Quogue Wildlife Refuge Hosts Enchanting Winter Trail Walk and Holiday Market

The holidays are meant to be a time of magic and whimsy, a chance to delight in the joys of gift-giving and the warmth of shared experiences with family and friends.

At times, however, overstimulation and overindulgence — whether at a holiday-themed event, family gathering, or shopping excursion — can creep in and diminish the experience. Fortunately, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge offers the perfect remedy.

The refuge, situated on 305 acres in Quogue, will host its annual Light the Night Winter Trail Walk and Holiday Market on Saturday, November 22, with arrival times for ticketed groups spread between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person and $10 for children 12 and under.

Families and individuals can enjoy a peaceful, magical nighttime walk along a gently illuminated portion of the refuge’s trail system, roughly one-third of a mile, with the option to repeat the loop. The trail walk is designed as a celebration of the approaching winter season.

Several local craft and artisan vendors will be on hand, offering a variety of handcrafted goods and holiday gifts. Hampton Coffee Company will also be present, providing complimentary hot cocoa. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable mugs, in keeping with the refuge’s commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge has hosted the Winter Trail Walk and Holiday Market for nearly a decade. In past years, additional illuminated trail walks were held in January and February, though it is still unclear whether those will return in the coming year.

Cara Fernandes, program director at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, said the trail walk serves as a kind of counterprogramming — unlike typical holiday light shows, which often feature bright, flashing lights. This experience includes gently twinkling lights, star lanterns, and fairy lights.

“The walk is self-guided and gently illuminated,” she said. “It’s definitely a celebration of the winter months, and it’s a good way for people to enjoy a peaceful winter walk at night. You can get out on our trails, enjoy your surroundings, maybe listen for owls. People in the community really enjoy it.”

She described the event as a “peaceful recharge” amid what can be a joyous but busy and stressful stretch of the season.

A new feature this year is short demonstrations in the Ice Harvesting Museum located on-site. Before the area became the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, it was home to the Quogue Ice Company. Staff will share brief demonstrations on the history of the ice harvesting business.

“It’s another way to celebrate winter and all the things that go along with it,” Fernandes said.

Tickets are available at the refuge website: https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/event/light-the-night-winter-trail-walk-outdoor-holiday-market/