Governors Island's Winter Village Offers Holiday Fun to Families

Historic Colonels Row will be transformed into a winter destination as Governors Island Winter Village opens with ice skating, holiday lights and seasonal fun for all ages.

By Barbara Russo November 10, 2022

With winter approaching, the Governors Island Winter Village is opening for its second annual season on November 17th. The island's historic Colonels Row will transform into a holiday destination for seasonal amenities, including a huge ice skating rink, games, and food and drinks alongside warming fire pits.

“We are so excited to invite New Yorkers and visitors to Governors Island for the return of Winter Village,” said Mayor Eric Adams. ?“Cold weather doesn’t have to mean being stuck inside. It can mean ice skating and sledding with your friends or sitting around a fire with your family.”

“From ice skating to Jenga to toasty drinks, there’s something for everyone in the family at the Winter Village and I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of Governors Island year-round,” said Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development.

What to See and Do at Governors Island Winter Village

The centerpiece of the village is the 7,500-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink, which is expanding its hours to four days a week, Thursday through Sunday. Rink admission is free every Thursday.

Just like during the summer months on Governors Island, there's plenty of other winter-time fun to enjoy, too. In addition to the rink, the village will offer:

bike and sled rentals
cornhole
can jam
giant Jenga
winter arts and cultural programming
dazzling holiday lights at Colonels Row
firepits
a historic Coast Guard-era fire truck, providing a photo opportunity for both kids and adults

Foodies of all ages will love the array of festive food offerings at the village. After spending time in the brisk winter air, visitors can warm up by fire pits and enjoy a new seasonal menu from Little Eva's, which caters retreats and celebrations throughout Governors Island. Options will include warm drinks and comfort foods such as brats, vegan chili, fish and chips and more. An eclectic array of food trucks will be open on weekends, and Joe Coffee will be on-site daily inside the island's LMCC's Arts Center and in the Battery Maritime Building.

What You Need to Know About Visiting the Winter Village at Governors Island

Where is the Governors Island Winter Village located?

The Winter Village is located at Colonels Row on Governors Island, which is considered part of Manhattan and located in New York Harbor. Get to the island by taking the ferry from Manhattan at 10 South St. Boats run daily. A round trip ferry ticket is $4 for adults and free for seniors and children younger than 12. Check out the ferry schedule at govisland.com/ferry.

When is the Winter Village at Governors Island open?

The Winter Village at Governors Island is open daily, 7am-6pm, Dec. 17 through at least February 2022.

When is the Winter Village ice-skating rink open?

The Governors Island ice-skating rink will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12-5pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-5:30pm; and on public school holidays. You can reserve tickets to the rink in advance beginning the week of November 14 by visiting govisland.com.

What are Governors Island's current COVID guidelines?

Ticket reservations are highly encouraged to ensure space for social distancing on ferries.
Masks are required while waiting for, boarding, and riding the ferry.

For more information, visit govisland.com or follow Governors Island on Facebook or Instagram.

Main photo courtesy the Trust for Governors Island