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Check out the perfect, cozy cold-weather hobbies to do on Long Island!
January 19th, 2026
Written by Emma Behrens
10 Cozy Cold-Weather Hobbies (Long Island Edition)
It’s January… you’re cold… and bored… now what? Iaquinta Real Estate’s got you covered. Keep reading!
1. Become a Comedian (or watch one!)
Spread out across the island in Bellmore, Bohemia, and Levittown is a personal favorite: Governor's Comedy Club. Whichever location you choose to go to, you are guaranteed a laugh and a good time. If you’re looking to become a comedian yourself and learn the art of stand-up comedy, Governor’s also offers classes to make your dream of becoming a stand-up comedian come true!
2. Join a Book Club (or start your own!)
2026 is officially the year of The Book, and joining a book club is your first step to achieving this goal. Beginnings in Atlantic Beach is the perfect place to start your book club journey.
3. Buy a New Book
In a world of shopping centers infested with Barnes & Noble, Long Island has some of the best mom and pop bookstores, including but not limited to, Locust Valley Bookstore, The Next Chapter in Huntington, and Theodore's Books of Oyster Bay. Stop by one of these shops (or all!) and find your dream book, perfect for your book club, or even just a solo read!
4. Learn How to Cook
If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to learn how to cook, this one’s for you! Babylon Mercantile is the perfect place to learn. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make rainbow cookies or perfect your surf and turf, this cooking school has it all. Keep in mind, classes book up fast!
5. Learn How to Craft
If you’re on the North Shore, NEST on Main in Northport is the ideal place not only to go shopping, but also to get crafty. Whether it’s a class on learning how to use a sewing machine, or a chunky knit blanket workshop, you can’t go wrong at this Chelsea Market-inspired market in Northport. (About NEST on Main)
If you’re on the South Shore, The Sayville Serotonin Supply is the best place to not only go shopping for wellness-inspired goods, but also to experience Long Island’s first body roll location for lymphatic drainage and “open play” crafts for adults.
6. Learn Candle Making
In 2026, we are learning how to make candles. If you’re on the North Shore of Long Island, make sure to check out Willow + Harlow Candle Company and Studio in Port Jefferson, and if you’re on the South Shore, Fire & Wixx Candle Bar of Patchogue is your way to go!
7. Practice Yoga
If self-care is on your bucket list for 2026, this one’s for you. Whether it’s taking a yoga class at The Space by Evolve in Long Beach, taking a hot yoga class at Merrick Hot Yoga, or going all in and getting certified to teach yoga at Always at Aum, the opportunities are endless. You can even shake away those winter blues and do puppy yoga at The Puppy Sphere in Garden City or kitten yoga at The Shabby Tabby Cafe… relaxation awaits!
8. Take a Pottery Class
If taking a pottery class sounds interesting to you, Long Island has no shortage of opportunities! Some cute places are Long Island Clay of Huntington, Studio JBT Clay Works of Syosset, Gather Studio of Patchogue, Earth'n Vessel in Bay Shore, and Earth Arts Pottery Studio of Long Beach. Let the throwing begin!
9. Take a Cookie Decorating Class
An exciting way to start the new year is to learn the skill of cookie decorating, and Paige, owner of Procrastibaking by P, is the perfect person to help you with this journey. Classes are available at locations across the island, including private classes too!
10. Learn How to Needlepoint
If you’re looking for a niche and cozy hobby this winter, The Needlepaint Nook has you covered! As the longest-running needlepoint shop on Long Island, Debbie the owner offers expert instruction and everything you need to get started– whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher!
