and a bite can head to area eateries and breweries that host weekly trivia nights.

"People often want more out of going to a restaurant or a bar than just eating or drinking," says Great South Bay Brewery general manager Scott Palmer. "They want something that’s entertaining to also be going on."

Here are things to do at places where you can meet new people and fill your social calendar with this winter:

Join a league of your own at LI-Kick

Multiple locations

Nicholas Negron, of North Babylon, sets up a shot while playing for his LI-Kick league Planet Volleywood team at the Long Island Sports Dome in Massapequa.

Winter doldrums happen — but here’s the trick: if you’re booked to do something active, you’re far more likely to show up. Recreational sports leagues like LI-Kick make it easy, keeping you moving (and trying something new) all year long across Long Island.

Christina Colantonio, of Rockville Centre, plays cornhole in the LI Kick Cornhole League at the Great South Bay Brewery.

Upcoming events: All four leagues (volleyball, cornhole, bowling and dodgeball) restart the first week of January and drop-ins welcome. Prices: Around $85; Mix & Match drop-in $20-$30 depending on sport.

MORE INFO 516-500-1386, li-kick.com

Escape to snug private vineyard retreat at Loughlin Vineyard

299 Middle Rd., Meadow Croft Estate, Sayville

Uncorking a little cozy calm can make a big difference. Winter Cabins at the vineyard offer an inviting chance to slow down, sip wine and chill (warmly) with friends and family for a couple of hours.

Cabins for six to eight guests are available for rentals Friday-Sunday from noon to 2 p.m., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. The $100 reservation fee includes a bottle of wine, plus games, blankets and a heater. The winery runs a tab for extra drinks or food.

MORE INFO 631-589-0027, loughlinvineyardny.com

Embrace hands-on crafts at Whaling Museum

301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor

Crafters create hand-stamped wrapping paper from a carved linoleum stamp at the Crafts & Cocktails series at Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor.

Winter’s deep freeze is perfect for indoor creativity — arts, cooking, crafts — anything that keeps you busy and inspired. Add a specialty drink and it’s a win-win at Crafts & Cocktails, an event held the second Thursday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Whaling Museum & Education Center in Cold Spring Harbor.

Zena Savin, left, of Lindenhurst, and Jenna Forestiero, of Centerport, carve linoleum blocks.

"We have a large following of adults who love the museum, love learning and love getting together over a cocktail or mocktail to make an art project," says assistant director Cristina Ainslie.

Upcoming projects: Beaded bracelets that spell out a code on Jan. 8; teacup candle-making on Feb. 12; and hand-felting a sheep on March 12. $35 per person

MORE INFO 631-367-3418, cshwhalingmuseum.org

Read all about it — with your fellow bookworms at Nest on Main

135 Main St., Northport

Reading is a perfect solo escape, but it’s just as letter-perfect when it's shared. Silent Book Club gatherings let you sink into your current read while surrounded by others who love the printed word just as much.

Stationery inspired by the book "The Correspondent," written by Virginia Evans at The Nest in Northport.

Michele Terranova, a retired elementary school teacher from Northport, hosts such silent nights each month (no assigned reading, just bring your own book), plus other book- and author-related events via The Book Whisperer, her shop tucked inside Nest on Main market.

Cindy Wiskstronm discussing her favorite parts of the book during a December book club event.

Upcoming events: Silent Book Club Jan. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m., and a discussion with Long Island author Alyson Richman on Jan. 9 about her book "The Missing Pages."

MORE INFO 631-651-9173, nestonmainmarket.com

Play trivia at Great South Bay Brewery

1 Hawkins Ave., Ronkonkoma

The Mulberry Street panino at Great South Bay Brewery at Station Yards in Ronkonkoma.

At Great South Bay Brewery in Ronkonkoma, every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. is trivia night — with occasional themes like "Harry Potter" and "Parks and Rec." Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. are all about bingo. Other Great South Bay locations offer similar experiences.

MORE INFO 631-392-8472, greatsouthbaybrewery

Kick off 2026 with a fresh start at Luna & Co. Soapery

29 Deer Park Ave., Babylon

Launching the year with a clean sweep feels good in all kinds of ways. At Luna & Co. Soapery, you can learn a new way to do just that — and warm up a chilly winter night.

Known for their plant-based, small-batch soaps and scents since launching in 2022, co-owners Trish and Marc Korte host evening events at their 7-month-old storefront. "They’re designed to bring our community together," Trish says.

Luna & Co. Soapery in Babylon, opened by Patricia and Marc Korte in April, offers a calming atmosphere with scents like jasmine and lavender.

One herbal workshop — playfully called a Witches Night Out — invites you to create DIY floor washes to sweep away negative energy and welcome joy. Think of it as smudging — from the ground up.

Upcoming event: Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. $25.

MORE INFO 516- 216-9769, lunacosoap.com

Let your creative side shine at HeArt Studio NY

938 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington

Unlocking your inner artist can be both calming and confidence-boosting. Isabel Chau, a clinical social worker, opened the HeArt Studio NY in July as a place for creative expression and personal growth. "You have to slow down and focus," she says. "It’s about making a connection."

Tiled tray-making, mosaic mirrors, and candle-making are a sampling of workshops on the winter calendar at the studio. Workshops run $35-$65 and include all materials and the studio also books private group sessions.

MORE INFO 917-622-3558, theheartstudiony.com

Glow up, inside and out at Workshop

1869 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh

From left, Kristen Estela and Amanda Spillane are the co-founders of Workshop in Wantagh.

Since opening in April, co-founders Kristen Estela and Amanda Spillane have noticed a keen interest in wellness experiences. "They’ve been getting a lot of traction," says Spillane.

Upcoming events: All beginning at 7:30 p.m. include sound bath sessions to promote relaxation ($40, Jan. 4 and Feb. 2), Tuesday night mat Pilates ($25 per class) and a Reiki primer focused on balance and harmony (Jan. 28).

MORE INFO 516-218-4253, workshopli.com

Soak up sweet Southern vibes at Daisy’s Nashville Lounge

275 Route 25A, Miller Place; 22 W. Main St., Patchogue

South Bound takes the stage at Daisy's Nashville Lounge.

Southern charm runs deep at this country-themed bar. Beyond the hush puppies, wings, ribs and pickle chips, the vibe hits full throttle with live music on weekends at its 1-year-old Miller Place and 6-year-old Patchogue locations.

For those itching to join the fun, Patchogue hosts country karaoke every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Co-owner Brian Adams says Miller Place is slated to get its own karaoke nights this year.

MORE INFO Miller Place: 631-403-2900; Patchogue: 631-438-0296, daisysli.com

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